Kidney Stones: A Painful Experience that Can Rival Childbirth

By: Emma Thompson and Team Home Insemination Kit

Updated: Aug. 1, 2024

Originally Published: July 14, 2021

It was a late Friday night, and I found myself as the only one awake in my home. I paced the living room, stopping every couple of minutes (yes, you read that right) to rush to the bathroom. I was convinced I had a urinary tract infection and eagerly awaited the morning when urgent care would open. However, when I finally got there and underwent a urine test, the results showed no sign of infection. The physician’s assistant advised that if my symptoms worsened while waiting for the culture results, I should head to the ER for a CT scan.

As the hours passed, I continued my frequent trips to the bathroom. Eventually, I fell asleep, only to wake up with a pain in my right flank that felt like someone was both stabbing and kicking me simultaneously. Waves of agony washed over me, and once again, I found myself pacing until my husband could load the kids into the van for our trip to the emergency room. After two hours of bathroom visits, a CT scan, and blood tests, I was diagnosed with a kidney stone.

Once I was discharged at four in the morning, I stood in the ER waiting area, passing the time until my husband arrived. The intake nurses, who were incredibly kind, asked about my diagnosis. When I mentioned it was a small kidney stone, their eyes widened, and one nurse exclaimed, “Kidney stones can be more painful than childbirth!” This caught me off guard. How could something so tiny inflict such immense suffering? Another nurse explained that kidney stones are rough, akin to a burr rolling around in the body, and that she had seen patients doubled over in pain from them, capable of taking down even the strongest individuals.

After four days of urinating into a strainer (not pleasant) and taking medication to relax my urinary tract, I finally passed the kidney stone. I woke up that morning with intensified flank pain and the urgent need to pee, and once the stone exited my body (gross), the pain began to subside. I looked down at the tiny brown rock and wondered how something so small could cause so much trouble. I knew I would face hefty medical bills, and I had spent nearly a week in agony, unable to work, exercise, or care for my kids.

Once I finally found relief, I researched these dreaded stones, eager to learn more about what they are and why they are so painful.

What is a Kidney Stone?

According to the Mayo Clinic, kidney stones are “hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys.” There are four types: calcium stones, struvite stones, uric acid stones, and cystine stones. If you’re fortunate enough to pass and catch your stone, your doctor can analyze it. Knowing what the stone is made of can help reduce the risk of future stones. For example, if you pass a calcium stone, the doctor might recommend a lower oxalate diet or adjustments to your vitamin D3 intake. Although peeing into a strainer is less than fun, capturing the stone for analysis can be extremely beneficial.

What are the Symptoms of a Kidney Stone?

The flank pain I experienced is just one symptom. Dr. Sarah James, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, told Home Insemination Kit that other signs can include nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine. The pain often presents in the flank area, low back, or abdomen and can radiate toward the groin. Additionally, the Urology Care Foundation notes that if a kidney stone gets stuck in the ureter, it can block urine flow from that kidney, causing even more pain. It’s crucial not to self-diagnose; as Dr. Emily Carter, a board-certified urologist, explains, back pain can often be mistaken for kidney pain. Seeking medical attention for any kidney-related symptoms is always your best option.

How Long Do Kidney Stones Last?

The time it takes to pass a kidney stone varies based on its size. Stones measuring 4mm or smaller are generally easier to pass, typically taking around 31 days, according to Healthline. Meanwhile, stones between 4 and 6mm can take up to 45 days, and anything larger than 6mm may take up to a year. The stone’s location also influences how long it takes to pass; those situated in the middle of the ureter or near the bladder tend to move quicker than those closer to the kidney.

Why are Kidney Stones So Painful?

Dr. James reports that over a million people visit the Emergency Room yearly due to kidney stones. The pain can be excruciating when the stones are passing. In a study published in the Journal of Pain Research in 2017, a significant percentage of women who experienced both childbirth and kidney stones rated the pain from kidney stones as worse. The Mayo Clinic states that this pain typically arises from spasms caused by a stone lodged in the ureter, combined with pressure buildup in the kidney from urine retention.

How are Kidney Stones Treated?

You’ll be relieved to hear that kidney stones are generally not life-threatening, and most patients can be discharged to follow up with a urologist, according to Dr. James. When seeking emergency care, the primary goal is to manage the pain and associated symptoms while checking for potential complications like obstructions or infections. After my diagnosis, I was advised to drink plenty of water, take my urinary tract relaxant, and use pain medication. My stone was small enough that the doctor anticipated it would pass on its own. However, larger stones or those that become lodged may necessitate surgery.

How to Prevent Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones can be avoided with some lifestyle adjustments. Here are some tips to help keep them at bay:

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps dilute urine, preventing crystals from forming into stones.
Stay Active: Regular exercise not only boosts urine production but also helps release minerals from the body.
Adjust Your Diet: Since kidney stones are closely linked to salts and minerals, dietary changes—such as reducing sodium intake, limiting animal protein, and increasing vegetables—can make a significant difference.
Routine Check-ups: Regular visits to your doctor can help catch any issues early, saving you from a lot of pain down the line.

I was fortunate to have such a small stone that resolved itself quickly, though I certainly wouldn’t label the experience as fast. The pain I endured was like nothing I had ever felt before, not even after my mastectomy. I still don’t know what my stone was composed of or if I need to make any changes to my diet or medications. But I sincerely hope I never experience that level of pain again.

For more insights on this topic, you might find our other blog post helpful: Home Insemination Kit. If you’re considering artificial insemination, check out Make A Mom for expert resources. Additionally, learn more about intrauterine insemination as an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.

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In summary, kidney stones can inflict pain that rivals childbirth, and understanding their nature, symptoms, and prevention strategies is essential for anyone who wants to avoid this painful experience.

Keyphrase: Kidney Stones Pain

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