Kindey Stone Removing Stent Myself? - Kidney Disorders Message Board

Valfab1 · 03-08-2007, 03:49 PM

I have had Intercystitial Cystitis for about 3 years. At the beginning of January I developed Kidney Stones and passed a large one after a trip to the Emergency Room. For the last 7 weeks I have been suffering with a stuck stone that refused to move. Lots of medications and pain killers. Today I finally had Ureteroscopy to remove it. He placed a stent in the uretor after the stone was removed. I am at home now, very uncomfrtable, and as I have read a lot of other people say, the stent feels like another stone. The stent has a long string attached that is taped to my belly. Everything I have read on the internet says that the Dr. removes the stent. Mine has instructed me to remove it myself, 2 days after surgery. Does this seem odd? He just said to grasp the string a pulling with one smooth movement. I am pretty anxious about it. How much pain can I expect? I am use to intense pain after 2 months but this just sounds pretty awlful. Any response is appreciated, especially if there is someone out there who has done this themselves. Thanks, Valfab1 (or Vicadin Val)

duzford · 03-09-2007, 06:41 AM

Shouldn't hurt more then removing a tampon that is too dry (sorry to be graphic). If you are anxious that will make it worse - relax, breath, take a big breath, hold it and pull quickly but not forcefully that you rip the string the breath again. It is odd to have the patient remove it by I have heard of them saying it in some cases. I agree with Allie that spasms are common after words but perhaps he feels this won't be the case after only 2 days. I would be prepared to do this when you have an hour or two to calm down afterwards (so not 10 minutes before running out the door to get to a huge meeting that will last hours). You may (feel the) need to pee a lot afterwards so be near a bathroom.

Valfab1 · 03-13-2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alliejazz

Just wondering how you are doing..Did you remove the stent yourself?

Thanks for checking on me. I did remove the stent. I was not prepared. I was envisioning a little tube about and inch or two long. It was almost 12 inches with a curl on each end! I almost fainted.

It didn't hurt too bad at all. Now my concern is that it has been 5 days since surgery and I am still having a lot of pain, mostly back. Dr. said this is normal and to take 2 vicadin at a time. That helps but I am so ZONKED. Today is better than yesterday so I am hoping it will all be better soon. (He distended my bladder at the same time he removed to stone so maybe that's added to my recovery time.) I am pretty tough and usually bounce back from things quickly which is why I am so suprised to feel so bad for so long. I guess it's possible that my Fibromyalgia has contributed to this. By the way, thanks for your replies. This is a great resouce for support and info.

Valfab

duzford · 03-14-2007, 08:54 AM

Hey Val!

Good job removing the stent by yourself. I knew it would be long but thought if you knew that it may just freak you out!

Proud of you!

Hope your soon back to your old self!