The following is a summary of my stent experience after kidney stone lithotripsy
1. My lithotripsy procedure performed under general anesthesia went well, although I never spoke to the urologist after the procedure and never received a follow up situational call.
2. Stent placement occured while I was under general. My post op symptoms were: extreme ( I can't over emphasize this) constant pain, made worse upon urinating; severe burning upon urinating; the need to urinate (tiny amounts of urine) every 3-4 min apart; blood and blood clots in urine for 48 hours; incontinence that persists even now 10 days later; the need to wear adult diapers (Depends); very little sleep due to need to urinate constantly; constipation from Hydrocodone pain medication (self treated with Dulcalax effectively).
I list my symptoms to prepare and comfort my fellow stent recipients on what to expect....I received 0 pre or post operative information on what to expect.
I had the stent removed 3 days after placement. I had the string that extended out from my penis. It was done in the urologist's office without any anesthesia. Took less than 5 seconds (don't look). Was uncomfortable but not very painful?..4 out 10 on my pain scale. The stent experience was a 12 out of 10 rating.
Post stent removal: still wetting the bed. Still urinary urgency (need to go every 10-15 minutes). Still burning upon urinating. Still depends. 12 days post op.
Beware of stents...my urologist's description of what I would feel: it may burn a little upon urinating!!!