Last April (2012) I was hospitalized with a kidney infection that was caused by a stone the size of an m&m blocking up my plumbing. While in the hospital a Urologist placed a renal stent inside of me and said when the infection cleared, a lithotripsy would be done and the stent would be removed. I was discharged from the hospital after 4 days, with a scheduled followup. I do not have insurance and the cost to finish the procedures are too high, so the Urologist has not seen me and here I am almost a year later and still have the stent in. It is affecting my comfort and quality of life. Aside from that are there any risks to having one in this long? I worry it will grow into my organs/tissue. Will I have permanent damage or pain/discomforts even after removal (whenever that will be)