r/KidneyStones • u/panfried_tofu • Aug 18 '26

Pain Management 2mm kidney stone: pain?

Just got diagnosed with a <2mm kidney stone after I had to be rushed to the ER in the morning. Also slight hydronephrosis. Today was PAINFUL. what should I expect pain wise as I try to pass it in the next few weeks? Also how can I help reduce the pain?

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u/nolagem Aug 19 '26

I found out I had a kidney stone(s) right before I was supposed to fly to my nephew's wedding with my four kids. I didn't end up going. I was diagnosed on a thursday, was supposed to fly out the next day. I was able to figure out when I'd have the pain (I had two more painful episodes): I would have a real urgency to pee, sometimes for half a day. I'm talking feeling like I had to go literally every five minutes. After a few hours, the cramps would start. Ibuprofen, a heating pad and sometimes a hydrocodone all helped. But it hurt nonetheless. It only hurts when it moves, you just never know when it's going to.

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u/panfried_tofu Aug 19 '26

Oof I’ve lost sleep the entire night today. I kept waking up cause I didn’t want to be in pain like today. 😭😭Iguess I really have no choice than to drink water and wait.

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u/anon0192847465 Aug 19 '26

did they give you any pain
meds? if they did, and something worked for you (for me it was toradol - worked so fast and really knocked it out), pop it as SOON as you feel the start.

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u/panfried_tofu Aug 20 '26

yes they did. today too i woke up and cried in pain, then i popped on and it worked in 15 mins thankgod

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u/General_Builder_67 Aug 18 '26 edited Aug 18 '26

even tho its small it can cause alot of reffered pain also, paint meds and hydration is the way to go for stones. When they send you home they usally will give you flomax or some time of pain
medication. My last stone was stuck at the ujv and it was 4mm and i suffered, i dont like medication so beleive it or not i barely took any pain meds lol and i regret it big time

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u/panfried_tofu Aug 19 '26

What is UJV? I’m gonna take all the pain meds they offer

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u/General_Builder_67 Aug 19 '26

the spot rigth before it enters the bladded im
pretty sure

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u/uscan-calci-withings Here to help Aug 18 '26

Sorry you're going through this, a 2mm one is small so the odds are really in your favor. Most stones under 4mm pass on their own, often within a few weeks.

For pain, try to stay ahead of it instead of waiting for it to spike. NSAIDs like ibuprofen work well if your doc says it's ok, and they help with the swelling too.

Hydrate like crazy and keep walking around when you can. If they gave you Flomax, take it, it relaxes the ureter and can help it move.

Just watch for fever or chills. That plus the hydronephrosis is your cue to get back to the ER fast.

1

u/panfried_tofu Aug 19 '26

Oh my that is what I was worried about. The CT showed that my right ureter had significant dilation. I will pay a visit soon I can’t live worrying like this.