My kidney stone experience (Christa)

Sept. 21, 2009 (Democratic Underground) -- Having no insurance I just had to bite the bullet and pass them without pain medication or going to the ER.

I started feeling vaguely sick at about 7-8 pm Saturday night, pain and cramps my lower back and abdomen which became progressively much worse.

It turned out to be kidney stones trying to work their way out. To me it was a milestone event, burned into my mind.

I was awake most of the night, I moved into the guest bedroom not to bother my husband (but more because I hate a pity party), and at one stage I was literally hanging over the bed, leaning on it as I could not be horizontal, nor could I be vertical. I was having chills and sweat was pouring down me and I thought: This cannot get worse.

Then it got worse and I kept seeing waves of blackness rolling over me as the throbbing, pounding, blinding pain consumed me and I dry heaved into a bucket.

Worst night of my life, ever.

Worse than childbirth as each spasm continued for many minutes only to start again after a short while, for about 18 hours non-stop.

I kept feeling the urge to pee and every time I went there as lot which surprised my as I was feeling too sick to drink anything. It turned out the stones activated my kidneys to produce more urine to rinse the stones out.

They eventually passed but I don't wish it on my greatest enemy.

LINK & COMMENTS: Democratic Underground