A kidney stent is a small, tube-like device inserted into the ureter to help relieve urinary obstruction. If you have the kidney stent, you may be wondering how you can sleep comfortably with it.
Here are a few tips on how to sleep with a kidney stent.
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What Is A Kidney Stent?
It’s safe to presume you have no idea what the kidney stent is or how it works. So, let’s begin by talking about it. It is a hollow soft plastic tube put into the ureter of a patient. It is used to relieve an obstruction in the ureter, facilitate the treatment of a larger stone, and protect the ureter while it recovers after surgery.
Other causes, in addition to the ones listed above, may persuade your doctor that you require a kidney stent. It would help if you weren’t concerned because your doctor will explain why you need a kidney stent before utilizing it.
What Is The Procedure For Inserting A Kidney Stent?
A doctor would first put you to sleep with anesthesia before performing the surgery with a cyst scope. A cyst scope is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. There would be a wire in this cyst scope that would be passed up to the kidney.
This wire is threaded with a stent. The guiding wire is removed once the kidney stent is in place, and the top and bottom portions of the stent are fashioned into a pigtail. The pigtail shape aids in the stent’s retention. The rationale for its use determines the length of time a kidney stent is in place.
The stent is usually removed after a few weeks, but some individuals may require it for longer. The majority of people are entirely unaware that they have a renal stent. Some people, however, may believe the stent is present and have a pain in their side, especially after passing urine.
There’s also a potential that you’ll notice blood in your urine. It’s a common phenomenon that usually goes away once you drink enough water.
Tips For Sleeping
When you’re healing after ureteral stent insertion, sleep is crucial. Because your body requires time to repair and regain energy, you must sleep comfortably.
Here are some strategies for improving your sleep with a stent.
Inquire about alpha-blockers with your doctor
Alpha-blockers are drugs that help to relieve the pain of ureteral stents. TamsulosinTrusted Source and alfuzosin are two examples of these drugs.
These drugs assist in maintaining the ureter open by reducing ureter spasms, which can cause cramping.
Ask your doctor about this medicine if you’re experiencing cramping and discomfort from your stent.
The following are some of the most common alpha-blocker adverse effects:
- standing up causes dizziness
- nose blockage
- ejaculation in reverse (in males)
Ask about anticholinergic drugs as well
Alpha-blockers can also be replaced with anticholinergic medicines. Some post-stent symptoms, such as urinary frequency or urgency, might be relieved with these drugs.
If you’re having trouble sleeping because of these symptoms, talk to your doctor about these pharmaceutical choices. Solifenacin is an example.
Anticholinergics are often used for a variety of ailments, including overactive bladder. Constipation and dry mouth are two possible side effects.
Anticholinergics and dementia risk, are particularly concerning in those over 65. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of your situation with your doctor.
Use an over-the-counter analgesic
Before going to bed, use an over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to aid with stent-related discomfort.
Because of its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, ibuprofen may benefit stent-related pain.
However, consult your doctor before taking aspirin. It’s a natural blood thinner that could make you more prone to bleeding once a stent is placed.
Keep track of your fluid consumption
After a stent is implanted, you should drink plenty of fluids. This will aid in the removal of blood and urine from your kidneys.
Drinking too much water close to bedtime, on the other hand, can result in multiple trips to the bathroom during the night.
To overcome this issue, drink plenty of water during the day and gradually reduce your intake after dinner. This can help you sleep better at night by reducing the frequency and urgency of your urination.
It’ll be your goal to maintain your pee as pale as possible. You’re hydrated if your skin is this color.
Exercise should be avoided in the hours leading up to bedtime
Physical activity and exercise can make you feel worse. Avoiding these activities before going to bed will help you sleep better.
This doesn’t imply you should avoid physical exercise entirely; it means you should limit your physical activity in the hours leading up to bedtime.
Which sleeping posture is the most comfortable?
While doctors haven’t identified a single ideal sleeping position for minimizing stent-related discomfort, some people have reported that sleeping on the opposite side of their stent helps them sleep better.
This, however, is not supported by studies. You may need to experiment with different sleeping positions to see what works best.
Are There Any Restrictions?
After having a urinary stent placed, your doctor will let you know if you have any limits.
With a stent in place, you can usually conduct most activities, work, and even sexual activity, as long as it doesn’t cause you too much discomfort.
If you have an extraction string on your stent, there is one exception. This particular stent allows you to remove it once a specified period has passed.
The rate of dislodgment of stents with strings is slightly higher. To avoid dislodging the stent, avoid sexual activity while it is in situ.
Those who had stent strings experienced slightly more serious sleep problems than people who didn’t have stent strings.
Please make sure the string is in a spot where you can find it quickly when you go to sleep. Your doctor may tape the strings to your leg or groin until you remove them.
What You Might Notice
- Irritation from a stent can cause various symptoms, including discomfort. Here are several examples:
- pee with visible blood
- the ache in the flanks or pelvis
- incontinence, or the inability to control one’s urine
- Urinary discomfort
- frequency of urination
- Urgent urination
As you become accustomed to its presence, these symptoms should go away within a few days of the stent is placed.
IF YOU ARE IN EXTREME PAIN
While stents might be uncomfortable, they should not cause excruciating pain. Call your doctor if over-the-counter or prescription pain medications aren’t working.
Uncontrolled discomfort could suggest that the stent isn’t correctly positioned. When folks have uncontrollable agony, they have reported seeing the stent come out.
When Should You See A Doctor?
A urinary stent can raise the risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you develop any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away because they could mean you have an infection:
- pee with a lot of blood or blood clots
- Urinating causes a burning sensation.
- a temperature of at least 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.6 degrees Celsius)
- malaise, or a general feeling of ill health
- an ache in your side or pelvic that is becoming worse
- issues with not being able to empty your bladder
Contact the doctor who inserted it if you’re experiencing infection symptoms or are concerned that the stent has moved out of place.
FAQs
How long does the pain from a kidney stent last?
You can have bloody urine with some tiny clots in it. Due to ureteral spasms, you may also have “achy” pain. This usually only lasts a few hours, but it should go away in the next couple of days. Mild soreness can linger for up to two weeks in some cases.
After a stent, what should you do, and what should you avoid?
A tiny tube called a stent may have been inserted into the artery by the doctor. After the surgery, your groin or arm may bruise and be uncomfortable for two days. You can engage in light activities in the comfort of your own home. But for a day or two, don’t do anything complicated.
Does the position in which you sleep impact your kidneys?
According to the findings, sleeping posture may have a role in repeated kidney stone production since blood flow to the dependent position is sluggish, allowing crystals to form. Simple behavioral changes, such as changing positions frequently while sleeping, may help to prevent recurrent ipsilateral nephrolithiasis.
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Conclusion
To get the best sleep possible with a kidney stent, make sure it is not touching your skin. If you have a urinary catheter, it should be changed if you start to feel pressure on your legs or back. See your doctor if you have any trouble sleeping after a kidney stent is inserted. Repopny hopes this article was helpful and good luck!