Did your urologist insert a kidney stent, and now you’re concerned about how to sleep with an object in your body? Just calm your nerves, because there are correct ways to do it. I’ll show you some tips and tricks on how to sleep with a kidney stent so that you do not feel much pain.
In the United States alone, approximately 92,000 patients undergo one stent procedure annually. Getting some rest at night when you have a kidney stent is like an impossible task, but with the right techniques and a little trial and error, it is possible to get some sleep.
What is a kidney stent?
Kidney stents, also known as ureteral stents, are small flexible tubes placed in the ureter to assist the passage of urine from the kidneys to the bladder. A doctor inserts this in a person with kidney stones, blocked, or infected urinary systems.
Data indicates that up to 10 percent of people will experience kidney stones during their lives; however, it is more prevalent in people between 40 and 60 years. When there is a kidney stone or urinary tract infection, passing out urine can be difficult. In this case, an urologist will insert the kidney stent.
Kidney stents are very important for patients with the above-mentioned disease, but they can be uncomfortable during sleep. That is why it is important to learn the sleeping patterns before inserting it.
How Long Does A Kidney Stent Stay?
There is no direct answer to this. The duration a person can stay with a kidney stent varies. It can last from days to weeks. In worst-case scenarios, months, because patients with disorders like a tumor that compresses the ureters require long-term use of a ureteral stent.
In such cases, the stent may have to remain in the body for a longer period to ensure that the urine flow as well as kidney function are well regulated.
Usually, in cases where a kidney stent may be needed for an extended period, the doctors will plan for stent replacements within three to six-month intervals. This is done to ensure that the stent remains efficient in facilitating urine flow and thus no complications.
Getting a kidney stent placed does not exactly sound like a fun thing to do; however, this small device is of so much help as it eases the pain.
The good thing about kidney stents is that they last for a short time before a permanent solution is found. Though patients with kidney stents may experience some slight disturbances, like frequent urination or discomfort, these symptoms are not severe and do not have long-standing problems.
Side Effects of Kidney Stents
People will need to use kidney stents for different diseases, such as kidney stones, kidney obstructions, and after kidney surgery. These stents are usually placed to enhance the free flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder where there is a blockage or constriction of the ureters.
The first reason why kidney stents can result in some level of discomfort is because they are foreign bodies in the body system. The presence of the stent increases irritation within the ureter; this may produce pain and discomfort.
Moreover, a stent may also create pressure on the walls of the ureter or bladder with friction that leads to bladder spasms and the urge to always pee.
Pain from the kidney stents also greatly contributes to poor sleep quality. The stent may be inserted into the ureter and can cause irritation, discomfort, and even pain in some instances. This discomfort may be worse when lying down.
Some of the symptoms of this kind of pain include sharp or stabbing pain in the back or side, frequent urination, and pain when passing urine. These symptoms can prevent people from easily going to sleep or waking up.
Read also:What Tea Is Good For Kidney Cleanse?
How To Sleep With A Kidney Stent
1. Change Your Sleep Position
For anyone out there who uses a kidney stent, one of the most vital things to worry about is the sleeping position. Some patients feel less pain and pressure if they lie on the side that is opposite the location of the stent.
This may help avoid making the stent rub against the bladder lining, which may ease the episodes of frequent urination. Try using a pillow for your back or knees to use an ideal position that does not strain your body when you are sleeping.
2. Use A Heating Pad
Some individuals have noted that placing a heating pad around where the kidney stent is can help ease the pain and facilitate sleep. Heat from the heating pad will also be able to soothe the muscles and relieve any kind of pain or stiffness experienced. It can also help to stimulate blood flow to the area.
Be careful when using a heating pad. Make sure you warm only a little to avoid skin reddening or burning. This also means that the heating pad should not be put directly on the skin, as this may lead to burning the skin.
However, it is advisable to wrap the heating pad in a thin towel or cloth before placing it near the area of the kidney stent.
3. Put A Pillow Under Your Lower Back
Extra effort should be made to support the lower back since it is painful when you have a kidney stent. Lying on your back and placing a pillow under your knees can help alleviate the pressure of the stent on your lower back and abdomen.
If you are a side sleeper, then it will be helpful to put a pillow in between the knees so that the spine remains neutral and there is no pressure on the kidney region.
4. Drink Enough Water During The Day
One of the tricks on how to sleep with a kidney stent is to drink sufficient water during the day, but you must drink less before bedtime. Taking a lot of water near bedtime may make you need to urinate during the night, thus affecting your sleep.
To prevent this, ensure that you take a lot of water during the day but reduce your consumption in the evening. This balance can help prevent midnight bathroom trips without harming your kidneys.
5. Use Relaxation Techniques
Another way you can sleep with a kidney stent on you is to practice some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation. These techniques help the body relax, making it easy to go to sleep. It is also advisable to engage in gentle yoga stretches or take a warm bath before going to sleep.
6. Raise Your Legs
Sleeping with your legs raised can help decrease pressure on your abdomen and lower back, which may help if you are experiencing pain from a kidney stent. To achieve this, you can put one or two pillows between your legs as when you are lying on your back.
It helps maintain better blood flow and reduces the inflammation that comes with the placement of the stent, hence reducing some of the pain.
7. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine hampers the normal sleep pattern, and alcohol does the same thing. If you are trying to sleep while having a kidney stent, you must avoid caffeine and alcohol before going to bed. Caffeine and alcohol interfere with sleep, making it difficult for one to fall asleep and also to remain asleep during the night.
Caffeine in drinks such as coffee, tea, and soda are stimulants that can make one stay awake, while alcohol may cause drowsiness. If you are having a hard time going to sleep and you are a kidney stent user, reduce your intake of caffeine, especially before going to bed.
8. Take Any Pain Medication
If you feel too uncomfortable from your kidney stent, some painkillers can be taken. Using non-prescription medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help alleviate pain so that you can sleep at night.
Before you use, seek the opinion of a physician before taking any medicine, especially when under other medications. Your doctor may also tell you of a particular plan to follow, as far as pain management is concerned, depending on your situation.
Kidney stents help people with kidney stones or a urinary tract infection pass out urine after a kidney operation. However, to sleep with a kidney stent can be difficult at first. So, if you are wondering how to sleep with a kidney stent, the first is to change your sleeping position.
Also, you should consider getting a supportive mattress or pillow to help with any physical pain you might be experiencing. Lastly, it is important to drink more water during the day to avoid any form of discomfort at night.
Do not forget that a good night’s rest is very important for the body. If the pain is too much, consult your doctor to make sure that the kidney stent is properly placed.
References
- National Library of Medicine
- National Center for Biotechnology Information
- National Kidney Foundation
- Researchgate.
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