Passing Through the Pain: How Kidney Stones Changed My Daily Habits
David shares his unexpected journey through intense flank pain, emergency diagnosis, and the lifestyle shifts that helped him prevent another kidney stone episode.
The Night the Pain Hit
I was forty-three, busy with work and weekend soccer, when a sharp, twisting pain suddenly stabbed my right side one evening. It felt like someone had jammed a hot knife under my ribs and was twisting it. Within minutes I was doubled over, nauseated, and sweating. I told myself it was just a muscle cramp from the gym, but the waves kept coming.
The pain became so severe I could barely stand. Looking back, that was the moment I should have headed straight to urgent care instead of waiting for it to ‘pass.’
Seeking Answers in the ER
By 2 a.m. my wife drove me to the emergency room. The doctors ran blood work, a urine test that showed microscopic blood, and a CT scan. Waiting for results felt endless, but the imaging finally confirmed it: a 6-millimeter kidney stone lodged in my ureter. I was shocked—I drank coffee all day and rarely thought about water.
Treatment and the Long Wait
They gave me IV fluids, strong pain medication, and an anti-nausea shot. Because the stone was borderline for spontaneous passage, the urologist recommended alpha-blockers to relax the ureter and plenty of hydration. For three agonizing days I strained every bathroom visit, hoping to catch the stone. When it finally passed, the relief was overwhelming—though the memory of that pain stayed with me.
Learning to Live Differently
A follow-up visit revealed my stone was calcium oxalate. My doctor and a dietitian helped me overhaul my habits: I now aim for 3 liters of water daily, cut back on high-oxalate foods like spinach and nuts in excess, and keep sodium moderate. I also started a low-dose citrate supplement. The changes felt restrictive at first, but within months they became second nature.
Even after the stone was gone, I had to stay vigilant. Skipping water on busy workdays or overdoing salty snacks still makes me nervous—and rightfully so.
Feeling Stronger Today
Two years later I haven’t had another stone. I still play soccer, travel for work, and enjoy life—just with a water bottle always nearby and annual check-ups. The experience taught me that my body sends clear signals; ignoring them only makes things harder. I’m grateful for modern imaging, good medical care, and the chance to rewrite my habits before the next crisis.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Medical Editorial Team · Last reviewed October 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy