Kidney stones = nephrostomy tube :(

Currently 29+1 weeks! Was on holiday in Butlins when I came over in excruciating pain and had to get an ambulance out.

After 3 days in hospital, ultrasounds and an MRI scan it was found I had 2 large kidney stones blocking my ureter causing extreme pain, swelling in my kidney and hydronephrosis. I’m prone to kidney stones and this will be my fifth time going through this! (3 surgeries for removal and 1 passed naturally)

Too big to pass and too risky to go under general for removal/stent fitted so was told a nephrostomy was the only safe option for me and baby. I was told it was a simple, relatively pain free quick procedure with little to no recovery time so the only thing is the inconvenience of having a bag for the rest of my pregnancy until after birth when they can remove the stones surgically.

The procedure was the most horrific thing I’ve ever been through- my kidney was so swollen it took over 2 hours, local anaesthetic, gas and air and high dosage of Fentanyl and I still felt everything. I’m now 2 days post op and still having to take the highest dose of pain relief they gave me as often as I can and I am still in pain. I’m unable to pick up my daughter, I’m constantly worried about my bag/the tube and the blood coming out.

Just feeling really low and can’t imagine another 3 months of this, giving birth with it and it getting in the way of me enjoying my time with a newborn.

I understand that this is normally quite a simple procedure with positive experiences but I’m just feeling so rubbish. I know I didn’t have much of a choice but I’m just regretting going down this route 😞

Has anyone else gone through similar and had it get better? Any tips?

Currently using ice packs where the tube has been which is helping a little.