How can I manage discomfort with a DJ stent?

To manage discomfort, drink plenty of water, avoid heavy lifting, and take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Can I lead a normal life with a DJ stent?

Yes, with proper care, most people can continue their daily activities while having a DJ stent. Follow your doctor's advice on diet, activity level, and stent care.

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3.8 Minute

23-07-2024 Team Medicover Urology

Living with a DJ stent

Q: Why is a DJ stent needed?

A DJ stent is used to treat conditions like kidney stones or strictures (narrowing) in the ureter. It helps urine pass and relieves pain.

Q: How long does a DJ stent stay in the body?

DJ stents are typically left in place for a few weeks to several months, depending on the reason for placement and how well it's working.

Q: What should I do if I experience severe pain or complications with the DJ stent?

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe pain, fever, chills, or notice changes in urine color, as these could be signs of a complication requiring attention.

Q: How is a DJ stent removed?

DJ stent removal is usually a quick procedure performed in a doctor's office or hospital. It involves using a cystoscope (thin tube with a camera) to locate and remove the stent.

Stents are intended to allow patients to live as normally as possible, but there may be unintended consequences such as obstructive factors and potential side effects when living with a DJ stent.

Although they pose no danger to your health or your kidneys. When you are discharged from the hospital, your doctor or healthcare provider should give you a list of instructions on how to care for yourself while you recover. Clarify all your doubts or anything you're not sure about.

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What is DJ Stent?

A DJ stent is a tiny tube inserted into the ureter to facilitate the drainage of urine from the kidney to the bladder, commonly employed for issues such as kidney stones or post-operative care.

Tips for DJ Stent in Kidney

In addition to your doctor's specific instructions, here are some general guidelines for caring for yourself and your new stent:
Allow the insertion site to dry for 24 to 48 hours.
Keep an eye out for any kind of infection after the stent insertion. Keep checking out for the area to become warm or red.
Keep checking for any kind of bleeding where the catheter was inserted, as well as any changes in colour, pain, or a warm feeling in that area.
If you experience bleeding where your catheter was inserted, lie down and apply pressure to the area, seek assistance, and contact your doctor.
Consult a doctor if you are experiencing severe or frequent chest pain. It can be some signs of heart disease.
Don't lift anything heavy.
Strenuous exercise should be avoided.
Swimming or bathing should be avoided for at least a week.
Do not smoke for at least 24 hours after the stent placement.
Please notify your doctor if you are taking any blood-thinning or anticoagulant medications, as some may need to be discontinued before you go for the procedure.
If you intend to return home after the procedure, please consult your doctor about post-procedure care routines, dietary guidelines, when to seek further medical advice, and tips for managing possible side effects related to the DJ stent in the kidney.

Key Points For Living With A Stent

Following are some rules to follow after DJ stent removal

Maintain regular contact with your urologist and make appointments with your doctor.
To reduce the risk of infection drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water or fluid per day. So that it will reduce infection as well as it will help in lowering the amount of blood in your urine
If the pain is extreme and unbearable, ask the advice of your primary care physician or urologist to give pain relievers.
If you have a ureteral stent with a thread coming out of it (waterpipe), be careful not to remove the thread.
If the doctor has recommended for removal of the stent within four to six months and you have not received notification from your urology department regarding this. Immediately inform your doctor about completing the duration of your stent removal.

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Medication Following Angioplasty and Stenting

Blood clots (thrombosis) can form around a stent and block blood flow, or they can break free and cause a blockage elsewhere, resulting in a heart attack or even death.

Your doctor will prescribe antiplatelet therapy to prevent this from happening.
Patients who receive a bare-metal stent should take aspirin and an antiplatelet medicine for at least a month after the DJ stent procedure.

Conclusion:

It is normal to experience some discomfort while wearing a stent. Certain movements may cause pain or necessitate the need to urinate.
You may also feel some discomfort or pressure before or during urination. When the stent is removed, these symptoms usually go away.
Medication for pain, infection, and/or bladder spasms may be prescribed. Drink plenty of water it will help in flushing out your urinary tract.
The presence of blood in the urine is normal and is caused by stent irritation. It may occur intermittently while you have the stent.

Citations

Double J-stent placement

Frequently Asked Questions

A DJ stent is a small tube inserted into the ureter (tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder) to help urine flow from the kidney to the bladder when there's a blockage.

It's used to treat conditions like kidney stones or strictures (narrowing) in the ureter, helping urine pass and relieving pain.

DJ stents are often left in place for a few weeks to several months, depending on the reason for placement and how well it's working.

Drinking plenty of water, avoiding heavy lifting, and taking pain medication as prescribed by your doctor can help manage discomfort.

Yes, with proper care, most people can continue their daily activities. It's important to follow your doctor's advice on diet, activity level, and stent care.

Contact your doctor immediately if you have severe pain, fever, chills, or notice changes in urine color, as these could be signs of a complication that needs attention.

Removal is usually a quick procedure done in the doctor's office or hospital. It involves using a cystoscope (thin tube with a camera) to locate and remove the stent.