Michael McIntyre fans were forced to consider missing out on the chance to see the comedian live after he was rushed to hospital over the weekend.
The British comedian, 48, underwent emergency surgery on Sunday to remove kidney stones, forcing him to cancel a show at Southampton’s Mayflower Theater on March 4 while he recovers.
Kidney stones affect more than one in ten people, mostly between the ages of 30 and 60, and are caused by waste products in the blood that form crystals. Over time, the crystals build up to form a hard, stone-like mass.
Once a kidney stone has formed, the body will try to pass it through urine. Most are small enough to do this and can be handled at home.
However, when they grow too large, they can become extremely painful and surgery is usually necessary to remove them.
So what are the telltale signs that you may have a kidney stone?
Michael McIntyre, 48, underwent emergency surgery to remove kidney stones on Sunday, forcing him to cancel a show at Southampton’s Mayflower Theater on March 4 while he recovers.
A member of Michael’s team revealed that he underwent surgery to remove kidney stones and apologized for any inconvenience caused to fans. Kidney stones affect more than one in ten people, mostly between the ages of 30 and 60, and are caused by waste products in the blood that form crystals. Over time, the crystals build up to form a hard, stone-like mass.
Pain in the back or side of the abdomen.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, as a general rule, the larger the stone, the more noticeable the symptoms.
Severe pain on both sides of the lower back is a common complaint.
These periods of intense pain in the back or side of the abdomen, or occasionally also in the groin, can last minutes or hours.
Men may experience pain in the testicles. Kidney stones cause pain, which can increase rapidly, either causing irritation or a blockage.
The latter can occur if the stone blocks the flow of urine and causes the kidney to swell.
Blood in the urine
Sufferers may also experience blood in the urine, medically known as hematuria, when a kidney stone is passed.
Larger stones can destroy urinary tract tissue, allowing blood to leak into the urine.
However, there are many possible causes for blood in the urine, including a urinary tract infection, a tumor in the bladder or kidney, or polycystic kidney disease.
The NHS urges anyone who detects blood in their urine to have it checked with an urgent GP appointment as soon as possible, even if they have no other symptoms, it is the first time it has happened or there is only a small amount of blood.
It can be a sign of cancer, which is easier to treat if caught early.
Urine infection
If a kidney stone blocks the urinary tract, it can stop it. the flow of urine that passes through the ureter and drains urine from the kidney.
This can lead to infection or even kidney damage.
These are typical symptoms of infection, such as high fever, vomiting and diarrhea.
People may also experience pink or cloudy urine and feel the need to urinate more frequently than normal.
This is because the stone irritates the base of the bladder and tricks it into thinking it is full.
Others may experience a burning sensation when urinating.
Feeling sick or vomiting
However, the telltale signs of kidney stones may not always be related to urination.
They can also cause flu-like symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, creating confusion about the condition people are suffering from.
According to the British Association of Urological Surgeons, this symptom can be triggered when the stone descends from the kidney into the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.
The pain it can cause can be “very unpleasant” and cause nausea and vomiting, the organization says.
Once a kidney stone has formed, the body will try to pass it through urine. Most are small enough to do this and can be handled at home. However, when they grow too large, they can become extremely painful and surgery is usually necessary to remove them. Pictured is Michael presenting his BBC1 show ‘Michael McIntyre’s Big Show’.
feel sweaty
Kidney stones, likewise, can also trigger other flu-like symptoms, such as chills.
This is usually the result of a urinary tract infection, according to health chiefs in the state of Victoria, Australia.
But similar symptoms can be caused by back or spine problems and other urological or non-urological conditions.
The Association of Urological Surgeons urges anyone experiencing these symptoms to make an appointment with their GP to see what further tests Brits may need.
Tests to diagnose kidney stones include a blood test to check if the kidneys are working properly, a urine test to check for blood or infection, and a CT scan or ultrasound.