Well, I have had 5 or 6 kidney stones over the last 35 years. It is agonising. Time before last, I had it "blasted", the experience was very straight-forward. I was given a general anaesthetic. and allegedly put naked into some sort of bath, and had the "blast" Woke up an hour later, just felt slightly bruised, nothing more. However, all the blast succeeded in doing was to break the stone into two pieces....NOT sand! So I had recurrent pains as the two bits travelled wherever for another 3 weeks. Desperate need to pee constantly one evening...suddenly they both popped out with no pain. Opened a bottle of champagne!!
Had another one 2 years ago when on vacation in Argentina. Horrendous pain started during the night, knew instantly what it was....the knowing does help, as less likely to panic. Really did not want to be hospitalised in South America, just drank gallons of water (safe in Buenos Aires) and after one hour the pain went away. But some days later after my return to the UK, it recurred badly, but I passed the stone suddenly, (I am male, by the way!) and all was fine. Had an xray last year, and nothing showed.
For anyone who suffers from this painful condidtion.....drink LOTS of water every day. I mean 3 litres...........and I was advised to avoid tomato skins and pips, also strawberries, raspberries...such a pity!
Hope this helps....sure the "blasting" procedure is more refined now.