A ureteral stent is a soft, thin tube placed inside the ureter — the narrow passage that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder — to keep urine flowing when that passage is narrowed or blocked. During cancer care, a tumor, swelling, or post-procedure inflammation can press on the ureter, and a stent helps drainage. Each end of the tube curls like a pigtail inside the kidney and the bladder, so the bladder end often touches the bladder wall and causes irritation. This is why many people feel a heavy lower belly when seated, need to urinate frequently, or feel a pulling sensation in the flank while passing urine.
The same irritation explains why sitting or standing for long stretches can be uncomfortable. Holding one position concentrates pressure on the bladder and ureter in a single spot. For many people, changing position often helps more than resting completely, so it makes sense to choose pastimes that let you shift freely.
Activities that don't strain the body and let you move whenever you like tend to be easiest — reading or listening to audiobooks while reclining, short bouts of knitting or coloring, sorting photos, or light puzzles you can pause anytime. On the other hand, activities that press on the perineum for long periods (such as a bicycle saddle), heavy lifting, and movements that strongly tense or twist the abdomen may increase stent irritation or bleeding, so it is wise to be cautious.
Drinking enough fluids can help, since more dilute urine may ease bladder irritation and lower infection risk — though anyone told to limit fluids for heart or kidney reasons should check with their doctor first. Breaking gentle movement like walking into short sessions also keeps the body from stiffening.
A faint pink tinge in the urine is common after a stent is placed, but deep red urine that persists, blood clots, fever with chills, sudden severe flank pain, or passing very little urine can signal infection or a blockage — contact your care team right away. Stents are exchanged or removed on a set schedule, so knowing your next date and precautions ahead of time can bring peace of mind.
This article is for general information only and does not replace medical care. Symptoms and safe activity levels differ from person to person, so please talk with your care team before starting any new hobby or exercise.