Don't think it was the backing up that caused the pain, think it's the stones moving regardless of if they are smooth or not.
I have had them take weeks to pass, but have never had an infection yet from a blockage when not moving, though I did bleed on one of the cactus stones for about a month or so.
They have enough sharp edges to tear up the tube while being pushed down with the urine which gets into the tear and burns.
Once the tube heals up again it scars and is tougher to tear up then the stones start to lose that pain feel and its more of an uncomfortable ache, until a cactus one tears another new path, then you have some serious pain.
![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2023/02/full-501-169466-img_3917.jpg)
To the left bottom was my last Cactus stone, burned like the devil, took three weeks to pass and only after I took a ride on the motorcycle to get it really moving, its a real stinger, the smaller one was the same type, larger is 1/4 by 1/4 inch the far one on the right is a smooth one, the only one this size I've passed 3/8's long by 1/4 wide, it did get stuck on the way out and was the only time I really worried about having to get it taken out, but it finally was pushed out after a quart of water.
The very top row is when I first started having troubles and I thought it was painful as all get out then, but had a fast education in one years time. Under those are more cactus stones, then more smooth ones, then grew larger before passing through the years after changing my diet, have not had one in about a years time now, but feel one is working its way out the last few weeks
I know have passed many more at my work through the years but don't catch them and most are smaller now.
Not for the squeamish and not trying to brag up as an easy thing to handle either just trying to give an idea that they can be all size's and shapes and that everyone's pain threshold is different, however after passing the cactus ones the smooth ones are nothing !!