Richard Osman has opened up about his intense experience of being hospitalised with “the worst pain ever” due to a sudden health scare.
The 54-year-old TV star, famed for hosting shows like House of Games and Pointless, found himself in unbearable pain which led to an urgent trip to Charing Cross Hospital in London.
There he was diagnosed with a kidney stone, a common affliction the NHS says can affect one in 10 people, especially those in their 30s to 60s.
Sharing details of his frightening episode on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, Richard said: “I’ve had quite the week of it. I woke up the other night in pain and I had a kidney stone.
“It is the single most painful thing that has ever happened to me. The doctors kept saying it’s more painful than childbirth but I’m not sure I can buy that.”
In spite of the agony, Richard heaped praises on the medical team: “It was unbelievably painful but thank you to everyone at Charing Cross Hospital who were so great. I was having liquid morphine and it didn’t touch the sides.”
After undergoing an operation, relief finally came for Richard: “Then I had an op[eration] and they took it out. So I have the absolute joy of not being in pain.”
Post-surgery, he was counselled by medics to drink more water to help prevent stones in the future, a piece of advice he’s eager to heed: “That I can do, no major lifestyle changes, just drink more water.”
What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
The NHS has highlighted that smaller kidney stones might not present any symptoms, reports the Express.
However, larger ones can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, and intermittent pain.
Those with kidney stones often report feeling sweaty, having a high temperature, and finding blood in their urine. They may also suffer from a urinary infection.
What causes kidney stones?
The NHS clarified that waste products in the blood can sometimes form crystals that accumulate inside the kidneys. Over time, these crystals can build up and form a hard lump, similar to a stone.
This is more likely to happen in individuals who don’t drink enough fluids, are on certain types of medication, or have specific medical conditions. The body will attempt to expel the stone through urination.