I have had two bouts so far that I actually experienced pain. The first one was mild compared to the second which had me writhing on the floor of the bathroom crying and vomiting from the constant pain that was radiating through me. Took two shots of morphine and a percocet to make it so I could lower my legs and lay flat. That took my bp and heart rate and gave me a crazy while asking me if I was in pain. All I could do was laugh at them then throw up in the little tray they had given me.

Mine were due to calcium build up from consuming too many dairy products. I love cheese and milk (was drinking a gallon of milk every day to day and a half on top of eating cheese daily). Cut milk out almost completely and lowered my cheese intake a little. Found some info saying that apple juice can help to keep them from forming/soften them up a bit...not sure whether it is true or not but I drink it and havent had any issues since.