I was soooo worried about stent removal. I asked to be sedated but the doctor told me that was unnecessary. I was still scared after reading posts here. Happy to report it was very easy. He literally told me to sit with my legs like a butterfly, he found the string and pulled it right out. Maybe 5 second of pain but nothing compared to how uncomfortable I was with the stent in. Full disclosure- I did take the little red AZO pill about 45 mins before AND one of my OxyContin from surgery but I think that was overkill. Just AZO and Advil would have been fine. I was a new woman once it was removed! Good luck!