I've had a few over the years, they're indeed very painful. But never had one that took days to pass, ouch! Mine typically took a few hours.
As for the drugs they give you to handle the pain, the one I was given once was way too potent, so I understand having to deal with side effects. With more experience with these pesky stones now I just go with an Advil and a prayer that is passes, but well for 4 days of pain I imagine that is a no-go.
You've referred to your advanced age in the past, do you mind me asking how old you are? Because I was once told that kidney stones tend to no longer occur after you hit your 50s, and I was looking forward to that...