Many of you might already know this, so my apologies, but I was given some advice this morning by my nurse which I had never heard before. Today was INR blood test day which means trekking off down to the Doctors surgery (pre-arranged appointment) and having a needle stuck in my arm and precious red stuff drawn off. Usually it is a quick in and out job, 5 minutes tops. However, today, went to stick the needle in my left arm, and there was hardly a dribble. Tries in another vein, same problem. Went into my right arm, first attempt nothing and then second attempt, bingo, the red stuff started to flow. Apparently, difficulty in finding a vein or getting a good flow is often down to being dehydrated. And so, I was told, if I have a glass of water or just a drink, the vein becomes easier to find and the claret flows easier. Never knew that. So in 3 months time I will follow that advice, although in fairness it is not usually a problem I have really had before. But had I known that, my arms would not be currently looking like a pin cushion and going a lovely shade of blue and purple Never too old to learn something new though
I generally try to keep as healthy as possible, which includes drinking many cups of coffee/tea per day plus approx 3 litres of water
3 litres of water is double the amount of fluid I am allowed in a day. I am restricted to 1.5 litres of fluid a day, except in particularly hot weather when I am allowed to increase to 2 litres.
After a run in with Kidney Stones I was ordered by a Urologist to drink 3 to 4 litres a day. I find it very boring but you really do not want a repeat on Kidney Stones.
That's interesting Tony, I didn't realise some medical conditions required that...must be hard to stick to 2L when it's been so hot like this summer!
Must be for a renal issue? my partner is restricted to 1ltr a day! lozzy anything liquid at room temperature is meant to be included! gravy, sauces, ice cream and ice cubes!
Mine is because of a knackered heart. I have dilated Cardio Myopathy (heart failure to you and me) and if I drink anymore then my lungs start to fill with fluid and I drown. It can be very difficult. When I was in Hospital (I was in for 6 weeks) and was diagnosed, I was on a 24/7 diaretic to drain the fluid off (I had 27kg drained in total) and of course it made you even more thirsty as it dried you out as you were p1ssing for England every 40 minutes or so. Over the course of the past 3 years, I have got used to it and accept it, and as DazK said, ice cubes can be a limited fluid intake sufferers best friend (along with ice cream )
After a recent issue with my intestinal tract, I was advised to drink more water. For the past few months I've been drinking about 4L a day. It has helped loads. Though a lot of my issues are due to missing pieces inside, water is pretty good for you...usually.
