Strategies to reach fluid goal?

[Daydra 345]

I've been struggling with dehydration for the last few weeks. I had a kink (fixed with endoscopy last week) and some torsion in my sleeve (can't really do much else about that until I'm fully healed, so I need to wait it out a little longer). This is creating difficulty getting enough fluids to prevent dehydration. I got 4 liters of iv Fluid last week. I'm refluxing when I swallow and my sleeve is taking it's sweet time to empty of fluid after drinking, causing some mild to moderate nausea when I drink (though I have so far been able to breathe through it and haven't actually vomited). The last couple days, I have managed to get about 40oz of fluid. I periodically watch the clock, trying to determine the time between a drink and when I feel like I can take the next drink without nausea. Sometimes this is as much 10 minutes or more between drinks (which aren't much bigger than the sips I started with right after surgery). I'm wondering if anyone has some strategies to suggest that I haven't thought of. Right now, it is taking me about 2 hours to finish an 8-11oz Protein shake/meal replacement. I've thought about setting an alarm, but I frequently don't feel ready to drink when it goes off. I'm drinking a combination of regular Water, diluted juices, diluted G2 or Pedialyte, Crystal lite, etc. At this point, I'm trying to drink whenever I feel like I can, even during and shortly after eating, which I know I'm not supposed to do. I did try to take to zofran again to control the nauseous sensation, but it doesn't seem to be effective with this. Anyone have any better ideas? I do have a followup with my surgeon scheduled for next Monday. As far as complications go, this really isn't that bad, but I am so tired of thirst, sticky mouth, and fatigue and am way past ready to get this worked out.

[On A Mission 3]

I was to the point have having my paramedic nephew come over to put in IV in for me, just couldn't get them in and was getting concerned. Then I saw the slushee machine in 7-11 and sugar free flavors. I went ahead and got a small to try it out. I was almost home and turned right around and went back and got a large. It went right down and tasted like heaven. So I started making slushees at home with my nutria-bullet and some crystal light, and it works!! I checked with my nut about the 7-11 variety, and she said they were fine as long as they were sugar free. I ordered a frozen margarita maker, and 7-11 is going to sell me the Syrup. I think this will take me through the summer.

As for the timing issue, I was thinking about setting alarms every 15 minutes, but then thought about how annoying that would be! I work from home and have a TV in my office. I am keeping it on now, down low so it doesn't bother me while I am working, and whenever there is a commercial break, I have myself trained to take a swallow or two. It works!

[gamergirl 4,609]

Daydra I'm so sorry to hear you're still struggling with this. I don't have any experience with this but wondered if hot/warm drinks are easier? I've always found they go down easier for me since the surgery. Sending you hugs and must say, you've been dealing with this admirably.

[Daydra 345]

Thank you both. I will give the slushy idea a try. I do tolerate popsicles pretty well, they just take forever to consume (and let's face it, no sugar free popsicle is as good as an Otter Pop :-( ) I bought some sugar free jelly belly syrups and some silicone ice pop molds that I have working in the freezer right now, can certainly use those.

I haven't noticed that warm drinks are any better than room temp, and it seems to be variable as to whether cold vs room temp liquids are better tolerated. Sometimes it's one, sometimes it's the other. Bizarre...

Thanks for the support. While this is definitely a complication to be addressed, I certainly don't want to give anyone the impression that it's a horrible experience or an insurmountable problem. I'm able to eat solids and drink fluids (just not as much as I need). I read the posts about complications with leaks, etc. and the misery they cause, and this just isn't even in the same ballpark...

[cindymg 629]

As far as warm drinks, you could also count broths as liquids. I drank a couple of cups of broth a day after surgery. Make sure it it broth with salt. It will cut down the nausea and give you some energy.

[Daydra 345]

As far as warm drinks, you could also count broths as liquids. I drank a couple of cups of broth a day after surgery. Make sure it it broth with salt. It will cut down the nausea and give you some energy.

Thanks! I'll give it a try.

[hope1106 12]

I am struggling just like you BUT yesterday my husband found lipton diet tea (wild berries), zero calories, zero sugar and they go down AMAZINGLY!! they're not super sweet but they're still kind of sweet to me.. trying half tea half Water didn't work as water is my main problem.. sooo what I didi is I got a cup full of ice, I pour just a little bit enough for a sip and let it touch the ice and get super cool then I drink it! It is awesome! I'm on my 2nd bottle today!! I hope this helps you! Warm broth also helped a lot.. and if you absolutely need water, I put a little bit of crystal light and warmed it up.. it went down better than room temperature...

[Daydra 345]

I am struggling just like you BUT yesterday my husband found lipton diet tea (wild berries), zero calories, zero sugar and they go down AMAZINGLY!! they're not super sweet but they're still kind of sweet to me.. trying half tea half Water didn't work as Water is my main problem.. sooo what I didi is I got a cup full of ice, I pour just a little bit enough for a sip and let it touch the ice and get super cool then I drink it! It is awesome! I'm on my 2nd bottle today!! I hope this helps you! Warm broth also helped a lot.. and if you absolutely need water, I put a little bit of crystal light and warmed it up.. it went down better than room temperature...

Thank you! I'll give it all a try. I have a case of the citrus diet lipton (and don't like it that much...), but haven't seen the berry one.

[donamay 13]

After trying lots of drinks I've started brewing my own Decaf tea and drinking it both hot and iced, mostly iced. Plus, I agree, the broth seems to go down nice.