Dehydration

[ooffa511 506]

Can I drink enough to feel better or just go to the hospital???

[Lisa's Hope 421]

Try drinking G2 gatoraid. It helps me so much to stay hydrated and it is low sugar and low calorie. I like the blue best. I was almost dehydrated once last week and just made myself drink it. Sipping every few seconds. Hope this helps.

[Webchickadee 716]

How do you know you're dehydrated? Do you have symptoms such as:

- Thirst

- Dry Skin

- Skin Flushing

- Dark Colored Urine

- Dry Mouth

- Fatigue or Weakness

- Chills

- Head Rushes

And if so, how far out are you from surgery? Can you drink a mouthful at a time, or are you still on sipping? Do you have pain when you drink?

If you have multiple symptoms from above and can only sip, you may need additional help (such as an IV) to help you rehydrate. If you're able to take a bit more liquid in per mouthful, and can take two mouthfuls every 5 - 10 minutes, you may be able to rehydrate on your own (this would roughly be the equivalent of 20 oz in an hour or more).

Also, how did you get dehydrated? Was it from not keeping up with your fluids, or are you having vomiting, diarrhea, etc.? If so, then you may need to get checked out to find out what the causes of those symptoms are and get them treated along with the dehydration so you don't end up on a bad cycle, going back to hospital every few days.

Make sure when you are rehydrating that your fluids include electrolytes (such as Gatorade, or Gatorade G2). Dehydration usually comes along with an electrolyte imbalance and that can affect your muscles, the functioning of your brain, eyesight, balance, etc. It can also result in painful cramping and sudden onset of shock if it's really severe! Don't let it get severe!

Finally, if you are alone and have no one around, it may be best to go to the hospital. If your dehydration is serious then you may not have the strength or clear-headedness to get help later on, if additional self-help attempts don't work.

Good luck and let us know how you make out!

[ooffa511 506]

I am able to drink almost normally. I am feeling better but I still have a good portion of those side effects. I am going to keep on drinking. I took a B 12 too. I have to work tonight and can't afford to go to the hospital. 