Thank you all for your interesting replies to my post yesterday.
I have to apologise for not making myself clearer. I have been in permanent atrial fibrillation/flutter for 6 years.
Secondly, my quality of life is now much impacted by various urinary symptoms, including intermittent drastic and uncontrollable urge incontinence.
You will understand that I, and I imagine others here who are older and have some of the various urinary symptoms, don’t want to make things worse by drinking any more fluids than we need to.
I misspoke when using the words “heart health”. I should better have referred to prevention of left atrial thrombus. That said, I do understand the importance of fluid and electrolyte balance in the prevention of paroxysmal AFib.
In short, does someone in permanent AFib really need to drink a lot of fluid to prevent thrombus, if they take an anticoagulant?
Written by
Rambler398
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I think it’s all a matter of individual balance. I had similar quandary recently as I had a UTI and I also needed to go for a blood draw and knew I needed to be well hydrated. I drank more than my morning Tumeric cuppas, followed by a full glass of water to take with my meds (as directed on the pack) and left for the surgery. Needle in vein - no blood to be had, both arms. Peeing so often because of the UTI had left me dehydrated.
My answer to you would be recognise the signs of dehydration and good hydration in your body and optimise your liquid intake to balance your requirements. You need to work that out for yourself.
Signs of dehydration
Fatigue
Few or no tears.
Dry, sticky mouth.
Not urinating frequently.
Dark-colored urine.
Unexplained tiredness.
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
Confusion.
I would add headache as whenever I am getting dehydrated I get neck ache and then head ache - but then I am a bit weird.
Signs of good hydration
Elasticity of skin on back of hand - allowing for age
Hi Rambler398, the challenge is always are the issues related or just symptoms for different conditions.Have you had recent blood tests, and we're they all normal? If not it might be worth seeing if your GP has a view.
The kidneys are an important regulator and the adrenal glands that sit on the kidneys. They have a role in bloods and urine!
Yes the blood tests were normal but I think I need to see my GP. I suspect he will try me on an anti cholinergic again first, but maybe referral to a urologist would then be the next step.
As I wrote in anther post, the body always healthily maintains homeostasis which includes fluid balance. Unless you are urinating excessive amounts, sweating and so on, the usual fluid intake (including all liquids in foods and drinks) - so far as I know and you st discuss this with your own GP - remains as two litres or thereabouts.
Have you tried mirabegron for your UI? Whilst it is said not to be suitable for people with AF, I have read a couple of large studies that showed it was used very effectively and safely. It is exceptionally effective (as my wife will attest. I was given it over a month ago for nocturia caused by an overactive bladder and BPH. I haven't started it yet till I speak to my GP to be sure that he did take account of my arrhythmias (despite those studies).
There is a simple idea that I think will help you.
Have a teaspoonfull of Chia seeds. You can have them straight off the spoon or you can add them to whatever you have for breakfast. I have them on my cereals.
The Chia seeds absorb water and allow you to "front load" by releasing it gradually.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Hydration
3rd Ablation/3month follow-up
No post ablation follow up consultation
