Fluid.....

[Fismith69]

Hi me again! Yet another question ( sorry) , if you go over your recommended fluid intake, how long does it take to get symptoms? Like breathlessness etc, or is it different for everyone? And how easily can it be rectified? Many thanks xx

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hi! Sorry, do you have a recommended fluid intake, and if so why. I have come across people with a minimum intake as they tend to drink too little and become dehydrated. Others have a maximum because of, typically, kidney issues.

[Fismith69]

1.5 litres and I think it’s because I was retaining too much for my heart to cope with, I was only diagnosed 2 weeks ago so still all new 😊

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Fismith69]

Are you on a diuretic?

[Fismith69 in reply to MichaelJH]

Yep 👍🏽

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Fismith69]

If the limit was set by your medical team I would stick with it and not push it. It is early days for you and things may improve as time passes.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

Hi. I'm on a limited fluid intake (1.5 litres) too, because of heart failure. I'm not that great at monitoring it, I usually try to do a vague guesstimate of how many cups/glasses I've consumed during the day. I know there are times I have definitely gone over and I do feel the effects but it's not usually anything too dramatic or noticeable, just slightly more breathless than usual, maybe swollen feet, but (BUT) just because the immediate effects are not severe, it doesn't mean it's a good idea to exceed the restriction willy-nilly as I think the long-term effects are probably what we should be thinking about.

Sticking to my fluid restriction is one of the areas I'm working on improving at the moment. I bought a 1.5 litre jug, which I fill with water in the morning and keep in the fridge. I drink water from the jug and if I have any other drink, I pour the equivalent amount of water from the jug down the sink. That way I can see really easily how much fluid I've had and how much fluid I have left for the remainder of the day. I'm still guilty of not doing this consistently, but when I have managed to do it every day, I think I have felt physical activity was a bit easier.

I find the fluid restriction one of the hardest aspects of managing my condition and I get very thirsty. It is important to stick to it, however. I did ask about exceeding the fluid restriction when exercising/very hot and was told I could allow myself an extra 100-200ml. That's a measly amount when you're thirsty, but does go to show how strongly the medical professionals feel about those 1.5 litres... Good luck!

[Fismith69 in reply to laura_dropstitch]

Thanks! I’ve got a 1.5 litre bottle that I use to monitor, I do the same as you too! I used to drink a lot more, and I think when you know you’ve got a limit makes you want to drink more 😂. What happens when you go on a hot holiday? Must be difficult to try and keep hydrated? X

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to Fismith69]

I don't do heat if I can help it, not because of the fluid restriction, I just hate being hot. I have had some issues with my kidneys (a result of my diuretics) so I am wary of dehydration. I think it's just a case of being sensible - not guzzling gallons of water, but having a little bit extra if you are feeling properly dehydrated rather than just a bit thirsty. But as the other commenter said, better to be safe than sorry and do everything by the book when it is still such early days for you.