Thirsty and disappointed ☹️

[Love100cats]

I saw the heart failure nurses today and it went well but I have one question someone may answer. She always asks me if I'm thirsty and I am but my fluid intake has been reduced to 1.5 pints. I didn't get the chance to ask what to do about it. The disappointment comes from being told not to swim or do any exercise but to limit myself to 10 minutes gentle walk a day. I read all the 'energetic,' posts and just thought that 8 months after diagnosis I would be in a better place. 😶 Well tomorrow is another day!!!!!

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

Are you sure it's not 1.5 litres? That's the "standard" amount and would be much more than 1.5 pints. I'm always thirsty on 1.5 litres, especially if I do manage to exercise. 8 months after diagnosis I was nearly passing out whenever I left the house on foot. It is still early days really, though I understand your impatience/frustration. Your body is probably still adjusting to medication, let alone your heart. Definitely double check the fluid allowance though. Good luck x

[Love100cats in reply to laura_dropstitch]

Thank you for a quick response. It is pints not litres as I checked. It is actually 8 normal size cups a day. The heart can't cope with the extra fluid nor with salt but I've felt better on the salt free diet and with less fluid intake but I'm sucking fresh fruit ice lollies to help lwith the thirst. So much to absorb!!!!!!😶

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to Love100cats]

8 normal glasses a day is about 1.5 litres. 1.5 pints is nearly half that amount, I think. I know it's better for our hearts if we're thirsty rather than drinking too much, but please be careful not to get too dehydrated! When I thought my heart was at its worst (because I felt so awful) it turned out my kidneys were beginning to fail, partly due to dehydration. It's a tricky balancing act :/

[Love100cats in reply to laura_dropstitch]

That is helpful. So she asks if I'm thirsty it's a diagnosis question 🤔 not a thumbs down which is why she doesn't follow it up with suggestions. She said I'm managing all my meds well. Phew!

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star in reply to Love100cats]

It's not like the medical professionals WANT us to feel thirsty (I hope!) but it's an unfortunate side-effect of low fluid intake. I think when they ask, they're probably looking for signs of dehydration or signs that we're drinking too much to combat thirst so they can gently remind us not to. So maybe not a diagnosis question in terms of heart health, but I guess diagnosing whether we're coping OK with side effects of heart treatment? All very frustrating, I agree, and I'm never convinced the "solutions" help much.

[CharlesL]

Yes I'm sure it will be.

Take care

C