Postscript to article on Hydration! What I learned at the Doctor's this morning.

[dottiemay]

Okay, so I've always known I probably don't drink as much as I should. That said, I do have milk on cereals, a glass of orange juice and several cups of tea a day. Anyway, I was offered a flu jab which I went for today and while I was there asked, in passing, why my hubby hadn't had a letter. I was very surprised to be told I was on the list due to my 'reduced kidney function'! This was the first I'd heard about it!

Apparently I have only 50% function, rather than the 90% which is considered normal. This probably does explain why I've been called in for blood and urine tests a few times, but must admit I thought it was just regular Practice health checks - would have been nice to have been told the reason!

Still, I don't think it's anything to be unduly concerned about and at least it is being monitored (I was given another little bottle to fill and return!). So, from today, I'm going to keep a record of everything I drink so that I'm aware of when I need that extra glass of water.

On the positive side - after two poor runs last week when I really struggled, I've managed a 6K+ and a 7K+ since Saturday, including a couple of *very* short runs up steep paths that nearly did for me, wading through a quagmire and almost sliding down a bank which was more clay-mud than grass!! The day following a torrential downpour possibly wasn't the best time to attempt a run up and around our local country park hill. It has a ski slope around the other side just to put into perspective how steep...

[Poppy2010 Graduate]

Well done for your runs, sound great to finish despite the quagmire & hill!

It's odd that you were not told why you were being tested regularly; I would want a word with the Dr if that was me!

[RainbowPixie]

Wow that must have come as a shock. I agree with Poppy and would ask about this and complain that you weren't told.

[runwiththedog]

'Little bottle' sounds like a urine test. Are they checking your bloods? Off for a paddle in a quagmire myself now, but avoiding hills.

[Hidden]

Firstly, congrats on the runs, and isn't quagmire a wonderful word!

You will already know this I'm sure, but if you are feeling thirsty, you are already dehydrated to an extent. It really is best to drink a little and often to keep thrist at bay. Boring I know, but necessary.

Checking the colour of wee (not a nice subject or pass-time) is also a good indicator ~ and something which is easier for us chaps than you ladies ~ will also give you a good indicator of if you are drinking too much or too little.

If you are running in hot weather, or for greater distances, take a bottle or hydration bladder with you. It doesn't need to be full up if it's a short run, but it will help your body and your running.I take one when it's hot, or when my runs are longer than 45 mins or 4.5 miles (chosen so I only have two numbers to remember).

[dottiemay Graduate]

Thanks everyone. I've always known I should drink more but rarely actually feel thirsty. But, over just the last two days, I realise I do drink enough! I've measured my intake of milk, juice and tea and I'm downing around 1.5 - 2.00 litres in my normal daily routine so really only need to add the occasional glass of water.

During the hot weather (remember that?...Ah, the memories...) I took a small bottle out running which I found helpful, and I always have a glass of water when I get back. I'm not worrying about this - I'm sure if they thought there was a problem I'd have been put through more tests. It's probably something picked up during routine checks, which is being monitored. I will ask for more information though, the next time I go in!

I love 'quagmire'! And it really was! The soil is mostly clay around here and just turns to mush with even a small amount of rain. I was almost up to my ankles at one point and it was near impossible to get out of it - I very nearly ended up on me backside!!