Why you should drink water

For those of us living with lymphoedema it is so important to drink plenty of fluids preferably water this simple poster explains what to look for when you are dehydrated, why you should drink water, how much fluid is recommended in the UK and the a few alternatives if you don't like water. Do you drink enough water?

[Bermondsey_bill]

I've just been discharged from a world famous London teaching hospital with specific instructions not to exceede 1.5 litres of fluid a day. I have a lower abdominal/scrotal lymph and have been hospitalised for 5 months, then a 10 week break at home, then back again for 4 weeks. Each time I go into hospital it is to drain me down as my body cavity gradually fills up . Around Christmas I ballooned to 190kg, then with diuretics lost 60kg in 2 weeks, got down to 149kg - was discharged then about 10 weeks later reached about 165kg which resulted in an inability to move, hence back in to be drained once again. my lymph weighs about 5 stone and hangs lower down than my knees. So beware know what you are doing and take medical advice before you overdo the fluids.

[Hidden in reply to Bermondsey_bill]

Hi agree, I live with someone who has chronic heart failure so is also limited to 1.5 litres a day. Although doesn't have your lymphoedema issues. The tips in our posters will be a generalisation as often we find our members don't drink enough fluids especially during warm weather.

Do familiarize with our community guidelines. Welcome aboard.

[CCT67 in reply to Bermondsey_bill]

Your health situation is very unfortunate. It’s also rather unique re limiting to 1.5 lites.

It’s important that you follow medical advice, as is true for everyone. Most lymphies who don’t have a chronic heart condition benefit from drinking much more than 1.5 litres to manage their LE symptoms and to promote lymph flow.