Hydration

[Oscarsboy]

How do you know whether you are drinking enough water/fluid whilst on hydroxy, and what symptoms do you experience if you are not drinking enough? I am just wondering whether I need to increase my intake.

[hunter5582]

There is not really a hard and fast answer to your question as we all have somewhat different metabolisms and respond to HU differently. The minimum would be 64oz of hydration/day for most anyone, You may need more based on your level of activity and current efficiency of kidney function. Since HU can compromise your kidneys hydration is very important. Your doc should be periodically running a Complete Metabolic Profile and checking Urea levels. The CMP will show a number of kidney function levels including eGFR, Creatinine and other measures. The eGFR is a good general measure of kidney function. Tracking the liver function tests (also on CMP) are also important as HU is hepatotoxic.

Some people with MPNs find that higher levels of hydration (more than 64oz/day) do make them feel better/reduce symptoms. I expect this varies from person to person. You may need to experiment a bit to find the right level for yourself.

[Oscarsboy in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you very much for that info Hunter.

[JediReject]

Hello Oscarsboy, , as you are very likely aware the first obvious sign that one isn't taking enough fluid apart from thirst shows when you go to the loo. I always know when I've neglected my fluid intake because I pee very infrequently during the day and curse myself. When I do finally go it is quite dark greeny brown in colour. Not good.

When on Hydroxy and or many other meds regular fluid intake becomes a much more important daily regime. A tad more rather than less is probably advisable but if you're in any doubt measure your intake over a week or two and have a chat with your Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Chris

[Oscarsboy in reply to JediReject]

Thanks. I know I do need to increase it. I think because I have never drank that much I will leave a glass on the side to remind me to drink more.

[JediReject in reply to Oscarsboy]

Yes although I was a model student when it came to supping ale I'm afraid I struggled drinking enough water and still do though Im happy to drink tea throughout the day. Maybe get yourself a decent water bottle so you can keep it handy if you're out for a little and often approach. Boosting your fluid intake does help as I'm sure you're aware.

Good luck with it !

[Oscarsboy in reply to JediReject]

I do struggle to drink water, however now flavouring it well so it's helping. thanks.

[Meatloaf9]

Hi, I am also on Hu. It is certainly not a scientific answer but the darker in color the urine is the more water we may need. I always drink as much water as I can during the day as I have found that the more water I drink the better my EGFR tests out. I went from a EGFR of 54 to 84 and the only thing I did was increase (significantly) my water intake. I have read here that 2 liters per day should be the minimum for all with PV and ET as it helps with blood flow and may help to reduce clotting. I am not a hematologist so please ask yours. My family Doc also gave me the advice to simply drink more water the darker the urine looks. Drinking too much water has not been a problem thus far for me but ask your doctors as we are all different. Best to you going forward.

[Oscarsboy in reply to Meatloaf9]

Many thanks.

[Inclement]

All I can add is that my haemotologist told me I should drink little and often - more like loads of sips through the day rather than full glasses at one go, as that just goes straight through to your bladder. I keep a water bottle by me all day and just drink a mouthful or two whenever I notice it.

[Oscarsboy in reply to Inclement]

Yes that's the easiest plan for me too. Thanks.