First timer here!!! Be kind! 👋 Water? How much should I be drinking?

[NikkiDoggett]

I have diffuse scleroderma, with renal impairment, Raynauds, and a whole list of other problems. I take about 20 - 25 tablets a day ( a variety of course) I’ve always drunk plenty of water, but I find myself lately feeling even worse than usual! Not being able to see properly, actually seeing stars! (Thought that was just a saying.... but no ) so I thought maybe dehydrated and drank a bottle of water. I started to feel a bit better. But it keeps happening? If you need more info just ask and I’ll fill you in, but that’s the bones of it? Help?

[LucyJean]

Hi Nikki, I think in your other post you mentioned that you were under the Royal Free?! I think you need to have a chat to the specialists you see. Either the Rheumatology team, or I assume you may be under the renal team?? Your system with limited kidney function will be being severely tested at the moment with the heat and humidity and you might need to have a review appointment...at the very least with your GP to check blood pressure and kidney function.

All my best

Lucy xxx

[frillyhilly]

Hi, I'd like to suggest you get in touch with your Renal team - if you haven't got an appointment coming up or a phone number for the Renal Nurses, try phoning the hospital and asking for the secretary to the Renal Team or your Consultant. They should be able to help.

My husband is on limited fluid so he sucks an ice cube inbetween drinks - if I try anything like this I always make sure there is someone who can help me just in case of a Raynaud's attack being triggered. He has also been struggling a bit in this hot weather and we are using slightly larger mugs/glasses than normal to give a bit of an increase in fluid, but not too much.

The other thing is that you may be overheating, or possibly on the way to heat stroke. I start feeling sick and dizzy if I get too hot. I advise wearing light layers, with cotton next to the skin - very different from the thermals :o)

Hope you find a solution quickly. xx

[Rking50]

Though I believe that LucyJean and frillyhilly are more in the correct area, something to mention if you also suffer from Raynaud's(this affects the small blood vessels including in the eyes). Typically blurry vision is more common that comes and goes. If by chance nothing is found out in a reasonable amount of time you may want to mention this as a possibility.

I try to drink at least 1 gallon or slightly under 4 liters of water a day. US Gov suggest 8-8oz glasses of water a day or about 2 liters. I know that sounds like a lot but keeping yourself hydrated and flushed can be helpful. Do not change anything without consulting your Dr. Anemia is also a concern that can affect many things. Females are much more prone to this.

These are things outside the box in case there is difficulty in diagnosing your situation.

As I stated the other responses are much more probable.

[NikkiDoggett]

Hi thank you for your replies. I started drinking more water.

I put together a very in-depth list of my ailments, and gave it to my Rheumatology’s . Think I gave them a bit of a kick , am in the process of going for a whole load of tests .

Thanks again.