Struggling with Dehydration: Need Help!

I'm having a problem staying hydrated. I eat and drink all day long, but I still stay dehydrated. Now it's starting to affect my kidneys. I don't know what to do. Please help.

Hi Sissy8422, I wanted to respond to your post. I am so sorry that you are having problems staying hydrated. From your post, it sounds like you are drinking a lot all day long. Quick question....have you tried mixing some Gatorade or one of those hydration drinks with your water? My friend consumes extra salt to keep her hydrated. Salt is not an issue for me because I oversalt everything. I was instructed after surgery that I needed to consume at least 36 to 48 oz of liquid, not caffeinated drinks, daily. I drink liquids all day long and even have some water by my bedside for evening consumption. So far so good....but I am very aware of my intake. I am fearful of becoming dehydrated myself. Hope everything improves for you. Please keep us posted. Take care. Sincerely, LH

Hi Sissy. What's happening to your kidneys? Are you seeing a urologist? I had 2 kidney stones in the last 2 years and I don't ever want another. Unbearable pain! Dehydration is a real problem for me for 3 reasons: (1) an ileostomy, (2) type 2 diabetes, and (3) golf addict. I was warned by a urologist years ago to watch out for kidney stones which result from dehydration. I have subsequently found out that drinking large amounts of water alone won't solve my problem. I went to the Kidney Clinic at UPenn; and, after several tests including an analysis of stone content, am now taking potassium citrate to neutralize the effect of uric acid on my kidneys. You really need to be guided by a competent urologist or renal specialist. In the meantime, you can google good information relating to kidney, dehydration and diet. Good luck!

PB

Thanks so much for y'alls response, lady. Hope n pb, I also have an ileostomy. I've had it for 17 months. I did have a colostomy and the doctor said he could reverse it, so I went in and had what I thought was being reversed. But when I woke up from surgery, I had this ileostomy. The doctor said I need another surgery before I can be reversed, and I've chosen to just keep this bag because it's not 100 percent that the next surgery will work either. If I would have known, I would have kept the colostomy because I didn't have any problems with it. But I've had issues ever since I got the ileostomy. I don't know what's going on with my kidneys right now. I'm having a renal ultrasound next week. I will try to drink more Gatorade.

Hi Sissy, I had the same problem. I am having a Sjogren's syndrome treatment. I haven't got diabetes but it was the first test that the doctor asked for it.

Hi Sissy,

PB gave you excellent advice.

I too have a history of kidney stones which were analyzed and found to be uric acid.

For years I thought I was having pelvic pain (from my period) until I started to find orange gravel. People who do not have a large intestine (to filter liquids) are more prone to the condition. Stones could be calcium, uric acid, or a few other types. One needs appropriate medication. (I take allopurinol and potassium citrate). I see a urologist and a nephrologist regularly (kidney doctor) to monitor kidney function and potassium levels...

Living with an ileostomy is a little different than a colostomy, but you can still have an excellent quality of life. I've had mine for 50+ years, married, had my babies, traveled extensively, and did mostly anything I wanted. Keep posting, ask questions. We're all here to help.

Best regards,

Marsha

Yes, kidney stones are a problem especially for those who have an ileostomy. Water loss is a constant problem because of the lack of much of the colon (large intestine) which normally absorbs most of our water leading to consolidation of the fecal matter. Over time, our ileum (last part of the small intestine) adapts and absorbs water, but not to the extent of having the colon still intact. So, as others have said the best preventive measure is to drink a lot of water daily and even more in the summer months. As was said, people can produce different types of stones related to diet such as calcium and genetics such as uric acid. Watching the intake of dairy products will help with the former while modifying the intake of red meats and wine will help with the latter. Of course, medications can be used such as allopurinol which will help block the formation of uric acid. However, this is an antimetabolite that some doctors prefer to avoid. The best start is to see a nephrologist or urologist and have your stones analyzed as PB did.

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