Turning into a water balloon

[Deanne]

What is it about summer that causes so much water retention? I'm a card-carrying member of the frequent pee-er club (stage 4), but as soon as the temperature rises outside, I turn into my own private water tower. I sit in an air-conditioned building all day and wear a jacket (too much air-conditioning!) until I go outside, so it can't just be the heat, so what is it? 

[KarenInWA]

Amen, "twin" sister!!!

I am so with you on that, and then some!

KarenInWA

[Trikkechickk]

I started retaining water b/4 I started D.  I also peed alot (and fortunately still do). 

The problem ended up to be too low albumin - what a relief.  Get yours checked.

[Zach]

As Trikkechickk said, low albumin levels can cause some water retention.

Also, watch your sodium intake.

Processed foods are terribly high in sodium.
Fresh is best.

[Rerun]

I'm the opposite.  I love the heat.  I sweat like a pig and can FINALLY (3 days a year here) eat some salt and drink.  It is amazing how much sweat can be in water weight.  Last dialysis I didn't gain any weight.  AND I don't pee. 

It just depends on your body but try getting out of the AC and let the sweat roll.

[looneytunes]

Deanne, my husband would agree with Rerun.  The more active he is out in the heat (and therefore sweating) the less water retention he has in the summer.  The albumin level has a lot to do with it too.  Eating very high protein foods while trying to sweat a little helps him keep the fluid off in the hot months. 

[RichardMEL]

During summer I like to take long walks - not only do I sweat out quite a bit but I get good exercise in. Plus when I get to the end I allow myself an extra drink. Luckily I don't swell up that much, but I usually try to limit my fluid intake to under 2kg between sessions.

[Deanne]

Sweating it off makes sense to me. It seems like I always start to feel better after I've been home for a while. I was thinking maybe I felt better because I'd lie flat for a while, but I bet it's really because I don't have AC at home and I'd start sweating. Maybe I should just work from home on really hot days to avoid the AC at work. Temps are back down to the 70's now, but I think I'll experiment with the work from home idea when it gets hot next time.

[Sunny]

Sounds like a good plan. Let us know if it made a difference.

[Deanne]

It's "cold" out again. Temps only in the low 70s, so I probably won't know for a while. C'mon back, summer!

[KarenInWA]

My neph prescribed me hydrochlorothyazide (sp?) 12.5mg to take as needed for my swelling. I picked it up today and after my insurance paid it's share, it cost me a whopping 80 cents for 30 of them!  I haven't taken any yet, since it is only in the 70's here, too, but I'm told the whole thing has to do with that bad enemy, salt.  So this med is supposed to take care of that, apparently.  Also helpful to stick to that low sodium diet I have a problem following.  But hey, tonight I went to an outdoor concert, and was good and ordered the blackened salmon Caesar salad!  Much better than what The Frankfurter stand was offering...

KarenInWA