Fluid intake

[greco02]

I have a question for you.  My husband is in stage 4.  He still drinks a fair amount of liquid but doesn't pee as much as he used to.  I am guessing he is still 'ok'.  He does not appear to be retaining fluid.  Someone in my family asked me a question I cannot answer.  If Jim drinks too much liquid will it affect his electrolytes?  I appreciate everyones help since my questions are pretty basic and you all have such great info to share.       Thanks....czg   

[peleroja]

If Jim drinks too much fluid and is not peeing it out, he is most likely retaining it somewhere in the body.  It will probably also raise his blood pressure.  If he has a nephrologist, you should definitely talk to the doctor.

[Stoday]

If you're holding water, something starts swelling. Frequently it starts with your ankles. If his ankles arn't swollen, he's probably OK.

[Ang]

if  the  volume  going  is  not  the  similar comig  out you  must  minimize  what  goes  in,  for  us  ozzies  its 500mls  a  day plus  out  put,your  bp  can  be  elevated  and  damage  the  heart  so  be  careful.

[aharris2]

I have a question for you.  My husband is in stage 4.  He still drinks a fair amount of liquid but doesn't pee as much as he used to.  I am guessing he is still 'ok'.  He does not appear to be retaining fluid.  Someone in my family asked me a question I cannot answer.  If Jim drinks too much liquid will it affect his electrolytes?  I appreciate everyones help since my questions are pretty basic and you all have such great info to share.       Thanks....czg

The answer to you question is "I (you, we) don't know, and here's why:

A. For a person with normal kidney function, yes, drinking excessively (a high fluid intake) can affect electrolytes.

B. As kidneys fail, they lose their ability to filter. Potassium (an electrolyte) frequently becomes problematic (high) as the kidneys fail because the kidneys no longer filter it out efficiently. Is the same effect seen for all of the electrolytes? I am thinking yes but I am not 100% sure.

C. You stated that Jim's fluid output is diminishing. The electrolytes are carried out by the fluid output if the kidneys have filtered it out, so again the loss of electrolytes is potentially diminished (previous comments have addressed fluid retention with very important issues to be aware of)

So, it's kind of like a dance with things swirling around each other with a question as to who's leading. The person with the answer is the nephrologist. He/she should be monitoring blood chemistry and should be able to tell you two the electrolyte status as well as other pertinent and important info.

What you guys can do for yourselves is to be aware:
Electrolyte imbalance - First, this can be very dangerous that's why you need to remain informed by the doctor. Second, research the symptoms - muscle cramping, tingling extremities, heart effects, all different depending on the electrolyte and whether it is high or low BUT THE SYMPTOM MAY NOT BE PRESENT AT ALL!!! So back to the first comment. Remain informed.
Fluid Retention - Pressing on edema (retained fluid) with a finger will leave a dent that is slow to fill back in, and be alert to a weight gain that's not explained some other way. Remember, what goes in either comes out as pee, sweat, or less pleasent gastrointestinal outputs OR IT STAYS IN! Do the math. If it didn't come out, it is still in there doing bad things.


(Two further thoughts: Is the excessive fluid trapped in the body diluting the electrolytes to the point where there is an effect? I have NO IDEA whether or not this happens or is an issue; and, What's he drinking? I limit my comment to water.)

[petey]

greco -- I think aharris is right on the money!  And, I would definitely, definitely have Jim see his nephrologist right away.

As a side point, my husband Marvin never has edema (swelling) in the feet/ankles.  When he retains fluid, it seems to build up in his middle (tummy, chest).  Since Marvin's kind of a chunky guy, it's not noticeable on the outside -- but, boy, does it have an effect on the inside (full, bloated, pressure feeling as he describes it).