Questions and concerns about fluid restrictions

[lizabee]

I am scheduled to have my remaining kidney out on December 11. I know that once it is out I will not be able to pee (which I do quite a bit of now), and I will have fluid restrictions (which I have not yet had).  My Neph said something like 2 liters of fluid in between treatments, so basically something small with each meal I guess?  I drink a lot-water throughout the day, two cups of coffee in the morning, water at night...what are some things that you all do to keep from drinking too much?  I am worried about swelling too...any information would be great! Thanks.

[dwcrawford]

down to one cup of coffee but put two heaping spoons of instant crystals instead of one. 

[paul.karen]

Watch your sodium intake even more then you are now.
Eat ice to quench your thirst.  Some hard candies may also help to keep your mouth moist thus not needing to wet your whistle so to say.

[peleroja]

You might consider PD, if that's an option for you.  Usually no fluid restrictions on PD.

[RichardMEL]

yes, fluid restrictions are one of the harder aspects of dealing with this stuff. 2L between treatments is the usually accepted "norm" (though the other one is 500ml+whatever you output/day - which seems a little harsh to me). Ideally the nephs would prefer you had no fluid intake, but we all know that's unrealistic (and besides, if you dehydrate that's bad for a fistula too!). Yes, lower the sodium to reduce the feelings of being thirsty.

Also remember that fluids are not just what you drink, but included in stuff like rice and pasta, and other items you might not always consider as fluid - like ice cream, soup, custard and so on.

It will take time but you will get used to it. I used to drink 2L+ of just water a day, and that was very hard to pull that right back.

The other thing is if you fluid overload you'll soon know it, and the pain and discomfort of having to take all that off will also be an inducement to keep the fluids low.

good luck with it. It's not easy - those of us who are there know what you're facing....

[lizabee]

Thanks for the insight, I appreciate it.  I was so stressed out about it earlier that I actually called the transplant office to see if there is any way around removing the kidney.  I almost want to beg them to find room for the new one, I know that might seem really childish and trivial but I just think I am going to have a real hard time and if this kidney doesn't take, that is the way it would be for who knows how long, if not forever. 

I am really not a fan of PD because of issues that my mom had with it, but all that everyone says on here makes me think that maybe I should look into it...

[sico]

I am really not a fan of PD because of issues that my mom had with it, but all that everyone says on here makes me think that maybe I should look into it...

Lizabee, if PD is an option i would be seriously considering it.
Easier on your body. It's constantly working as long as there's fluid in there whereas on HD it only works while you're hooked to the machine.
But i'm sure you know the in's and out's thanks to IHD.

[whiskeyfrank]

Ive had both removed and on a fluid restriction of 750ml per day, Im HD 3 times a week and take of approx 1.5l per session.

i tend to have a tea in the morning (cant have coffee not allowed) and then drink with lunch and one at teatime. I use the rest of my allowance for icecream and yoghurt which tends to cut down my feeling thirsty.

Considering i would drink at least 3L of water / milk and juice a day before surgery, ive not found it that hard to cut down. In fact sometimes i have to remember to drink!!

[Rerun]

Don't salt anything.  The brand "NO Salt" is bad because it is pure potassium.  Use Mrs. Dash.  There are about six kinds and I use it on everything.  Eggs are great with Mrs. Dash.

I get a bottle of water and put it in the fride.  It is cold and I can sip on it and and don't want to chug it.

Hope this helps.

[KarenInWA]

You might consider PD, if that's an option for you.  Usually no fluid restrictions on PD.

I thought only people who have some remaining kidney function can do PD? I know someone who still has his kidneys, with 0% function, and PD is not an option for him. Can someone clarify this?

KarenInWA

[Hanify]

It usually depends on the size of the person - very tall or big people can't get enough dialysis from PD, and also whether they have had previous operations around their peritoneum.  I haven't heard of no kidney function being an issue.

[Ang]

candy  that  is  sour  gets  the  saliva  glands  working

[lizabee]

Saved from the knife, they are not going to remove it now, just going to transplant.

[whiskeyfrank]

Glad its worked out. The less ops the better as far as im concerened.

You might consider PD, if that's an option for you.  Usually no fluid restrictions on PD.

I thought only people who have some remaining kidney function can do PD? I know someone who still has his kidneys, with 0% function, and PD is not an option for him. Can someone clarify this?

KarenInWA

I wasnt given the option of PD as they felt i needed some function for it to work. Also as said previously the amount of work ive had around my stomach it would be very painful for PD to work.