Sauna my extra fluid

[Rerun]

This is not advice.  This is just an extreme that I went to to get some fluid off on the 3 day dialysis weekend.

I'm having trouble getting fluid off and it pools in my face so I just hate it.  My vascular system is so messed up.  Then I have 2 dialysis accesses (one in each arm).  I like that because I have plan A and plan B and no emergency fistulagrams.  But, that is a LOT of blood out that my heart has to push around. 

Anyway, they can't seem to get all my fluid off.  My BP is so low they have to shut me off.  I leave with fluid on my face.  A double chin that I should not have.  Plus my cheeks are full.

So I went over to the YMCA and paid $15 for a day pass and went in to the Sauna.  Fluid was pouring off me in 15 minutes which they say is the max but I stayed an extra 5.  I won't do that again.... you keep sweating after you leave so 15 is just fine.  I really did feel better afterwards.  When I got home my BP crashed but I just laid down on my bed with the dog and we took a nap.

I would be so miserable if I hadn't done that.  It is probably not good for me.... I'm sitting in the Sauna by myself and wonder why people, normal non-dialysis people do this??  But, I'm glad it is there for me. 

Next time I have to do this and I would not do it everyday,,, I'm going to weigh myself before and after just to see.

I should just go exercise and sweat it off I know....ZACH!!

           

[Riki]

I find that when I take my walk up to Tim Horton's to get my ice cap, I've dehydrated myself with the walk, because I'm shaking so bad.  I always drink the whole thing before I start heading for home, but by the time I get there, I'm shaking again, and soaked with sweat.  I always go for a walk if I feel over-fluidy, and it seems to help.  It's also free. *G*

[Hazmat35]

I have always wondered about a Sauna.  Years ago, when I was younger, I use to go to the gym, and they had a Sauna and a Steam Room.  I hated the Sauna, just because it was so hot and "DRY"; I went most of the time for the wet and steamy Steam Room.  It was more relaxing for me, I sweat'd like crazy, but they use to put eucalyptus oil in it, and it was like taking a concentrated VICKS bath.  That steam and oils got into your sinus's and man could I breath better.  And the sweating was great too.  Then, I gradually cool off and then take a nice hot shower!  It was great.

Back to the Sauna, I think that I might try it again.  I know that you sweat out fluids like crazy, and it can be VERY DANGEROUS if you have a heart condition, so anyone who tries this, please be careful.  Just a few minutes, can overwhelm you; and if you are alone, you might get yourself in a world of hurt. 

Good luck, let us know how it continues to work for you.   

[Zach]

I should just go exercise and sweat it off I know....ZACH!!

           

Yup!
And as you have pointed out before, always in moderation.

 
 

[geoffcamp]

I've been told that is the reason why I can drink pretty much as much fluid as I want. Here in Florida it is pretty hot year round and the long summers tempitures make it feel like a sauna outside. I walk, run and wash my cars regularly and just sweating seems to ease the fluid gain. I have never limited myself on fluids and for 10 plus years manage to stay within guidelines on pulling off fluid at treatment. Other patients have often asked how or didn't believe me when I said I have no output (urine). I enjoy the heat and sun and always have so i guess my body is just used to it. The only change I really need to make is using sunscreen. With some medications I'm on it seems like I can still get sunburnt on my face no matter how tan I am!!  The other thing to watch out for is keeping your access very very clean. Infections are very easy to get if your access is "moist" with sweat or water. I use water proof bandages on my cath and sometimes will change the dressing up to a few times a day to be safe!  It's nice to figure out these unique options. G.