Friday, January 21, 2011

Getting Enough Fluids

I came home from the hospital on a Wednesday afternoon.  I was able to get in 50 oz. of fluid each easily.  I knew that the next day would be no problem to get 64 oz. in, and I did just that.

So, what's the secret?  First, I have a 32 oz. bottle sitting beside me at all times... in fact, sometimes 2 (different flavors each.)  I also have a 1 oz (2 TBSP)  medicine cup.  Every 15 minutes, I fill the cup up and sip it until it's gone.  I have to make a conscious effort to do this, otherwise I'll forget.  I also keep a chart next to me on a clipboard that allows me to put a checkmark next to the time of day for as many cups as I'm able to drink.  I've actually been able to get in one every 10 minutes now, or 3 per half hour.

I know a lot of people have issues getting their fluid in after surgery, so I just wanted to offer this advice.  You really have to think about doing it, because if you miss your mark a few times in a row, there's almost no way you can catch back up.  So what goes down the easiest?
  • Peppermint tea - it's yummy.  I haven't had any nausea, but I'm sure it would help with that. 
  • Great Value Sugar Free Drink Mix - Cherry Limeade
  • Sugar Free Hawaiian Punch - Blue Typhoon
  • Diluted Welch's 100% Grape Juice
Water just doesn't taste that great.  I'm sure it's our city water, so I'm going to get some bottled water to see if it goes down easier.  I also have a few other flavors of sugar free drink mixes and hawaiian punch to try.  I wish I could drink the grape juice all day, it's so yummy!  I'm also anxious to have some milk, but I have to wait until Phase II, which starts January 31.

3 comments:

  1. Great job! I struggle with my liquids, but am off to a good start today. Now, I *can* drink all I need, but you are off to a better start! Those first couple days - ugh, I couldn't hardly drink anything. Now I can drink - I have got some weird taste issues going on with the protein stuff. The Costco drinks are still good, though!

    Hey, can you have chocolate or vanilla soy milk? That may satisfy that milk craving you're having.

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  2. You're doing AWESOME with your liquid to be so early out

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  3. I'm actually on clear liquids until Jan. 31! So, unfortunately, no milk, soymilk or protein shakes.

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