HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Anyone else dehydrated?

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/16/2016 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
I have had Ulcerative Colitis for aprox 35yrs. In the last 2 years I have experiences dehydration to the point of getting dizzy. I've had to drink more and more water a day to stay hydrated. In the last 3 months I need to keep a 3liter (aprox 3 quarts) jug of water beside my bed. During the night I wake and pee then need to drink a glass full every hour until jug is empty. Same during the day about every hour. If I go out, I need water with me otherwise I get very dehydrated. It's getting to the point where no matter how much I drink, I feel dehydrated. Doctor says to just keep drinking. Any one else experience this with colitis?

Taking sulphasslazine 500mg x 8 per day and lansoprazole for heart burn.
Also Boswellia and turmeric seem to help.
Posted 9/16/2016 9:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmm that seems excessive. Are you in a flare? Is your blood work normal?

I never had this issue with my Crohns however my father has had UC for 45 years and takes sulphasalazine and just started having this issue in the last year. Maybe age and disease related combo? He now uses electrolytes in every other 16 oz. He has been doing better this summer compared to last. No cramps or dizziness.

I have an ileostomy and dehydration is always a concern. They advised me that more straight water isn't always the solution because you can deplete essential electrolytes especially sodium. I also use electrolytes like my dad. One 20 oz bottle plain water then 20 oz bottle with electrolyte drops added and alternate. I use a plain one that is just sea mineral water that you add so you aren't getting any flavor or anything artificial.

Also are you eating enough sodium? Sodium is one thing that while too much is bad, too little can also be harmful.
Posted 9/16/2016 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
I have a bit of a flare no blood, but some loose stool. Boswellia is keeping things in control. Bloodwork shows low vitamin b and iron. I don't eat beef and very rarely eat any other meat. Mostly vegetarian diet and with little salt. So maybe I should increase salt intake and try the electrolytes. You mentioned sea mineral water, What is the brand? Is it salt water?

Thanks for your help.

Post Edited (UC2016) : 9/16/2016 4:07:27 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/16/2016 10:20 PM (GMT 0)
I have used 2 kinds and like both.

Lyteshow - I think is only available from Amazon. Adds a little bit of a salty taste to water but I didn't mind it. Thought this one was slightly more effective than the other one.

Elete Electrolyte add-in - available at more online retailers, tasteless doesn't add the same salty taste as other one

Also for iron, I used to be anemic a lot and couldn't tolerate any iron pills or supplements. Someone recommended Spatone Pur-absorb iron to me. It is iron rich spring water in individual packets. It absorbs well and doesn't cause the usual side effects of iron supplements. Possibly being low iron is magnifying the issues with the dehydration.
Posted 9/16/2016 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
Like cupcakes, I also have an ileostomy and to ensure my electrolyte levels are okay I drink Gatorade at least once everyday. So, that's another option for you.
Posted 9/16/2016 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
Are you sure the dizziness is from dehydration? That sounds like too much water to drink especially at night and as cupcake said you can be depleting necessary electrolytes and other beneficial elements.

Drinking so much water as a way of life does not sound healthy (your doctor sounds like "don't bother me to get answers"). I don't have answers or suggestions but would do some detective work and tests to see what other reasons for dizziness are. My 2 cents.
Posted 9/16/2016 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
I guess I should say light headed instead of dizzy. I feel weak and light headed when getting up from squating. Drinking water helps. And maybe Gatorade or electrolytes will help.
Also have sore bicep muscles and muscles seem to be getting smaller.
Posted 9/17/2016 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
I feel weak and light headed when getting up from squating.

My non-UC husband once passed out and ended up in ER due to (yep) dehydration coupled with low heart beat (normal for him). It was a one time event many years ago and he does not drink a lot of liquids now (we live in sweaty Florida).

If you are continually feeling dizzy you need to search for a better answer, starting with a blood test for anemia. If that's OK then move on to other possibilities.
Posted 9/17/2016 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
When was the last time you had your blood sugar or Hg A1C tested. Thirsty like that is a sign of uncontrolled diabetes.
Posted 9/17/2016 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
How is your blood pressure?
Posted 9/17/2016 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
I have a similar problem to the OP. I drink a lot of water but it doesn't ever quench the thirst and I continue to feel dehydrated. The water I drink seems to go right through me. I tried all kinds of electrolytes and mineral supplements, but nothing seems to work. In my case since I am on SCD it may be because I don't eat any starches. Since i'm not flaring right now, dehydration is my biggest issue - causes fatigue, headaches, general irritability.
Posted 9/17/2016 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
I have been tested for diabetes and doctor says I'm ok. My blood pressure is ok.
brucen36 what is SCD?
Posted 9/17/2016 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah my blood pressure is good too 109/70 usually. I do not have diabetes, but I seem to have the symptoms of it.

SCD is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, where you cut out all grains, starches, breads, pastas, potatoes, etc. You get carbs from veggies and fruits, but you end up taking in a lot less carbs compared to a more typical diet. I believe this is partly behind the dehydration, but I need to be on this diet to remain in 'remission'.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply