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Can someone please explain to me why so many doctors restrict their patients of fluid intake? My father was recently released from the hospital for what was said at first to be pneumonia but later found out his right kidney was messed up. The doctor who looked after my father restricted his fluid intake to only 32 ounces a day, yet he told him that his kidneys needed to be flushed out. Is this right?
Dealing with Kidney issue's is a rough one. They don't wany you to drink to much because they don't want you to put stress on the kidney as it is harder for them to filter the fluids and waste out.. but they want you to drink just enough to flush the kidney out.. the 32oz will do that. It's not hard if your not a big drinker.. for me it would kill me as I drink much more water than that a day.. But really if he has questions about it or you and your family do then you need to call his Dr and have him explain it to you. This is why I hated working in an office because Dr's NEVER took the time to explain the "why's" behind their methods and left people leaving with questions and misunderstandings. Is your father Diabetic? If so he needs to follow his diet close as this can cause more issue's with the kidney's. God only issue's one set of those you gotta take very good care of them.
Good Luck
Michelle
hey Michelle,
to answer the question is he diabetic, yes he is. since 2001, three members of my family have been diagnosed with diabetes, me being the first one in 2001 and later on through the years, my mom and dad been diagnosed. since being home, my dad has eaten pretty good and followed the orders of his fluid intake.
Good Deal, My father was type 2 as is my husband. I also lost my best friend who was.. she didn't follow her diet. Patti ended up with kidney failure and had to go on dialysis. She lost her battle last year :( ...
I hope your father gets to feeling better soon!
Best wishes to Everyone!
Michelle
You speak about dialysis. I was reading on an internet site last night about that and had asked my father if the doctor or anyone had said something to him while in the hospital and that whole discussion didn't go well as my mom overheard and asked me why I asked such a question as that and the way she asked, it came across as she thought I was being stupid for even asking it.
I don't understand either. When I was in the hospital for sci c6-c7. They started a fluid restriction on my with no reason. And i was hot, dry, and thirsty. All fluid were counted cup of juicy, water, milk, etc... My lip were chap and crack but the wont give me water. Some nures was kind enought to give me ice cub to wet my lip. It was horrible under the fluid restriction. i did't understand that I need water to live and they are cutting my water. I stil remember I want to get out of the hospital and go somewhere else, because it's like being in jail. you can't eat this, cant drink that. over all i stll was not able to sit up without passing out.
Anyway glad to get out if that.
Sorry your mom got on you, but it happens when people are scared of a subject,.... they can over react when talking about it. My husband to be does the same thing when he and his mom talk. Hope your Dad is feeling better!
Well seems like your dads Doc just doesn't want him to put much strain and pressure on the weak kidney.
As for fluid intake in general, I don't recall my doctor ever telling me to drink small quantities. I'm sure over doing anything can't be too positive especially to your body, but I thought good amounts of water help one's body keep hydrated and also filters out the fluids.
I do remember my doctor advising me to keep non H2o, such as sodas, alcohol, juices, etc...under control. I try to drink mostly water and not so much on anything else. Btw, I'm a quad aka tetraplegic C6/C7 complete since 1997. Hmm as for the ice chips on lips.. only time I was offered that was pre and post any sort of surgery... Sorry I couldn't help... BTW part deux... seems like there's a core of good folks in this community. Glad to be here!
You may be right Heech, but the doctor in question, to us, is not much of a doctor. We've had a few run-ins in the past with him and when he tells us something is wrong other than what is actually wrong, he knows his mistakes and apologizes. It's like one year, my pancreas messed up for a second time and when my dad tried to tell him what was going on, he would be disagreeing with us like he knew better than us what was the matter and he didn't. I mean what doctor would ask a patient what was wrong with them, knowing good and well the patient doesn't even know, that's why they are in the hospital.
I am not sure about the why of the fluid restrictions, because there can be a few different reasons. But, what I am sure about, is that your doctor should have taken in account that you needed to know why you are on fluid restrictions and how to cope. If the doctor is too busy, then maybe his nurse could have done this.
I am a water drinker, I like water and drink at least a gallon every day. Putting me on fluid restriction would be torture. There are tricks out there to help patients cope with decrease fluid intake. Sucking on chipped ice helps some, there are lemon glycerin swabs to keep your mouth moist, and let's not forget popcicles.
I was a nurse for over 10 years before I went on to become a podiatrist. Maybe that is why I have my perspective. I don't do anything to my patient that I can not explain why it is being done, to the point they acknowledge they understand.
I frequently prescribe vinegar soaks after excising an ingrown toe nail or to help the patient get by until they can see me in the office. I tell my patients how to dilute the solution (full strength vinegar can burn), and then I provide them with the same instructions typed up when they are in the office.
When anyone goes to see a doctor, they are in a stress mode. There are so many emotions and fears going on. Everything can be overwelming. It is easy not to catch everything the doctor says or neglect to ask questions about things you do not understand.
More and more doctors are providing their patients with pamplets that explain diagnosis or directions. If your doctor is not doing that, let him know it would be helpful and ask him to consider providing pamplets or at the very least a contact person in his office that you can call to ask questions later.
First and foremost always talk with your Dr. as to the reason why you should or should not do something.
My wife have type 2 diabetes she was taking shots (she is off all medication for diabetics). The supplement she is on that take care of her high blood pressure and her diabetic. It also control inflammation and she is in no more pain. If you are not on a kidney machine I was informed that this product have rejuvenate the kiddies that only have 20% of it's function.
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