Drinking water

KS1

Before I got LE, I drank a lot of water. Now I drink a ridiculous amount of water (20+  8 oz glasses per day).  Drinking water does seem to improve my LE, but the effect seems too rapid -- within 5 or 10 minutes  -- to be the result of dilution of lymphatic fluid. I am wondering whether, in addition to the dilution effect, the physical act of drinking is beneficial for LE. 

When I drink water, my LE hand and arm sometimes tingle and I get a cold sensation in my left axilla and side (LE side) .  It might be my imagination, but I think drinking water works best when I drink a lot very quickly (I drain a 26 oz water bottle all at once), than when I sip the same amount of water.

Anyone notice anything similar?   If you do make an effort to drink more water, how much do you drink?  Do you think it helps control your LE?  If it does, what is the time course?   KS1

cookiegal

I think drinking a lot of water helps too...but I do not have it as exact as you!

Anonymous

Like Cookie, I do not have it down so precisely, but you've got me interested in paying attention. I do know I should be drinking MORE water than I do. Certain days I just forget. I try and leave a bottle out around the house so I have a visual reminder, but DH will sometimes put it back in the fridge! I will be curious to hear what others have to say.

Thank you for mentioning this, as I will go drink a glass right now!!

Binney4

On occasion I can down 16-ounces at a swig, but I can't imagine getting 26 ounces down all at once. Like the others I haven't been as observant as you have KS, but I'll be more alert now. I do know that on days when I get busy and forget to drink enough my LE is harder to control.

Really interesting thoughts! I'll be anxious to read what others conclude too.
Binney

BeckySharp

Wow!   I only drink 7 or 8 eight ounce glasses of water a day---unless I am out in the heat.  I am going to the bathroom all of the time as it is.  Should I be increasing?  I get up two times every night as it is.  Becky

kira66715

Becky, sounds like you're well hydrated. I did notice that when I had to have the ultrasound with a full bladder the other week, my hand did well. I drink enough, usually, when I'm not working, but barely drink when I'm at work and need to change that.

Kira

sanbar8771

Hi ladies,

I used to drink a gallon of water a day (at least). I told my Onco and she freaked. She said that we should not be drinking an excessive amount of water. If we do, we will wash out all the nutrients (vitamins & minerals) before our body has a chance to absorb them. She said, 8-10 glasses of water a day is good. Any more than that and there is the risk of dizziness because of sodium loss.

silvercr33

I drink a lot of water, but always have,so not sure if that is helping my mild LE or not....here is what is interesting....I get that cold feeling in my shoulder area as well.....didn't equate it with LE, but the fact that I had a back flap done to close my mastectomy.  Now I wonder what it is!

cookiegal

anecdotally, drinking more water, especially before bed, seems to be helping me!

Leah_S

Well, Cookiegal, I have to say that if I drank more water before bed I probably wouldn't get much sleep....

Leah