Although I have written before about dehydration as a side effect of ileostomy, (we lack the ability to absorb fluids due to our new anatomy) I have only dealt with it peripherally. I assumed that was because I was mindful of my liquid intake and ability to control my heat exposure. Such was not the case recently, and I have to admit, dehydration is not to be taken lightly. Had I known how destructive it can be, I would have been even more respectful of its power!
Bruce and I had a wonderful weekend planned with his very close frat brothers (Lehigh University, Class of 1969…gulp!) affectionately called the “Bros,” and their wives, adoringly called the “Bro-ettes!” We were all gathering in our area of Florida and we planned a trip to beautiful Japanese gardens. The day was warm, but I didn’t realize how quickly the warm weather becomes hot, and despite the thermos of cool water I was carrying and sipping, I remained thirsty. Suddenly, I became disoriented, not sure how to let others know I was losing my way. And then my hat became oppressive, sweat poured out of every pore, and my skin became clammy. Most frightening was my heart rate, which felt like a bird’s, very rapid, and my breathing, very shallow. I was nauseated and I had a terrible headache, and I was praying I would make it back home before giving into my nausea. Soon, the vomiting began, but I was so grateful to be in my own home. My hands and legs were also cramping, letting me know that I was in uncharted territory. This was serious.
These few days later, and still not truly “back to myself” I believe I made a big mistake. I should have gone to the Emergency Room where they would not only have leveled my electrolytes, but monitored my heart rate and ability to breathe with less strain. I was a mess, and a Do-It-Yourself approach was not the wisest choice.
Bruce brought me salty broth and I drank sweet lemonade. As soon as I could move around, I poured a packet of LIQUID IV (Passion Fruit flavor) into my water and nursed that over the next several hours. Eventually, I began to feel an improvement and that lessened my fear. I have been adding it to my water ever since. In truth, for years, I had no idea such a product existed, and that it was so easy and user-friendly. I learned about it at one of our Ostomy Support Group meetings a few years ago, used it for a while, and then thought it no longer necessary. Now, it will be with me at all times! Regardless of where you live or where you travel, the heat can come upon you quickly and without notice. In my case, caught in conversation with our friends took my attention and focus from how woozy I was beginning to feel, and by the time I realized it, dehydration had occurred. Some say it was heat stroke or a heat exhaustion episode. Whatever it is, I have learned my lesson. Forewarned is certainly forearmed, and I am encouraging everyone, ostomate or not, to be mindful of the effect heat and the sun have upon our bodies, particularly as we get older.
Thank you for sharing this important information. So happy you are okay.
So sorry to read about this scary health event, and thankful to know you are recovering. Having been in southern Florida I know how strong the heat is.
Thanks for the important info.
Ellyn,
That is great information for all people. It goes along with “listen to your body”
Stay Well,
Sharon
Ellen, Your description is what I had when I got home from Israel in October,, I was in the hospital for two weeks , on TPN for five months!!!
Apparently I was malnourished as well.. It’s challenging to keep the drinking and eating up..
Sometimes I fall into old habits of
quick peanut butter and jelly meals and ice cream or cookies etc!
In Florida it will be hard to really monitor our eating and drinking.
I love the sun!!!
very scary. Glad to hear you have recovered. Thanks for passing on the importance of staying hydrated.
I had a similar reaction a few years ago, and yes, dehydration symptoms come on very quickly.
stay well.
m
Thanx Ellyn for such an informative blog. I am not an ostomate but I do have several serious medical issues and drinking is so important. Even taking all my daily pills becomes problematic some days. Dehydration and electrolyte
Imbalance put me in the hospital a
While back. It is very serious.
I’m glad you’re on the mend.
Where did you get it Ellyn?! I probably need to keep that with me!
In FL during the summer go out early am to do any physical activities. Make sure you carry a drink wherever you go w/lots of ice.
So glad you’re feeling better! What scare you had! I’m drinking liquid IV as I’m sitting here because I
realize I haven’t had any in a week. Thanks for sharing as always and enlightening others. Stay well, Ellyn.
As one of the. Bro-ettes I witnessed your episode and didn’t even grasp the seriousness of the situation. I realized that you were dealing with dehydration but naively thought a bottle or two of Gatorade would solve the problem. Thanks for sharing the experience so we can all be more aware of what our bodies are trying to tell us.
Thank you for sharing your frightening bout of dehydration. Your example and reminder will serve others well. Thank G-d you recovered. My husband wound up in the hospital for two days due to severe dehydration after playing tennis for hours on a very hot day. When your electrolytes are severely depleted, can mimic a heart attack.
Ellyn I myself as you know, I
Am familiar with how terrible dehydration can be. I’m sure you recall my telling you how in September I wound up in the CCU with a potassium of 1.8 following that it took two weeks to get my electrolytes back to normal. I am so sorry you had to go through this, and the only thing I would say if you have not already done it, it’s to have blood work to make sure that everything electrolyte wise has gone back to normal. The other thing is that I was told by my doctors to drink lots of Gatorade and that seems to have really worked for me since last September. So I hope you’re feeling well and I’d love to talk to you soon