I need your help...PLEASE (vets)
I'm having trouble trouble getting my liquids in...I had surgery this past Monday 2-11-2013 and I don't know what to do I'm so scared that I'm doing things wrong. I can barely get in 30 oz. of clear liquids a day. I'm trying to drink 1 oz. every 15 min. I don't know what to do can you PLEASE help me.
Shanda
*Hugs*
At your stage, protein shakes counted toward water/fluid intake for me. Check with your doctor to see if that is true for you, too.
64 oz is min that you need to drink each day. If it helps, break it down. 6 oz an hour gets you to your fluid goal in 6 1/2 hours. If you break is down even further, divide 6 oz by 60 minutes and you need to drink 1 oz of water every 10 minutes.
Set a timer for every 10 minutes. 1 ounce every 10 minutes is totally doable.
It's going to feel like a fulltime job right for awhile. Just know that it gets easier.
Take a deep breath - you've got this.
Do the best you can and I PROMISE it will get easier. I remember how bad it hurt to swallow water when i was newly post op and i didn't think it would ever get better! Now I can easily drink water or other liquids and it will get better for you too! Just do your best and sip as much as you can and relax!
Some people find different temperatures of water work better for them, I like mine icy cold but some people find warm water easier to drink. Either way try not to stress about it! Good luck to you on your journey!
Realize that sf jello and sf popsicles count toward your goal too.
If you have a 1 oz shot glass/medicine cup and try to get the 1 oz down in about 10 minutes - if you can do that - that is 6 oz an hour, you can then to your fluids in just over 10 hours. If you fall behind, you will have time to make up a little.
Try different temperatures and different flavors - plain water doesn't work for many. Herbal teas either warm or cool can be soothing.
Good luck!