Dehydration???...

I think I might be dehydrated. I've worked the past 2 nights and have to work tonight...and we've been pretty busy. I'm never good at getting fluids (or food) in when I'm working...but I've done really bad the last couple nights. Today (& yesterday) when I was sleeping...I kept getting bad muscle cramps in my calves. When I finally woke up...I'm a little bit lightheaded at times, I have a headache, and I'm nauseous. I'm thinking all these symptoms point to dehydration. Any advice? I've got to work tonight because we are extremely short staffed. When I left this morning we had 53 babies and only 50 bed spaces. We had to send one of our NICU nurses up to Newborn nursery with 4 of our babies because we ran out of room. I can't call in....and really don't want to anyway. This is a stupid post because you're all just gonna tell me to DRINK.................I'm just afraid I won't be able to drink fast enough to keep it from getting worse. Help!

I've had a similar situation once since having my surgery. My suggestion is try to atleast drink 16 oz of water prior to going to work on any day.. that way when you take a break you can sip water and when you have lunch you can sip water then when you get home you've actually had some liquids! The key for me atleast is to ALWAYS have a water bottle around. I have a bottle in my purse,car, beside the bed, and coffee table.. that way I'm always able to drink.. works for me atleast. I wish you the best of luck hun!

I also work 12 shifts in a hospital. I am a clerk/monitor tech in a busy ER. I jstu started to go back to work but we were able to designate a place I could keep my drinks for during the day. Though I will tell in in the mere 2 1/2 hours I was there it was hard to actually go drink as I was so busy (and slower than normal since being out 3 weeks) before the ER I worked in the NICU and if yours is like ours drinks are not allowed except in our break room. but like the other reply...try to get in (I know you are sleeping) as much as you can prior and make sure you have water to drink on the way home. And if you find something tht works for you during your shifts please share......I am looking for ideas and vice versa if I come up with something. For me the hard part is I am still to do an ounce every 15 min.....that is what is busy about the 12 hours....then again....only 3 shifts a week LOL! I was suffering from muscle cramps and I added a banana to my morning and evening prtein shakes.....that and switched to Smar****er when out sweating to help with the electrolytes. Seems to be helping. But as a nurse you know how serious dehydration can be. I would call your dr and check with them. Take Care! Donna

I really feel ya! I just went back to work this past Wed. only worked a 4 day week. Let me tell ya, I did horrible this week. There's sooo much to do @ work which leaves little time to get anything in me. My fluid intake, food intake & vitamin intake really suffered this week. It makes me nervous

There is a Hydration packet made by Crystal Light so has no calories, sugar or anything but some sodium. It comes in the little packets to go in a water bottle it has a good flavor.