Dehydration? What does it feel like?

I've talked to so many family & friends tonite (see Prayer Request below) & cried so much that I think I may be getting dehydrated. My tongue has a whitish coating on it and feels thick in my mouth and throat. The nurse was concerned on Monday that I might get dehydrated because I've had a lot of diarreah. I'm sitting here drinking vitamin water, hoping this will help. Thanks! Pam

Thick white coat on tongue is MOST likely thrush, kinda like a yeast infection in your mouth, very common when your body is under stress, weakened immune system, or if you took medication for H pylori (any antibiotics) recently. Definately need to call and get something for it, usually Diflucan. Thrush can make you feel pretty bad too, just the dry mouth that comes with it is awful to me. Dehydration can feel just weak, but lots of times dehydration makes you very nautious or headachy, etc. I do remember having some diarrhea after surgery but not too much, so you are right to call your dr. office for ANYTHING you think is abnormal. For several months after surgery (and some now) I only had diarrhea-like stools because of only eating liquids and soft foods. Really hope you feel better soon, but I would definately call the dr. office and tell them you probably have thrush. DeAnna

PS - Hang in there, the first few weeks after surgery (WLS or ANY surgery) are just pretty tough sometimes, even when you are not in pain, your body has just been through something major. And if you feel something is not right, no matter how small, you call and bug your doctor's office, that's an order.......If you want to call me, you just e-mail me and I will give you my phone number or give me yours, I work at home (medical transcription) and you can call me any time. You'll find that true of most anybody on here, if you see somebody on here who you feel you can to talk to, just e-mail them for a call. DeAnna.

Pam, Your doctor can do a blood test to see if you are dehydrated. Also, the skin on the top of you hand will stand up when pulled up. I spent 4 days in the hospital with dehydration in June. It was not fun," DRIP" ugh. But, you have to get this checked out because it can damage organs-plus. Just call your doctor!! Smiles, Jan

Call Dr. Avara's office. They will help you find someone in Vicksburg that can help you out with what is going on. Keep you water bottle on you at all times and sip, sip, sip. I've found that is the hardest thing over the last week. I get in all my supplements and I got in 60 grams of protein yesterday, but I can't seem to get in all my water if I'm not drinking constantly. I know it's hard w/Jim being in the hospital. Take care of youself.

Dehydration has many symptoms. It causes extreme fatigue. When you pull the skin on your hand up it stays there if you are dehydrated. Plus you can have dizziness, feel confused and have trouble concentrating. Also, when you go from sitting or squatting to standing you will get lightheaded and sometimes see stars or flashy lights. Plus your urine will be really dark and have an odor to it. They can test you really quick at the doctor's office. Do get checked out though. The body can go a whole lot longer without food than it can withou****er. You don't want to damage your organs. Let us know what happens. Melissa

I am praying for you and JIm. smoochies Arlies