heat and hydration

Hey all,  Well the hot weather is here in the Burgh. Being a lettercarrier I am having a tuff time staying hydrated. I drink several gulps between ever set (average 15 minutes) of deliveries but my mouth is dry in that short period. On the bad days I end up wiht leg cramps at night. Any suggestions.  I also have found it very difficult to eat. Remind me of when I was a kid and really exerted myself. No appetite and a bit of a sour stomach even with water. I am 10 weeks out from my RNY. The good news is that when I drop something while I am in the drivers seat of the truck I don't have to stop and get out to retrieve it. :~)  peppermrj

Maybe it's not standard USPS issue, but you could wear one of those hydration backpacks and sip away. Just a thought. Ooooo...or get one of those hardhats with the two drink holders and tubes! YOu'd be the best letter carrier EVER!

I'm suffering through the same thing this week. I'm an electrician, and spent most of the week working off a lift, up in the ceiling. It's probably 20 degrees hotter up there than on the floor. Couple that with wearing a full body safety harness and a hardhat, and it adds up to a miserable day at work. I can't handle more than 3 swallows of water at a time- hardly enough to quench my thirst when I come down. So I've been sucking ice chips in between drinks.  I know this isn't practical for you, but I just wanted you to know, I feel your pain. DD 

Mrj, tank up all you can. The leg cramps are a very common sign of dehydration. I did have a thought…if you’re getting in lots of water, but sweating it on through,, your electrolytes may be running a touch low and that would definitely manifest as leg cramps at night. Maybe get some propel or ‘smar****er’ or even low sugar pedialyte (that electrolyte replacement for children) and add it to your water. Could help. The "sour stomach?" like acid re-flux or heartburn? Maybe check with your doc about previcid or one of those to keep the plumbing from feeling ‘sour.’ Some folks find a little lemon juice (just a touch) makes plain water "sit better" with their pouch. The product "True Lemon" was "all the rage" out on the Boards for quite a while. Many have found such to be very helpful. Keep losin’ right a long! Best Wishes- Dx

Have you tried distilled water?  I found it went down easier then tap water.   Perhaps you can se****er goals for yourself.  I know early post op, I had to set goals for myself so that i'd get in enough water daily.   Just know that it does get easier,  and keep an eye on your pee, if it gets too dark, or you start feeling dizzy....get to the hospital.  Dehydration is pretty serious, and sometimes needs to be dealt with by IV.  Scott

Thanks for the repies. All good advice. I also spoke to my NUT and she recommend additional potasium. Either tomato juice, diet V8, 1/2 cup of orange juice, or bananas.  The other suggestion I got was flat tonic water. Something about the quinine. I don't think this will help as I believe my issue is more of a hydration problem. My pea is dark and I can only stomach a few gulps at a time of water. I am off today in search of a hydration backpack, distilled water, propel, and True lemon. I am taking pepcid complete for my stomach. It helps for the most part. In the heat of the day tho not so well. I am still stuggling with a lot of family issues and that does nothing for the stomach either. So I will try all your suggestions and post back. Thanks, Tony J. aka peppermrj