Question:
How long can you stay dehyrdated without complications

I really think that I am dehydrated. I am having leg cramps, my lips are really dry, and my urine is really concentrated (and stinky!). I try so hard to get in all my fluids, but it just isn't working. I can't seem to do it. I see my surgeon in a week and was wondering if I can just hold off until then, or will I be causing permanent damage to my body? What kind of damage can happen if I stay dehydrated for too long? Should I start to worry? I am one year post op and down 126 pounds. Thanks all!    — enjo4 (posted on November 11, 2001)

November 11, 2001
You need to call your doctor ASAP and talk with him about. This is a serious thing and dangerous to you. I've gone a couple days several times now but no longer than a couple days. And I was in the hosp when it happened. Please call your doc immed.
   — Karla K.

November 11, 2001
Dehydration can, at the very least, cause you to have a rapid heartbeat and electrolyte imbalances (the chemicals your body needs like sodium, potassium, etc.) At worst, it can give you heart trouble, kidney problems, and predispose you to blood clotting. SEE YOUR DOCTOR NOW!
   — Danette H.

November 11, 2001
Nausea, inability to think clearly, stumbling--those are immediatey. Long term, kidney stones (or permanent damage), weight gain. When was the last time you had full labs. Perhaps the dry skin issues are fat solubles. If you've not been supplementing those in dry form, you might be feeling the shortage. The cramping may be other things that are out of balance. Water is ALWAYS appropriate, but it will not fix you if you are seriously unbalanced in many elements. Let me know if you need the list of labs to have run.
   — vitalady

November 11, 2001
Since my surgery, I have landed twice in the ER for dehydration. This is a very serious condition! If you can't "seem to get fluids in," re-assess your priorities. You can last about 30 days without a bite of food. You can only last about 5 days without water!!! One thing that really helped me was Gatorade. Since I don't dump on sugar (fortunately), this low-calorie drink really helped me the first few months after surgery and didn't slow my weight loss in the slightest. Good luck to you--
   — [Anonymous]

November 11, 2001
ditto with everyone else, get to the doctor. Those leg cramps might be a symptom of low potassium, that can lead to a heart attack. Many of us have been dehydrated, it's fairly common but nothing to trifle with. I went to the ER 3 times and don't regret a single one, it probably saved my life. Good luck, but don't stop to write again, get to the doctor NOW.
   — kcanges