Question:
Why does it hurt when I drink my water?

I need to drink 64oz of water a day, but it hurts when I drink it! Nothing else hurts, only water. It feels like cramping/burning. Sometimes it's so bad I'm almost in tears! Help!    — Erin R. (posted on March 21, 2005)

March 21, 2005
I had the same problem. There are minerals in water that hurt Your healing pouch. Not litteraly. I had to try several waters to get it right I couldn't tolerate cold water so I went to tap then room temp bottles. Try differant temps and brands. It is just Your pouch healing it won't be that way much longer. Best Wishes
   — Shell G

March 21, 2005
Yep I had it to especially right after surgery. I had to drink warm water for a long time ice water burned when I drank it. I am 2 1/2 months post op and still have problems drinking water I have to sip it in tiny sips (which sucks when you are thirsty) if I drink it to fast it will make me sick to my stomach. I know they say not to usea straw but it is how I can sip my water slowly. Hope this helps. Good luck!! Kim
   — kmnae

March 21, 2005
I remember this happening also. My surgeon said I was probably gulping the water. He said to slow down and eventually it got better. Also the cold water may be a problems at first too. I'm 2 1/2 years out and don't have problems with drinking my water cold.
   — lisab07

March 22, 2005
Hello, Erin. I also had the same similar problem but the burning and pain also happened when i ate food. I had to schedule an appt w/ the Dr. He told me to try warm water, tap water, crystal light and chewing and eating smaller portion which i was already doing. Did them all, but the burning sensation still didnt go away. He also told me that within 2 weeks if it still hurts that he may have to put me on prevacid solutab, Yummmy taste. Well, I waited a couple of days with the same pain. I couldnt hold out the 2 weeks. My general Dr. precribed them to me.. And They worked. pain free after taking them the 1st day and stay on them for 4 weeks. Its been a week now and I havent took them and I havent had any buring or pain since. but you know e1 is diffrent. The dr said it could be caused by stress. I have 3 kids actually 4 thats including my husband..LOLj/k.. Good Luck, Hope everything turns out alright.
   — nomor4me_ty

March 22, 2005
If you are a new post-op, and all your profile says is that you are 1.5 mo out-when was that written?-then gettng in 64 oz of water/liquids may be quite tough to do for a while. Don't despair, just try to get in as much as you can, and remember that other liquids, like decaffeinated teas count towards your total. Burning when drinking can also be a sign of an ulcer, though usually you feel pain when eating too and you do not have this, however,if you take the advice of the others and slow down, not drink cold water, drink something warm and still feel burning, you should report this to your surgeon's office.
   — Cindy R.

March 22, 2005
Hi, I had trouble with drinking water for 3 years after my surgery. Didn't matter what temp it was, or what kind it was. I finally found that I could get my liquids down if I just put an ounce or two of juice (good juice 100% stuff) with the water (16 oz) I don't know why it worked it just did. 3 years later I can now drink water again as long as it is cold, if its room temp it still makes me feel sick. Go figure!
   — potterylady

March 24, 2005
Hi Erin, I couldn't tolerate water for my first five months post-op. Instead I drank 100% fruit juices, milk-based protein drinks, V8, and sf drinks like Crystal Light. I noticed that the thicker the liquid, the easier it went down. As a nurse, I can only guess that the osmolality is the difference (the ratio of solids to the liquid) I'm sure that the calories in my liquids contribute to my being a slow loser but dehydration is not a pleasant alternative. As for me, I kept trying the water (different temperatures) and suddenly at about 5.5 months post-op, for no apparent reason, I can now drink plain water. I sip at it all day, trying to get a bottle in every couple hours. Wish you the best! Sue
   — auntsusiern