Water Intake

[justpzin]

I start treatment on Friday 7/5/2013, and have read that while taking the triple therapy it is recommend to drink at lease a gallon of water, while drinking that much water will it make your potassium low?

[christinatas]

take yr weight divide it in half thats nationaliverfoundation.org recommends.

[nzkiwilife]

I found it hard the first few weeks on triple tx with incivek. I had to drink small sips of water from a straw sometimes to get it down me.
Throughout tx (just finished yesterday) I made sure I drank at least a gallon of liquid (inc soup and vege juices). Would get more or worse sx if I didn't.
My potassium was fine though I always eat 1 or 2 bananas a day anyway.
Good luck with your tx.
You've come to the right place for help, knowledge and support.

[justpzin]

Thank you so much, I will try your ideal to get the water down.

[LN55]

Drinking close to a gallon of water a day was recommended by my treatment team but they didn't push the exact amount. Instead they emphasized the importance of staying hydrated throughout the day. There are days when I may exceed that or days when it is a bit less. I'm in week 13 of treatment and I've found along the way that your body is going to let you know... so drink when your thirsty (you will be thirsty) and rest when your tired (which is most of the time for me now). The water and rest definitely help minimize the sides.

Hope your tx goes smooth.

[willbb]

Something you may find interesting......


http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/SEM_water.pdf

Drinking adequate amounts of water
is one of the best strategies people
can use while on therapy to lessen
the side effects of interferon-based
therapy and stay healthy

However ...there are sometimes side effects to drinking "Too Much' water

Good luck with your tx..

Will

[can-do-man]

I agree with crossroad, 1/2 your body weight is what has always been the norm, my doctor just told me to stay hydrated as it does help with the side effects... Your body will tell you when your not drinking enough. Best to you

[crossroadsec]

You may need more in the heat if you are outdoors, but the rule of thumb is 1/2 of your body weight in ounces.
If you weigh 150 lbs - drink 75 ounces a day. I had some low potassium problems and took a multi vitamin that my doc approved.
Good luck!
Karen:)

[HCVinPDX]

I'm into my 24th week of treatment and have tried to drink a gallon or more a day.  I'm used to it now and have something I'm drinking all of the time.  I hope to continue this new habit even after I'm done with the meds in a few months.

Good luck with your treatment.  This site is a great source of information and when I'm feeling a little sorry for myself I always find something I needed to know to keep me going.

[bbj2856]

Yes it is very important to drink the water. I tried to make sure I had at least 64 oz. water and for breakfast I always had coffee I did not count this. I tried to drink some milk at some point of the day and I did not count that . I kept green tea with Lemon made and some times I had a 16 OZ glass of that when I ate. The water helps with lots things the Rob pills makes lot of us cough and water will prevent that. carry one with you where ever you are. I bought 16 Oz bottles set  out 4 in a row in Frig.  each morning  and made sure I drink them all. Lemon in it helps  but I preferred nothing sweet. You may like the flavored water.

[dontworry_behappy1]

Well I can tell you I drank that much during treatment and it didn't lower my potassium.  The average person fails to drink the required amount of water daily.  I don't believe this is an excesses amount of water to drink everyday
for anyone.  I tell you - it very important to try to drink this much water because you will feel better during treatment if your getting enough fluids everyday.  It helps that your flushing toxins out of your body by drinking lots of water.

I know it's hard to drink this much water. Try adding a little flavor...it seems to help.