Aa
Am I all wet?
LBradley raised a good point in a journal entry - I've also noticed that I can't quite get enough water. I drink lots of it all day long. My need to drink water is pretty insatiable. This has been going on for a while and doesn't parallel the introduction of new drugs so I don't think it is a side effect. And my household is already low-salt so its not that either.
It occurs to me that this may be a familiar problem to some of you as well - any clue as to what's going on here? Is this common with MS patients?
-Lulu
It occurs to me that this may be a familiar problem to some of you as well - any clue as to what's going on here? Is this common with MS patients?
-Lulu
I never had dark urine however one of the times that the CPK went very high the GP ordered a urine analysis and found that I had some blood in my urine and just told me to drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated and to rest and let my muscles recover. I have never taken a statin drug for my cholesterol from what I understand they have many sideeffects such as elevated CPK, flu-like symptoms, and muscle pains that I don't want to deal with. I eat very healthy but even with a strict diet my LDL is still high the only thing that ever brought my LDL down was vigerous exercise like running and weight training but this has been difficult to do regularily because of the numerous relapses I've had the last year.
If your felt like the endocrinologist was thorough and you had a good relationship with her, then you might see her again and ask about diabetes insipidus. In all reality I do not know all tthe specifics about diagnosing it. Perhaps she did rule it out, but it wouldn't hurt to ask her.
When your CK was so high did you ever notice that your urine was red or reddish brown?
Do you take a statin for cholesterol?
Quix
When your CK was so high did you ever notice that your urine was red or reddish brown?
Do you take a statin for cholesterol?
Quix
Hi Quix.
Thanks for responding to my post your always so helpful. Yes, I have gone to several doctors complaining of various symptoms. I have told the GP and my neurologist about the constant urination and excessive thirst as well as episodes of depression, insominia, lack of energy/fatigue. Last Feburary, I asked the GP to refer me to an endocrinologist to see of I had any hormonal problems that could be causing these symptoms. The endocrinologist, did a hormone panel to test my kidney, thyriod, and adrenal gland function, female hormones, vitamin D, B12 and iron levels. I told the endocrinologist that I was concerned about diabetes and she tested my insulin and glucose levels as well as my free cortisol. Everything was normal.
She also did a chemistry profile/comprehensive metabolic panel and everything was normal except my total cholesterol and LDL was high and my total creatine kinase level was very high. I continue to have the CK go very high whenever I try and exercise, which isn't often because I don't feel well. On 2/21/8 my CK was 791 u/L and then an isoenzyme test on 2/25/08 was 1975 u/L with the CK MM at 100%. In April and June of '07' the total CK was also high but in August of this year when I've had no exercise since March the CK was normal at 70 u/L. Since, I frequently have this problem with the CK elevation the GP told me to drink water and stay hydrated. So, I just may be drinking too much water but honestly I feel like a always need it. I'm constantly thirsty and urinate all the time. Some days are worse than others but I frequently awake in the night time to urinate and always have a glass of water on the nightstand. I do notice that when I'm in pain or following exercise that my urinary frequency and thirst is much worse on those days.
Thanks for mentioning the diabetes insipidus because the endcrinologist never checked my vasopressin levels. I drink about a gallon of water (3.8 L) in a 24 hour period and when she measured my free cortisol level in Feb. it was normal but my urine output was 4.6 L which is double the urine output for a women. She never mentioned this to me, her staff just said everything was normal. Do you think I should go to another endcrinologist?
Thanks for responding to my post your always so helpful. Yes, I have gone to several doctors complaining of various symptoms. I have told the GP and my neurologist about the constant urination and excessive thirst as well as episodes of depression, insominia, lack of energy/fatigue. Last Feburary, I asked the GP to refer me to an endocrinologist to see of I had any hormonal problems that could be causing these symptoms. The endocrinologist, did a hormone panel to test my kidney, thyriod, and adrenal gland function, female hormones, vitamin D, B12 and iron levels. I told the endocrinologist that I was concerned about diabetes and she tested my insulin and glucose levels as well as my free cortisol. Everything was normal.
She also did a chemistry profile/comprehensive metabolic panel and everything was normal except my total cholesterol and LDL was high and my total creatine kinase level was very high. I continue to have the CK go very high whenever I try and exercise, which isn't often because I don't feel well. On 2/21/8 my CK was 791 u/L and then an isoenzyme test on 2/25/08 was 1975 u/L with the CK MM at 100%. In April and June of '07' the total CK was also high but in August of this year when I've had no exercise since March the CK was normal at 70 u/L. Since, I frequently have this problem with the CK elevation the GP told me to drink water and stay hydrated. So, I just may be drinking too much water but honestly I feel like a always need it. I'm constantly thirsty and urinate all the time. Some days are worse than others but I frequently awake in the night time to urinate and always have a glass of water on the nightstand. I do notice that when I'm in pain or following exercise that my urinary frequency and thirst is much worse on those days.
Thanks for mentioning the diabetes insipidus because the endcrinologist never checked my vasopressin levels. I drink about a gallon of water (3.8 L) in a 24 hour period and when she measured my free cortisol level in Feb. it was normal but my urine output was 4.6 L which is double the urine output for a women. She never mentioned this to me, her staff just said everything was normal. Do you think I should go to another endcrinologist?
This gets more and more interesting. Before my uro-gyn exam on Thursday, I had to prepare by a strict measurement of 'inflow' and 'outflow' for 24 hours. I drank 127 ounces! Luckily the output was roughly the same.
I asked the doctor if this was normal, also pointing out that I've had the A1C blood test for diabetes and came out fine. She agreed that this is an awful lot of fluid, but said it isn't necessarily a bad sign. I told her that it's been only during the past 3 years or so that this has been happening. In days of yore---WAY yore---I drank much less, and also urinated way less. I was famous for going only a few times a day.
Well, now I guess I have to follow up with Quix's advice to Watson, although I don't seem any the worse for this extravaganza.
ess
I asked the doctor if this was normal, also pointing out that I've had the A1C blood test for diabetes and came out fine. She agreed that this is an awful lot of fluid, but said it isn't necessarily a bad sign. I told her that it's been only during the past 3 years or so that this has been happening. In days of yore---WAY yore---I drank much less, and also urinated way less. I was famous for going only a few times a day.
Well, now I guess I have to follow up with Quix's advice to Watson, although I don't seem any the worse for this extravaganza.
ess
Oh, my!!! No, my dear Watson, that intake and that number of urinations is NOT normal.
Besides the usual culprits to be checked, diabetes mellitus and a UTI, there are other causes of what is known in medicine as "polydypsia" (frequent drinking - or being very "dippy", I guess) and "polyuria" (frequent urination - no glib remarks come to mind).
The first that comes to mind is a disorder of the pituitary gland called Diabetes Insipidus. This is where the brain (pituitary gland) doesn't control the reabsorption of water by the kidneys correctly. Most of the urine we produce is more concentrated that our blood. The kidneys can't reabsorb water out of the filtered blood and the urine is very diluted. Vast amounts of urine are produced so you pee all the time and MUST drink huge amounts of water to keep from being dehydrated. This can be very serious and must be checked out. One of the things they do is to check the first urine in the morning to see if it is more concentrated. This is treated by an Endocrinologist.
Watson - do you awaken in the night to drink and pee?
The other thing is called Psychogenic Polydipsia. For some reason the person feels the need to drink so much and as a consequence pees a lot. My Dad has this. The main side effect is that so much liquid is taken in that it can "wash out" some of the electrolytes, specifically sodium.
So, you need to inform your doc (PCP) that you are doing this and ask to be evaluated. Do you hear me??? Huh? Huh??
Quix :))
Besides the usual culprits to be checked, diabetes mellitus and a UTI, there are other causes of what is known in medicine as "polydypsia" (frequent drinking - or being very "dippy", I guess) and "polyuria" (frequent urination - no glib remarks come to mind).
The first that comes to mind is a disorder of the pituitary gland called Diabetes Insipidus. This is where the brain (pituitary gland) doesn't control the reabsorption of water by the kidneys correctly. Most of the urine we produce is more concentrated that our blood. The kidneys can't reabsorb water out of the filtered blood and the urine is very diluted. Vast amounts of urine are produced so you pee all the time and MUST drink huge amounts of water to keep from being dehydrated. This can be very serious and must be checked out. One of the things they do is to check the first urine in the morning to see if it is more concentrated. This is treated by an Endocrinologist.
Watson - do you awaken in the night to drink and pee?
The other thing is called Psychogenic Polydipsia. For some reason the person feels the need to drink so much and as a consequence pees a lot. My Dad has this. The main side effect is that so much liquid is taken in that it can "wash out" some of the electrolytes, specifically sodium.
So, you need to inform your doc (PCP) that you are doing this and ask to be evaluated. Do you hear me??? Huh? Huh??
Quix :))
N, its not normal. I would guess you have a UTI - I did and didn't even know it. Like you I drink herbal or green tea in the morning (2 cups) then switch off to water for the rest of the day. I drink like a camel. I counted the trips to the loo the other day and during my waking hours it was 15 times. That has slowed down a bit since I am on antibiotics. Can you see your dr. and get that checked ? Once my infection clears then the urogyno is going to revisit the question of urgency/frequency/rentention as it pertains to MS. It most certainly is common (about 50% of us) having bladder issues.
Good luck in getting that regulated.
Lulu
Good luck in getting that regulated.
Lulu
Hi Lulu!
I have the same exact problems........excessive thirst, dry mouth, urinary frequency and urgency. I only drink water or herbal tea. I have not been diagnosed with MS yet. But, these symptoms have definately gotten worse over the last almost year since my other neurological symptoms have emerged. Sjogren's symdrome and diabetes have been ruled out as well. Also, my thyroid and adrenal tests are normal. I'm wondering if these urinary problems are symptoms of MS or a UTI. The other day I decided to record my water intake....I drink a little over a gallon of water in a 24 hour period and I urinated 23 times. Is this normal?
I have the same exact problems........excessive thirst, dry mouth, urinary frequency and urgency. I only drink water or herbal tea. I have not been diagnosed with MS yet. But, these symptoms have definately gotten worse over the last almost year since my other neurological symptoms have emerged. Sjogren's symdrome and diabetes have been ruled out as well. Also, my thyroid and adrenal tests are normal. I'm wondering if these urinary problems are symptoms of MS or a UTI. The other day I decided to record my water intake....I drink a little over a gallon of water in a 24 hour period and I urinated 23 times. Is this normal?
Sho,
What a funny visual that you would die without your essential fluids! I can see the ever-concientous Japanese host reuniting you with your lifeline. -Lulu
What a funny visual that you would die without your essential fluids! I can see the ever-concientous Japanese host reuniting you with your lifeline. -Lulu
While I don't know if the heavy water drinking is part of MS or not, but like others I am always drinking fluids. But I do know in my case I have been Dxed with Sjogren's syndrome several years ago.
Dennis
Dennis
Count me as a heavy water drinker. Since college, anyway. Admittedly, I rarely drink anything except water and tea, but I always have to plan to take water wherever I go.
I always kind of worried in the back of my mind about diabetes, but have never had an abnormal glucose level (that I can tell--my PCP marked one as abnormal, but it was non-fasting and I think he overlooked that. It was only a tad over 100 anyway). When I was having all the pre-dx testing last year, I had a 2-hour blood glucose test, which was also very normal. Because I complained of dry eyes and mouth, I also got the blood test and lip biopsy for Sjogren's. Also normal.
I still remember visiting somewhere in Japan many years ago and forgetting my water bottle when I left. One of the people there came chasing me down the road as he worried I might "die without it" (apparently since I was never seen without it).
So I dunno, but I guess I'm a longstanding member of the perpetually thirsty club.
sho
I always kind of worried in the back of my mind about diabetes, but have never had an abnormal glucose level (that I can tell--my PCP marked one as abnormal, but it was non-fasting and I think he overlooked that. It was only a tad over 100 anyway). When I was having all the pre-dx testing last year, I had a 2-hour blood glucose test, which was also very normal. Because I complained of dry eyes and mouth, I also got the blood test and lip biopsy for Sjogren's. Also normal.
I still remember visiting somewhere in Japan many years ago and forgetting my water bottle when I left. One of the people there came chasing me down the road as he worried I might "die without it" (apparently since I was never seen without it).
So I dunno, but I guess I'm a longstanding member of the perpetually thirsty club.
sho
Ess,
My PCP is watching my glucose - I am keeping a 30 day 2x daily glucose meter diary right now, but my levels are pretty close to normal. My A1C was 6.3, but that was done after our trip to Belgium that included lots of chocolate, beer, and rich foods. My 2 hour glucose test two weeks ago came back "excellent" according to PCP. I thought of sugar too, but that's probably not it.
I just can't get enough!
Lulu
My PCP is watching my glucose - I am keeping a 30 day 2x daily glucose meter diary right now, but my levels are pretty close to normal. My A1C was 6.3, but that was done after our trip to Belgium that included lots of chocolate, beer, and rich foods. My 2 hour glucose test two weeks ago came back "excellent" according to PCP. I thought of sugar too, but that's probably not it.
I just can't get enough!
Lulu
My fluid intake has increased greatly (output too ;) ) over the last couple of years, and I can't figure why I get so thirsty. I've had the A1C diabetes test 2 or 3 times and it comes out fine, so that's not it.
I don't see how this could be associated with MS, but if it is, that sure would be interesting.
ess
I don't see how this could be associated with MS, but if it is, that sure would be interesting.
ess
I actually have the opposite problem - I'm not thirsty when I should be thirsty. I try to drink water during the day, as I have problems with constipation as well. When I'm hydrated, my bladder gets overactive, so I guess it's damned if you do, damned if you don't.
kathy,
that's two of us now - my cardio keeps after me to add salt to increase my BP but I just can't.... it goes against everything I know plus offends my taste buds. Lulu
that's two of us now - my cardio keeps after me to add salt to increase my BP but I just can't.... it goes against everything I know plus offends my taste buds. Lulu
I'm not diagnosed, but I drink all day long; WATER, that is! I've also been low-salt for many years, as part of a quest to be as healthy as possible (funny aside; my blood pressure has been so low that my PCP suggested that I could eat a little more salt, ha!).
I have issues with urgency and frequency, but would never decrease my intake of water to try to reduce my trips to the potty. For one thing, the urine would just be more condensed, and most of all, I feel a real need to drink water all day, and have a bottle of it beside my bed at night.
I'm interested to see what other comments we get!
Kathy
I have issues with urgency and frequency, but would never decrease my intake of water to try to reduce my trips to the potty. For one thing, the urine would just be more condensed, and most of all, I feel a real need to drink water all day, and have a bottle of it beside my bed at night.
I'm interested to see what other comments we get!
Kathy
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