I am getting back into the pool after a 5 month layoff for a kidney transplant. Perhaps there is someone here who has been through the same process in one form or another.
My first workouts are all free for about an half hour and consist of a 50/100/150/200 ladder, with a 200 warm down. I feel good when done, and want to do more; but the Doc's noticed an increase in my creatine level (which measures how well the new kidney is working) the day after the last workout and recommended pushing fluids before, during and after.
Now I drink a bunch of water every day ( about 2L ).
The question is are there better "fluids" I could use instead of H20?
Hi Whtokbyu - I am into my 13th year with a Kidney transplant. I swim 4-5 days a week and have had MANY discussions with my transplant clinic over the years about this issue. It is a most important issue for US.
Since my transplant in Jan., 1996 I have blood work done EVERY two months. I only formally visit my clinic twice a year, but the more frequent visits (for bloodwork only) can pinpoint a problem, especially one that you do not know could be developing. As you know, there have been transplanted kidneys "lost" from dehydration.
There have been times that I have continued to feel great, but my creatinine was slightly up from being dehydrated from swimming. And, I have had to force fluids for a week and then have more bloodwork.
What I have found over the years, at least for me, is that I "over hydrate". I drink at least 2 16oz bottles of fluid everytime I swim - sometimes 2 16oz waters. Most often, 1 diluted bottle of gatorade and 1 bottle of water. Also, I try to drink between 100oz and 128 oz of fluid a day, excluding coffee. I drink coffee, I just don't count it.
Weighing after you swim is also a good idea to get to know yourself.
Lastly, be certain to have a discussion with your clinic and see if they have any specific recommendations for you.
Congratulations and have a great day.
Dave
Hi Whtokbyu - I am into my 13th year with a Kidney transplant. I swim 4-5 days a week and have had MANY discussions with my transplant clinic over the years about this issue. It is a most important issue for US.
Since my transplant in Jan., 1996 I have blood work done EVERY two months. I only formally visit my clinic twice a year, but the more frequent visits (for bloodwork only) can pinpoint a problem, especially one that you do not know could be developing. As you know, there have been transplanted kidneys "lost" from dehydration.
There have been times that I have continued to feel great, but my creatinine was slightly up from being dehydrated from swimming. And, I have had to force fluids for a week and then have more bloodwork.
What I have found over the years, at least for me, is that I "over hydrate". I drink at least 2 16oz bottles of fluid everytime I swim - sometimes 2 16oz waters. Most often, 1 diluted bottle of gatorade and 1 bottle of water. Also, I try to drink between 100oz and 128 oz of fluid a day, excluding coffee. I drink coffee, I just don't count it.
Weighing after you swim is also a good idea to get to know yourself.
Lastly, be certain to have a discussion with your clinic and see if they have any specific recommendations for you.
Congratulations and have a great day.
Dave
