i could manage 3 liters about a third of the time and 4 liters 2/3rds the time. i just kept imagining all that waste flushing out of my liver and kidneys so that helped me the most

Hey Iris,

like Polosilver,  I also used my side effect headaches to remind me when I wasnt drinking enough... and when I felt a headache coming, 1 or 2 glasses fixed it before it got too bad.

no amount of water helped with my riba side effects

I know the golden water rule is a gallon, but Ive never been good at following rules. 

But Ive always been very good at listening to my intuition and my body  

Iris Dragonfly --- I struggled to drink a gallon too...however, if I got close it staved off headaches. If I didn't drink the amount of water my body needed I started to get a headache and I only had to drink more water and voila, the headache would dissipate. 

ps

That sounds like really prudent advice. 

I enjoyed reading your message Iris. Sorry to keep my reply so brief Not having a great day to be honest. You seem like youre doing really well though. Can you validate that for me? Are you feeling better? Hope so :hugs:

PS. Thanks for the flowers

Hi Iris,

No, there is no real danger for missing the gallon quota, but cutting back too much will result in added side effects. Generally speaking, less than 3 liters will bring on added malaise, fatigue and headaches. When people experience those issues, very often, we find increased hydration resolves them. I wouldn’t worry about organ damage from missing your gallon, it takes a lot of dehydration to cause the kind of trouble you’re talking about. You would become quite ill and fatigued, were that to happen. Your routine blood work would indicate it as well. Just do your best to achieve a 3-4 liter fluid intake and monitor the color of your urine. As long as it isn’t concentrated (dark yellow) and stays a pale yellow, you will know you’re hydrating adequately. If you do experience increased headaches and fatigue, try to bump up your fluids and see if it helps.

Hi guys,

This has been a major challenge for me. As hard as I try I am rarely making the gallon quota. To top it off I seem to have formed a water weight belly? I haven't lost any weight which normally is the course for greater water consumption and I look like I kinda have a beer belly. Now I wasn't slim  prior to Tx  mind you, it just seems a little more jellybellie-ish. I have been drinking waaaaaaaaay more than normal though. I didn't really drink water and got most fluids through coffee (I know, I know diuretic ) ice tea, juice, smoothies, oh and I did drink sparkling water to replace sodas which I cut out because of high fructose corn syrup, I rarely drink them anymore unless it is a pure cane sugar one. (There is a ginger brew I reaaly like you can get at health food stores and Trader Joes)                                                                                                                                                                        I really cannot stand fake sweeteners. Nope, not a diet soda fan  .

Anyway I haven't noticed a terrible amount of greater side-effect relief through copius consumption, but my real question is, what are the dangers of not consuming enough? Can it harm your kidneys?  I understand that is the primary organ through which it is metabolized through? Or can it be a part in those who relapse? Is the virus sluffed off primarily through urine? Feces, or skin? Where does it go? Maybe I asked this already and Im getting off track a bit, back to water... is there other organ damage due to not consuming enough? Also a few days ago I wasn't able to drink much At All, as I had to deal with a house my mom owns being vacated and the lawyers,  inspector, real estate agent, and all the trash the tenant left , what a mess. But through all that I had a surprising amount of energy despite not being able to get to very much water. 

Oh and here is a bouquet for you all to enjoy, some of the last roses (and other flowers) of summer.

With my Chalice of Challenge !!! (as I have come to name it  ).....................I do challenge the dragon Within!!! I shall slay thee with my vorpol sword !!!... the Claymore of Slaymore!  LoL  Ok so if you look at the Chalice you will see a couple of red stars at the bottom. I had the great idea I could keep track by adding a star each time I finished a glass (Yup, I get a star, good work! lol ) It has helped keep me on course with where I am in water race, but not too many days with 9 stars (which makes a gallon). 

Is there any studies on the pros/cons to water consumption? The nurse from my Rx told me I didn't have to worry about water too much but that more of it should lessen side effects, but like I was saying I haven't noticed a terrible amout of relief from more water.

Blessings, Iris