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I think my mother gets about 30 oz in actual fluids (coffee and water) and a little more from what's in her foods. Total is probably not more than 138oz. She has frequent diarrhea and REFUSES to see another doctor!
NancyH
Give a Hug
Jan 15, 2012
I've heard that if your urine is clear enough to read a newspaper through, then you're getting enough fluids. The diarrhea could be caused by anything when you get old I've noticed.
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jeannegibbs
Are you thinking her diarrhea is related to her fluid intake? Or are you worried that the diarrhea is likely to cause dehydration? I don't think that there are reliable guidelines for how much fluid any of us need each day. Try doing an internet search for "dehydration symptoms." The Mayo Clinic has some useful information about signs to look for. (Or I guess you could try reading a newspaper through her urine! I'd not heard that, but it is a handy way to remember that urine should be almost clear or very light in color.)
Can you get your mom to drink a little extra on the days she has diarrhea -- maybe juice or a beverage she doesn't have often but likes? My mother will drink 7-up when she isn't feeling well.
Dehydration can be serious in the edlerly (or any of us, really), so I think your concern is well placed. Your mother is lucky to have you to keep an eye on her.
EvaLynnPearl
Jan 16, 2012
I have an elderly mother whom I have had to do a great deal of research work for the past two years. I have found that when I need an answer to a particular question, problem, or require a solution, the Internet helps tremendously. Many times you will be informed as to what type of doctor you need to contact. Dehydration an diarrhea is a very serious problem for an elderly person. If she doesn't like to drink plain straight water, here are flavored healthy waters she can drink. She may be tired of eating food that she eats on regular daily basis. There are many good foods on the market that she would like to eat that have very good fiber. This problem doesn't have to be solved just by taking pills. You may need to take time to help her experiment in finding new things she would like to drink and eat. We as humans get tire of doing the "same old thing". Another great source to refer to is called "A Place For Mom" because they can help in many ways other than finding a place for your parent(s) to live.
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