Sports drinks

I saw a post a few days ago that pointed out that drinking too much water could be detrimental. My electrophysiologist told me this upfront when I received my Pacemaker. Now again everyone is different and diets are different for everybody. In my case however he told me to stay hydrated for my condition which is Vasovagal Syncope. He also said I needed to keep up my electrolytes. Water is good but too much water washes out electrolytes so it was his suggestion to drink Gatorade or Power aid. This keeps you hydrated and also keeps up the electrolytes. I have experimented some and I can tell you when i get to feeling weird I can drink a glass or two of a sports drink and I feel better within 15 minutes. I was also told to keep some packages of Saltines (crackers) with me in the car and eat a couple of those and get a drink when I get out of sorts and this would help. This works for me. Just keep it in mind. Now with some heart conditions you can't have salt so be sure and check with your DR. My Dr. said salt was my best friend. Bowlrbob

4 Comments

Me three!

by ela-girl - 2007-11-10 05:11:48

Yup. I fall under this category, too! I'm not much of a salt person, so this has been a challenge for me. And I wasn't told about the sports drinks but makes sense. The pm for the most part has solved my issues but I sometimes get the "icks." Thanks, Boatman, for the info on Propel...I'm going to try it! And Bowlrbob...good idea with keeping some saltines around. I think I'll put a few in my purse! And Karen...vasovagal syncope, neurocardiogenic syncope, neurally mediated hypotension, autonomic dysfunction....it's all the same. :)

Us "weirdies" have to stick together!
ela-girl

Weirdies

by boatman50 - 2007-11-10 07:11:30

We are not weird, we are a special group in a special group! And we pee more then anyone!
Seriously, the propel and water has helped very much. Ela I find that my icks come on now after any particularly stressful time and it takes about a week to recover. Before my pm I never had a symtom, and after the pm I started with the VVS. Its like the chicken or the egg!

Me too!

by boatman50 - 2007-11-10 11:11:19

Hi Bob, I have the same thing and was told to do the same as you. I drink water and Propel like a fish, use tons of salt and my blood pressure is perfect. If I don't do this I can get those funky spells in no time, and a Propel picks me right up. I was very concerned when the EP and Cardiologist told me to do this and they both said I was 1 in 10 people that they have do this. Its been a year drinking like this and no bad effects, but I do get checked often. You might want to try Propel, less sugar then Gatorade. Mixed Berry is my choice.
Stay well and hydrated,
Boatman

Face it!

by ela-girl - 2007-11-11 12:11:00

Funny, Boatman! The peeing thing, that is! And you're just going to have to face it...you're a weirdy! :)~ I, too, notice that when my body gets the icks from the condition it can take days to regain my homeostasis.
Good analogy, too, with the chicken or the egg!

ela-girl

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I am just now 40 but have had these blackouts all my life. I am thrilled with the pacer and would do it all over again.