After many years of debating and trying to figure out the logistics, I have finally tried IV saline solution. Dr. David Bell is a big advocate of such treatment as are some others. I have POTS as well as this misnomer illness we share. I only did two days as a trial. The first day I noticed an increase in alertness, improved speech/language, and better balance. I also noticed that although the bag took 5 hrs to go through I didn't need to um...make as many trips to the bathroom. I found it interesting since I fully expected to have increased trips to void. I skipped it the next day but did 2 bags the following day. I noticed about the same improvements as far as alertness, speech/language, and balance.
However, I was completely shocked
when I didn't need to void for 5 hours while having saline solution pumped into my veins!! Usually on a very good day with nothing to drink I can go 1 hr. If I drink water then it can be as often as every 10-20 minutes. But 5 hours with fluid pouring in? Unheard of!! I went through the 2nd bag that day with similar results. The bladder benefit lasted through the next day as well. Most likely I would have gone even less the first day but was told to drink excessively in order that they can find a good vein to place the line.
So I talked to my doctor wondering what the implications were. He said clearly my body needed those fluids since I did not have swelling anywhere (as a result of a buildup of fluids). When I drink fluids they go right through me so my body isn't properly absorbing them. This indicates a problem with organs not working right, namely the kidneys, causing the body to suffer from dehydration. Not to the point of death, obviously, but to the point that other organs are not being properly hydrated including the brain. My doctor continues to research my results. This is yet another clue in this extremely complicated illness.
This treatment is not practical but it was well worth trying to see what could be learned.
Here is an article link if you wish to read about Dr. Bell's findings.
http://www.davidsbell.com//LynNewsV3N2.htm
However, I was completely shocked
when I didn't need to void for 5 hours while having saline solution pumped into my veins!! Usually on a very good day with nothing to drink I can go 1 hr. If I drink water then it can be as often as every 10-20 minutes. But 5 hours with fluid pouring in? Unheard of!! I went through the 2nd bag that day with similar results. The bladder benefit lasted through the next day as well. Most likely I would have gone even less the first day but was told to drink excessively in order that they can find a good vein to place the line.So I talked to my doctor wondering what the implications were. He said clearly my body needed those fluids since I did not have swelling anywhere (as a result of a buildup of fluids). When I drink fluids they go right through me so my body isn't properly absorbing them. This indicates a problem with organs not working right, namely the kidneys, causing the body to suffer from dehydration. Not to the point of death, obviously, but to the point that other organs are not being properly hydrated including the brain. My doctor continues to research my results. This is yet another clue in this extremely complicated illness.
This treatment is not practical but it was well worth trying to see what could be learned.
Here is an article link if you wish to read about Dr. Bell's findings.
http://www.davidsbell.com//LynNewsV3N2.htm
