Drinking liquid is triggering - what do i drink??

[LuckiLee]

Popsicles? Pedialyte?

 

[Abstract]

So sorry to hear it Coolstars.
Yogurt is a good solution. I still go with cucumber and green leafy veg and veg like zucchini. Thinking you could do Rehydration electrolyte drinks or milk - put in ice cube moulds (half full), freeze and swallow the cubes in solid form. You could add herbs, spices or tea to them to flavour it.

Gelatine may turn out to be your saviour. Add it to whatever you find appealing, allow to set and eat. Its also really good for a mass of other reasons.

Longer term, at some point, you are going to need exposure/desensitising, but I realise that is no simple thing. :(

Ps. I know the Fire Ant sensations!

 

[littleoc]

Gelatine may turn out to be your saviour. Add it to whatever you find appealing, allow to set and eat. Its also really good for a mass of other reasons.

Sorry to hear about the fruit allergies! They’re pretty stinky.

But I like this idea I quoted — made me think of jello! There are some mild flavors out there.

 

[Swift]

Sugar-free cordial is my godsend.
Also straws, a really grounding drink bottle (I've gone through phases of having soft covers on them, I have a Marauder's Map one atm.)

The other thing you can buy is "thickened water" or water thickening powder. It's used for people who have trouble swallowing with things like stroke or disability, but I don't see why it wouldn't work for trauma. Hydration is important, though.

 

[Sideways]

You mentioned in your OP that you often feel parched? I’m definitely in favour of finding fluid-replacements for the short term. But this is the kind of trigger that really warrants addressing with your T. Any trigger can be worked through and overcome, and being able to drink when you’re thirsty/parched? Is actually really critical for your body. And not just because of the critical electrolyte balance.

Being dehydrated does waaaaay more than just give you a dry mouth. It will cause dizziness (drop in your blood pressure - which can be dangerous) and headaches and put your vital organs under constant stress. If you become too dehydrated it may cause seizures (although the headache you get with serious dehydration would have you seeking medical treatment, because it’s incredibly painful).

Chronic parched mouth? Is impacting your teeth, such that if it carries on for years, you’re looking at losing teeth (seen that happen in my sister - she had chronic dry mouth from a medication she took).

Your bowel will also be seriously struggling if you’re chronically dehydrated. And good bowel health is an absolute must. Life changer once you get your gut in order.

My guess is that this trigger is also keeping you from being able to do any exercise that involves an increased heart rate? And being able to exercise, knowing that you can quench your thirst afterwards? Could be another life changer.

A lot of people get through life drinking things other than water. But water would be the quickest way to get your system healthy, without the worry of excess sugar in particular that come with a lot of the alternatives. Definitely speak to your T about working through this trigger. It could be totally life changing for you when you get to the point where fluids are no longer a problem:)

 

[The Albatross]

They make a thickener for fluids (non flavored) for people with dysphasia. What about using that for drinks other than caffeinated or sugary ones? Agree with the above post about chronic dehydration... read about the fruit but watermelon is a good choice if you are able... agree with cucumber as well.

 

[CoalStars]

Just in case anyone comes across this and wants to know some other things that helped, I've found a few!

-A fun drinking mug has helped
-Corn is pretty juicy, especially eaten in a bowl with some water added
-Adding lemonade powder makes water taste good enough to power through, even if all that sugar probably isnt the best
-When I hold a cup of water while watching a movie, my brain will automatically make drink it without me even realizing or thinking about it :)
-I thought Popsicle would be even worse than plain liquid, but the freezing cold temperature makes them bearable
-Pudding probably isnt the BEST solution but its liquid and it tastes good, and you can add extra milk/water when making it
-Salad/lettuce has some water in those crunchy leaves, so they're better than nothing, maybe

Other notes:
-Cucumbers are in the melon family, so like all melons, I can't eat them without feeling like Ive eaten a beehive.
-I am well-aware of the consequences of chronic dehydration, from first hand experience. I've been struggling with it for years, having migraines, stomach problems, throat infections, dental issues, you name it. I even had a doctor suggest my tendinitis was caused by dehydration, since muscles need water to stay slick and functional.

I hope anyone else struggling with this is benefiting from this thread as well!
Thanks a bunch to you guys for offering so many helpful solutions! Feel free to keep them coming, I am always welcoming advice. I appreciate you all offering me your thoughts so far, theyve been very helpful! I am glad to be part of a community as kind and supportive as this one--you guys are great.

 

[LanaD]

I'm living off of the few things that taste good enough that I can drink them without getting too tri...

How about sucking on ice cubes?

 

[Nessa7]

If you're having some success with popsicles, maybe shaved ice would be a good next step.