Watch your Ice while you have kidkey disease - Steps to take precaution

Here's a possible dialogue between Patrick and his nurse, illustrating the points about ice cube volume and fluid management:

Nurse: "Patrick, we need to talk about your fluid intake. I know you mentioned using ice regularly. It's important to factor that into your daily fluid count."

Patrick: "Right, but it's just ice. I don't drink a lot of water."

Nurse: "I understand, but ice melts into water in your body. So, it's essentially the same thing. Let's look at a standard ice cube. Do you know how much fluid that represents?"

Patrick: "Not really. I just put a few in my drinks."

Nurse: "A standard ice cube is roughly equivalent to one ounce of water, which is about 30 milliliters."

Patrick: "Wow, I didn't realize it was that much. I use a lot of ice."

Nurse: "That's why we need to be precise. If you're using, say, five ice cubes a day, that's an extra 150 milliliters of fluid. Over a week, that's over a liter."

Patrick: "That's a lot! I never thought of it that way."

Nurse: "Exactly. And for someone with CKD, that extra fluid can make a big difference. It can lead to increased swelling, shortness of breath, and put extra strain on your heart."

Patrick: "So, what should I do? I like having cold drinks."

Nurse: "We can work on strategies. Instead of filling your glass with ice, try using just one or two cubes. Or, you could chill your drinks in the refrigerator beforehand. We can also explore other ways to manage your thirst, like sucking on sugar-free candies or using a mouthwash designed for dry mouth."

Patrick: "That makes sense. I just need to be more aware of the amount of ice I'm using."

Nurse: "Precisely. We'll track your fluid intake together, including the ice, and adjust your dialysis treatments as needed. The important thing is to be consistent and honest about everything you consume."

Patrick: "Okay, I understand. I'll be more careful."

Nurse: "Great. Remember, managing your fluid intake is a key part of staying healthy with CKD. We're here to support you every step of the way."