I don't drink much water either. I do drink water with every meal but that is it as far as any drink consumption (except for my coffee in the morning).

i do these weird thing where I keep a 10 ounce (its pretty if that counts) glass water bottle in the fridge and I put an elastic around the bottle as I finish it and refill it off the fridge filter (my well water could kill you).

at the end of each day it gives me an idea when I look at the elastics round the water bottle how much water I had that day....

they also haves a harder and harder time getting a line on me at infusion

. i don't drink enough coffee or tea for water consumption there to be anything to mention. i do eat a shitload of vegetables many of which are watery.

i have a wide mouth glass refillable glass water bottle (from Target) that is wide enough to slip blueberries, or limes, or lemons into it if I want the taste of fresh citrus or fruit to shake it up.

my friends seeing the elastics on the water bottle always laugh.

depot

I live in a very hot climate and I drink water all day long. With lots of ice. Whenever we go out, I always have water with lemon. Love it!

I have Sjogren's Syndrome which leaves me with a dry mouth. So I am drinking water constantly to keep my mouth a bit wet.

We have a reverse osmosis water system that ties into our fridge. I just sort of walk around with a glass of iced water in my hand all day. Plus I drink a lot in the evening.

I had a fasting cholestrol test down a few weeks ago and I could not drink water. That is the first night in memory that I did not have to get up to go to the bathroom. It was strange!

I would say between 8-10 glasses a day for me too. I think that once you start to drink water, it will become natural, and you will miss it if you don't.

I hate water
When I was on MTX somehow I forced myself to drink 3 16 oz. bottles a day.
Now I'm lucky to get thru 1.
I try to drink green iced tea.
I eat a lot of salads that I think contribute and I like watermelon.

I saw a Dr. Oz program one day where he explained that if your poop comes out in little balls, its a sign that you are dehydrated. So, if I ever see that, I start drinking more.

Also, I buy a 12 pack of flavored soda water every week. It tastes better than plain water and doesnt have any sugar, salt, or preservatives in it.

I do drink a couple of cups of tea each morning, but since tea acts as a diuretic, it just goes right through me. For that reason, I dont think tea is a good solution for hydration.

For many years even before RA, I began drinking lots of water. I worked for hours a day in our huge flower beds and yard. I got some well-insulated cups with lids and a straw hole, they hold 3 cups, filled it with ice, then ice water from the fridge. It stays cold for hours, and I've become used to sipping it often. I never go anywhere without it. I make sure to drink at least one of those full a day, in addition to about 3 cups of iced tea with dinner. I also try to remember to drink a glass of tap water in the bathroom immediately after I go to the bathroom (even after I pee), so usually I get at least 8 cups a day.

With all the meds we take, we need to drink as much as possible. I think it's just a habit we have to cultivate.

And all the liquids don't help my veins, they are always tiny and roll, even when I have drank a lot.

I've been stuck with an allergy cough (productive & non-productive at times) so I have those 16.9oz Costco water bottle with me at all times. I probably drink about 4 of these a day easily.

It's good to drink a good 8oz of water upon waking up, it helps get the digestive system moving.

Then the day I take my MTX I usually down a whole bottle at once.

I do trish, used to be the same. I finally realized drink it or suffer.

I don't like water either, but have found that a little bit of crystal light drink mix (less than the package says to use) gives it enough flavor.
I agree that getting a refillable sports bottle or pretty glass that you like helps, too!

I wonder if all the people who don't like water, it is because your water doesn't taste good?

My husband would not drink water when we used to live in Alberta. One day, a few years back, we were in a town in the Rockies in BC and he took a sip out of his glass. I did too!

It was the best water we had ever had to drink. We drank 4 glasses each, before the poor waiter finally brought us a pitcher.

I have become a kind of "water connoisseur." I know where to fill up my water bottles where the best water is. I know how to avoid bad tasting water.

Granite mountains have the best water. Fresh, snow fed water. Places with alkali soil have the worst.

Just a random thought!

About a month ago I was having trouble with low blood pressure (e.g., 94/52). I felt horrible. I went to the doctor and he told me that I was probably dehydrated. It's been hot and I live at altitude (~5,000 ft.). I bought two 24-oz water infuser bottles from Amazon. I stuff the infuser basket with melon pieces, cucumber, sliced fresh cherries, whatever is around and keep them in the refrigerator. That was about a month ago. I drink both bottles each day with no problem. I also drink other things. So, I easily get at least 64 oz. of water a day. I feel so much better! It does help that our water source come down out of the Rocky Mts.

I've got the same problem. I just don't get thirsty and forget I should be drinking more water. I can have my two cups of Java in the morning, and then in the late afternoon remember I have not had anything to drink since 8 am. (Gee, no wonder I have a lifetime history of kidney stones!!!)

Yes Trish hydration can make it more comfortable for the patient & an easier BD.
used to drink enough water to float away.
Then came the plastic scare. My SIL had me a nervous so cut back.
Hit with RA & with exhaustion & such started on my coffee. Not good.
I can say felt better with all the water. Even my skin was better.
I'm trying to get back to that.
It's a funny thing but water can be addictive. Once you find what works for you it's almost a must have thing.
Never went anywhere without extra in my little cooler bag.
Helps flush out toxins to.
Now if I can make an honest effort.
I'm the same. Can taste the difference in water. Especially once you really start drinking it. I'll add lemon to get me started.
Worth trying to hydrate plumping up those veins before that next set of blood work Trish. Reminder for us all.
Sammy

Thank you all, I don't feel so much like the lone bone. Now that I'm involved in a new study blood test will be more frequent. So onward and upward, I WILL drink water (I'll pretend it's something good)! Thanks again, Trish