This Heat and Humidity

I don't even live near the ocean. I live in Northeast Ohio one-quarter of a mile from the shores of Lake Erie and I cannot stand this humidity. How do we survive after a lobectomy when the humidity is so high that when I walk outside I feel like an elephant fell on top of me? This week, especially, has been a challenge for me.

Fighting heat and humidity

For those of you who live near any body of water, you know what I am talking about. Constant heat, humidity day after day that is overbearing. I have found my air conditioning is my best friend but what about when I have to go out!

Some ideas that have worked for me is to drink extra water on super humid days, staying in the air conditioning and not overdoing it inside and out. Yesterday it was 90 degrees with humidity in the 70% range and higher throughout the day. I decided to rearrange my room so my air conditioning vents were not blocked by ANYTHING. Not really a great idea but oh well. I kept drinking my water as all medical professionals will tell you. This sounds like very sound advice with one exception. I get hot very easily and tend to down a glass of cold water as if I were on a desert island for weeks.

Can too much water be bad?

This can cause another array of problems. An immediate stomach ache, very light to clear urine (which means I overdid it) and dizziness. I pulled out my computer to find out what was happening. It seems there really is a thing called water toxicity. This can mess with your electrolytes and can even cause death. Now don't panic, I'm not talking about quenching your thirst. I'm talking about someone who keeps drinking and drinking water. I did have a stomach ache and I was dizzy but I never had the clear urine so I was in "the clear."

However, those of you who have had a wedge resection or lobectomy know when you feel thirsty, you want to drink everything in sight. The key here is moderation. I learned that yesterday. As you go throughout your day, whether indoors or outdoors, please keep hydrating yourself but not at an excessive speed. Let your body, not your mind, be the judge of how much water you need.

Listening to your body

This week in Northeast Ohio is predicting excessive heat. We have had numerous school closings due to the heat. Be smart and make sure you and your family are keeping track of the amount you are sweating and how much you are drinking. The color of your urine is key to knowing when to stop drinking.

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 28, 2020, Jennifer Toth passed away. Jennifer was a passionate advocate for the Lung Cancer community. She will be deeply missed.