Hi Darcy,

Long time no see! It's good to see you back.

Funny (not "ha ha," but as in what a coincidence) that you mention edema. I just got over a horrendous bout of it, due to side-effects of colonoscopy prep (phospho soda). I gained 12 pounds of fluid, couldn't see my ankles or knees and my eyes almost swelled shut. It was horrendous, so I really feel for you!

But, to answer your question about the drink. I'm still using it and it's working great. After the edema went down, I used it and the edema did not return. There really isn't much salt in it - just 1/8 tsp. per 2 qts. of liquid. I'm pretty low-sodium in my eating habits too, just 'cause I'm more of a sweet lover rather than salt lover.

Anyway, for this morning's ride (which was a hill-climbing route that took me about 2-1/2 hrs. ride time and 3 hrs. total time) I drank 1 large bottle of the replacement drink (I'd estimate my large bottle holds about 24 oz.) and one large bottle of plain water. I did not consume anything else on the bike, however, when I do longer rides (over 3 hours) I take along some raisins and almonds. I ate hot brown rice farina with blueberries, ground flaxseed, and hemp-based protein powder about 90 minutes before getting on the bike. I drank an emergen-c when I got home and then ate another bowl of cereal, this time with 1 whole omega-3 egg and 1 egg white mixed in instead of the protein powder. Normally I would have eaten something else, but the cupboards were bare! I felt like I had plenty of energy (considering the windy conditions and I was by myself, so no drafting!) and no cramping.

Anyway, I do hope you find something that works for you and you find some relief from your edema.