Hot Tub Caution?

[SJJ]

I'm planning a trip to Santa Fe mid May when I will be 11 weeks post surgery. I'd like to make use of the hot tub at the house we've rented. Would submersion in heated water and potential for incision infection continue to be a concern by that point? Figured some of you hot tubbies out there have asked your doctors for guidance on this subject.
Sue

 

[Ross]

If your allowed to bath at home, there shouldn't be any troubles.

 

[tommy]

Sue,

We got our tub 3 years post op. At 11 weeks you should be pretty well healed over. I'm always leary of open wounds, especially in a public tub.

Do check with your doctor about the temperaturre setting and how long you can be in there.

 

[Nan]

Hi Sue,

My cardio gave me clearance to use a hot tub about 1 year after AVR (that is when I asked him) Check with your doc....but I agree that if you are allowed to bathe, then it should be OK, but always check!

Enjoy!

 

[Susan BAV]

Hi Sue -

It took my drain holes a bit to close up. I'd be VERY LEERY about hopping in the hot tub, especially too soon! Lots of bacteria (I'm a borderline germaphobe though) and who knows what! Ask your doctor to be sure! You DON'T WANT an infection in your incision!!! Of course, I'm not wild about hot tubs anyway because the hot water (saunas too) always made me feel ill, pre-op, very ill! They probably won't bother me that way anymore. Oh, but the germs...!

~Susan W

 

[Nancy]

There was a TV show discussing bacteria and hot tubs came in pretty darned high. They said the mist above the water was filled with bacteria. And they found that people who were around hot tubs a lot developed upper respiratory infections more than ordinary. I guess the warm environment causes extra bacteria growth.

Same show mentioned shower curtains as harboring enormous amounts of bacteria. Said they should be wiped down with bleach or washed in the washing machine frequently.

 

[Karlynn]

I would also be cautious of how hot the tub is and that you don't go in with a full stomach. Both can get your heart rate up a little too high. (Our friends next door have a hot tub and I've learned those few things from experience. )

 

[Marge]

My "Recovery Guidelines" say no tub baths, no hot tubs and no swimming pools for four to six weeks to allow for the incision to heal. (They don't want bacteria getting in there.) At 11 weeks, unless you have problems with the healing of the incision, I don't see why you can't use a hot tub.

BTW -- my Recovery Guidelines also say you shouldn't expose your scar to sunlight for six months to a year after the operation, to avoid "spreading and intensity" of the scar. I thought I'd mention that, since it can be quite warm in Santa Fe in May, and that ole sun seems real close at 6000-7000 feet, so you may be tempted to sunbathe.

Sue, have a GREAT time -- Santa Fe is BEAUTIFUL always, but May is a great time to be there. This year we're going in August (not so great, it will be very hot, but, hey, it is Santa Fe, I'm not complaining!).

 

[KathyH]

I don't blame you, wanting to go into the hot tub. I can't wait to get back in mine- only 2 weeks post op.
You should be all healed up, but just FYI there can be alot of bactereria in those public ones, check it out to see how often it is cleaned .
I know someone that got a hot tub and filled it using a hose that had some warm water in it and she got a pseudomonas infection because they stayed in the hot tub way too long and then kept there wet bathing suit on for awhile after.
I have never had a problem with mine but I kept the temp down to 100 in the summer and never stay in it more than 1/2 hour at a time.
Anyway, on a more positive note, have a nice trip and enjoy the hot tub.
Kathy H

 

[Harpoon]

You should be pretty safe at eleven weeks plus. Generally by that time you're cleared to take showers or baths or go swimming. The added bacteria potential (it really depends on how well the tub is maintained) shouldn't be that much of a concern. If the wounds are closed they're closed.


There IS another problem though that wasn't brought up.

BLOOD PRESSURE.


The hot water makes your blood vessels expand a lot and will bring your BP down, sometimes significantly.

Some people with heart disease are advised to limit their time in a tub for only a few minutes (no more than 15) or stay out of it all together.


When my wife and I were on our honeymoon last September (6 months post-op for me) we were in the hot tub a few times. It was great, had been years since I've been swimming at all. However, I was very mindful of what my body was doing and ready to get out if I felt the least bit uncomfortable or light-headed.

I didn't have any trouble at all.


You should also try to minimize the "shock" when getting in and getting out. The sudden changes in temperature can be rough on your system. Take your time easing in and out and dry off as soon as you can once you get out.

Some people (when it's available) hop into a sauna after the dip which I've always wanted to do, those precautions apply even more then.


Just remember that in the tub, your BP's going to drop, and it's going to fly back up when you get out, too fast if you rush.

 

[SJJ]

Thanks guys for all your input. I knew you party animals would have some experience to share. Seems the consensus is that hot tubbing would be okay medically (with caution) but after many of your comments I'm not so sure I want to anymore (and I did used to love them.) Kinda like after you've seen how hot dogs are made you never want to eat another.

Marge,
I haven't been to Santa Fe for years. Any special restaurants you'd recommend?

Sue

 

[Harpoon]

I wouldn't rule out the hot tubbing experience all together, just be more mindful of what it does to your body and pay attention the next time you slip in. If you're really concerned about it, run it past your cardiologist.

 

[Marge]

<< Marge,
I haven't been to Santa Fe for years. Any special restaurants you'd recommend? >>

Sue, our faves have been around for YEARS. We keep going back to the same places, old stand-bys like Pasquals, and The Shed, also Celebrations on Canyon Road.
The French Pastry Shop (in La Fonda, but also has entrance on the street) is good for breakfast or a coffee in the afternoon. The guy who runs the French Pastry Shop is from Marseilles, the goodies are fresh baked on site every day, and I swear the croissants are as good as anything in Paris.
The Plaza Cafe, on (where else) the Plaza, is a diner-type place, doesn't seem to have changed since the 40's, has good burgers and actually very good Northern New Mexico dishes (love their huevos rancheros).
This time I want to go to some places we haven't been.
Our Santa Fe friends recommend the Santacafé. (Name is just TOO cute, but they say it's very good.) I have heard that Julian's (Italian) is very good and has a romantic atmosphere, but in we have not been, probably because in Santa Fe we tend to seek out the Northern New Mexico cuisine.
We used to go to Casa Sena for a special evening, but it seems to have gone downhill. I think this time maybe we'll try the restaurant at the Inn of the Anaszasi, which is supposed to be very good.
I'm SOOOOO envious -- I wish I were going next May too! But I hope you will report back so we'll have the benefit of your observations when we go in August.

 

[SJJ]

Thanks Marge! I'll check 'em out and let you know if we discover any great places ourselves.
Sue

 

[Lulabelle1]

Hi.
Be mindful of yourself...just because of the heat. As said above, it's a shock to the system & BP.
Remember Party animals...Alcohol is a no no in the hot tub too.
(that includes wine, & not just hard liquor & beer)
darn. Lulabelle