Swimming after surgery...

[coffeelover]

When do most swimmers return to swimming laps in the pool after AVR surgery?

 

[SumoRunner]

In my opinion, you shake the soreness by getting right back into it. Run, swim, whatever, at 4 mos. you should be ready to stress yourself again.

 

[bocco]

In my opinion, you shake the soreness by getting right back into it. Run, swim, whatever, at 4 mos. you should be ready to stress yourself again.

Yup, at 4 months just do it. Like anything else ease into it. My rule of thumb for activity is that minor discomfort is OK. Beyond minor discomfort means to stop and try again in a few days.

 

[Duffey]

I think I was told to put off swimming a little longer than other activity due to the incision and possible scarring. I can't remember what the length of time was though, so you might want to ask the surgeon.
By the way, I swam a mile a day, for 18 years, prior to avr. I do think swimming laps stresses your chest and ribs more than other activities. I think it took 6 months before I could do the backstroke comfortably.

 

[coffeelover]

SumoRunner,
Thabks for sharing! I will just have to take it easy and get back into it slowly--kind of like a new runner!

 

[coffeelover]

Duffey,
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I will have to ease back into all of the cardio stuff. Walking is easy to get back but the other cardio activities are going to take longer. I did do a 14 mile bike ride today and loved it. Didn't worry too much bout falling (I'm on warfarin)-- I just pay closer attention to others on the bike trail and I will not ride on roads anymore.

 

[Jkm7]

My surgeon did not want me in any body of water for at least 30 days post op to avoid possible infection to incision.

 

[RunMartin]

I was told at least 12 weeks before swimming. I did go into the pool at about 8 weeks and did legs only but was told the cardio nurse a few days later to leave it until at least 12 weeks - it was something to do the pressure on the chest etc. When I did start swimming front crawl I found I had to take it easy for a while, i.e. I did not put too much force into pulling my arms through. I swim very day and I can now swim at the same as before AVR.

I think the motto is "easy does it".

 

[chaconne]

I was swimming laps between 3-4 months post OHS. I remember that I was surprised how easy it was and I was expecting more soreness.

 

[SumoRunner]

On a side note, I went to the town pool Sunday where they reserve one lane for lap swimming only. I go 4-5 days a week in summer. There was a sign this time saying lap lane closed. They did not have enough lifeguards to cover all their bases. In all my years I've never seen a shortage of guards. It's such a cushy summer job. But someone told me the expense of getting the cert is too high for the low pay, so kids don't bother any more.

I tried to do what I could since it was late in the day and the pool was not crowded, but I couldn't get a clear line from one end to the other so it was a bit like practice for a triathlon swimming around and dodging others. I managed to get in about 500 broken zig zag meters. Has anyone else seen a guard shortage this year?

 

[Duffey]

On a side note, I went to the town pool Sunday where they reserve one lane for lap swimming only. I go 4-5 days a week in summer. There was a sign this time saying lap lane closed. They did not have enough lifeguards to cover all their bases. In all my years I've never seen a shortage of guards. It's such a cushy summer job. But someone told me the expense of getting the cert is too high for the low pay, so kids don't bother any more.

I tried to do what I could since it was late in the day and the pool was not crowded, but I couldn't get a clear line from one end to the other so it was a bit like practice for a triathlon swimming around and dodging others. I managed to get in about 500 broken zig zag meters. Has anyone else seen a guard shortage this year?

Our local pools are dependent upon high school students (usually those who are no older than 16) to fill the lifeguard ranks. Once school's back in session, the pools' hours mirror that of the schools. The area has a strong swimming culture. Kids start swimming early and many join the local swim teams at an early age. Even the smallest towns host swim meets throughout the summer. Working as a summer lifeguard is a job many seek when they are old enough. However, once they get their driver's license, and save enough money for car insurance, maybe a car, they give it up. Luckily it seems like there's always another class of swimmers ready to take their place.

I swim at a facility that's part of our hospital. Lifeguards for the three pools are hired as hospital employees and receive the same employee benefits. There's always a glut of applicants.:smile2:

 

[SumoRunner]

In upstate NY our pools and beaches are only open about 2 mos of the year. There are plenty of indoor pools at YMCAs and schools, but outside swimming is a short-term job, so always dependent on high schoolers. I worked as a L.G. at 16 & 17 myself.