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How soon after surgery can I go in the pool

Posted , 18 users are following.

Annette1234
Annette1234

Hi Everyone, i am having LTHR Aug 9, do you think I wil be ready to go back in the pool anytime in Aug or Oct?  You may be thinking, " girl, pool will be the last thing on your mind" you can tell me that!  lol 

thanks Annette

3 likes, 28 replies

28 Replies

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  • jennifer86394
    jennifer86394 Annette1234

    Posted

    Well, I went in the pool the day after I had my clips out.  The wound was clean and dry so the doc said yes go for it. So that was just 2 weeks after my op.  I have been using a float and doing lengths just walking up and down and laying on my back and kicking my legs.  I am going to try front crawl today .  My specialist has given me the go ahead. I will let you know how I get on.  I'm 5 weeks post op. 

    • jennifer86394
      jennifer86394 Annette1234

      Posted

      Hi Annette, I'm doing really well. I just swam 10 lengths front crawl in our 25 mtr pool. I felt I could have done a lot more but didn't want to overdo it.   I then did another 10 with a float around my waist doing a walking action up and down and a breast stroke action with my arms.  I feel great now.  Before my op I would swim a mile about 3/4 times a week so I have a way to go to get back there but I will get there.  smile

  • renee01952
    renee01952 Annette1234

    Posted

    Hi Annette,  Good responses already - I have not much to add to them ...just take it one day at a time - this waiting time is nerve-wrecking, isn't it ? but you'll make it, wepromise ! big warm hugrenee

  • noplaybarbie
    noplaybarbie Annette1234

    Posted

    Hi Annette:

     I don't have an answer to your question, as we all heal at different rates. Progress can be slow, but for some very fast depending on the type of approach used, to your general condition, age etc...My advice is listen to your doctor and he will tell you when you are healed enough to go in the pool. We have restrictions on moving certain ways for a while until things have healed enough. Hope I have been of some help. Wishing you well, and hope that all goes fine for you. Barb

    • Annette1234
      Annette1234 noplaybarbie

      Posted

      Thank you Barb,

      Hopefully I will be all set for next May/June timeframe.  I will have bigger things to worry about this year. smile thank you

  • lyn1951
    lyn1951 Annette1234

    Posted

    the pool and treading water has been a life saver for me before sugery, and after, with second surgery I asked my GP at 10 days post surgery. He laughed and said see you in a week, and then we will have a look at the possibility, and again at 10 days plus one week made me wait another week.

    He was right, I was not healed up enough, the risk of infection was toooo HIGH. After that I was fine, and have been enyoing the pool since.

    So end result I was in the pool 24 days after surgery, and treading water for my exercises, wonderful and physio couldn;t believe just how strong my legs were a few months later, was going to recommend to other hippies to get in the pool.

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK Annette1234

    Posted

    This is brutal surgery, and it will depend on your fitness before the operation, and your recovery.  We all recover differently.

    Just take it easy, and take physio advice on when your body is ready to do swimming (or any other exercise).

    Graham

    • Annette1234
      Annette1234 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Thanks Graham, I think I mislead everyone with my question, I am an avid tanner, but as I have gained so much information I am sure I won't be thinking of tanning or be able to get on and off the float smile thank you and I and so very thankful for your guide! It's a great collabration of works!!

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK Annette1234

      Posted

      I wasn't a tanner, but have done some lately - whenever the sun is out which hasn't been often.

      A lot of the information is down to other people on this forum - my grateful thanks go out to everyone who contributed, as well as to those who helped me through my darkest days.

      Best wishes

      Graham - ????

  • bonnie29702
    bonnie29702 Annette1234

    Posted

    Hi folks - I’ve had LTHR 3 weeks ago and have been wondering when I could get back in the pool. We have a gorgeous salt water pool in my building that was a godsend leading up to my surgery. I’ve been able to leave the walker behind, so the PT exercises as instructed at the hospital, and this week started on the stationary bike - 15-20 min ‘flat ground’ setting smile. I think my progress has been quite good, really slowed more by the right hip (surgery on that one is May 15). My surgeon didn’t give me precautions, but rather was told to do what feels ok and not push too hard. But I’m itching to get back into the pool!! What recommendation have you all been getting? Is 4 weeks too soon? My incision scar seems well healed but I don’t want to risk infection. 
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure bonnie29702

      Posted

      There is  so much info above from A-Z. As soon as your cleared by your physician to bathe then water therapy is a excellent  way to go.

       I was in the water 6 weeks after I gained enough strength to drive and walk on flat ground and off pain meds.

       Water therapy should be done under a therapist supervision at first or ask for a session from a pt. your doctor can write you a script. It's important to learn how to do the different exercises properly. And then you can ask for print out on other excerises to take home or better yet, if a therapist will come to you. Then use your own salt water pool is a excellent way to go & salt water helps you stay afloat and heal skin and handy location right there in your building. Lucky you! Where do you live I'll be right there. 😃😉

      I found just walking in the pool with a float noodle till I got my sea legs the first thing was very relaxing.  No swimming for me to sore at the early stages. Did lots of pool exercises after 12 weeks I could swim for short distances. This too depends on the shape your in and other variables . It's a nice way to build muscle strength from water resistance. Just take it slow and easy. 

      Listen to your body feedback and take it slow then in a few more weeks your progress will help guide you to move with confidence and then slowly move up to swimming .

      Always be sure there is someone with you never go it alone. Be safe and keep movin and rest . It's to easy to over do in the pool because of less pressure from the water adds holds up our body weight.

      Swimming is the best way to get back mobility. After all the better quality of life is what THR is all about. I am a year from revision on hip and both hips are a bit bumpy from winter cold and I have been thinking about heading out to the pool for therapy , now after reading all this I'm going to go. It the hot tub after therapy that is so relaxing .🏊🏻

      Cheerng you on to a great rehab.... Keep posting on your progress or better yet this is a old thread start a New Discussion on salt water pool recovery .

    • renee01952
      renee01952 hope4cure

      Posted

      hi hope ----

      good to see you here ... how time has flown, right .... 

      my 1st THR was exactly 3 years ago to the date ... 2nd one will be 3 years in September --- it has been a wee bit bumpy ... hips were great from the beginning but oh boy, the toll it has taken on the rest of the body !!!  

      Sounds like you are doing well .... 

      big warm hug

      renee

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