First swim after my THR!!

nearlybionic
nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
edited 12. May 2009, 10:52 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi
I had the opportunity to stay at my father`s caravan for a couple of nights with my children and hubby. I was looking forward to having a bit of time away from home, and for my family to have some fun. The weather was with us, and the kids enjoyed the playground , crazy golf etc... And this morning the children were desperate for a dip in the pool. I love swimming, but have not felt ready to tackle the ladders etc, and was afraid of slipping! But today I couldn`t resist! The pool is really warm and there are steps with a rail. It wasn`t busy either. It was Great!!! :D:D I did a few exercises holding the side and a few widths of crawl type stroke. My leg felt a bit wierd at first, loose in the joint, but after a few minutes felt ok. I managed about 20 mins then felt aches coming on.
My kids were so pleased to have mum in the pool , especially as I haven`t been able to join in things for such a long time.
I was a bit wary of peopel swimming too close in case they accidently kicked or bumped my leg, but I was fine!
Just thought I`d share that positive news!!
NB

Comments

  • mrsmopp
    mrsmopp Member Posts: 73
    edited 3. May 2009, 13:46
    Hi
    I had the opportunity to stay at my father`s caravan for a couple of nights with my children and hubby. I was looking forward to having a bit of time away from home, and for my family to have some fun. The weather was with us, and the kids enjoyed the playground , crazy golf etc... And this morning the children were desperate for a dip in the pool. I love swimming, but have not felt ready to tackle the ladders etc, and was afraid of slipping! But today I couldn`t resist! The pool is really warm and there are steps with a rail. It wasn`t busy either. It was Great!!! :D:D I did a few exercises holding the side and a few widths of crawl type stroke. My leg felt a bit wierd at first, loose in the joint, but after a few minutes felt ok. I managed about 20 mins then felt aches coming on.
    My kids were so pleased to have mum in the pool , especially as I haven`t been able to join in things for such a long time
    I was a bit wary of peopel swimming too close in case they accidently kicked or bumped my leg, but I was fine!
    Just thought I`d share that positive news!!
    NB

    Well Done, glad you enjoyed it. I had a knee replacement 5 months ago and still have not plucked up enough courage to go to the pool. I feel the same as you a bit wary of people bumping into me. Think with the nice weather coming, i will buy a new cosie and just go for it...
  • bailey27
    bailey27 Member Posts: 689
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well done!! That's fab news.
    I bet it felt great to get it moving.
    Hope it is the start of a fabulous recovery for you!
    x
  • debbieclap
    debbieclap Member Posts: 109
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well done thats great I still haven't plucked up courage to go so keep up the good work. Think I will try next week. Thanks for sharing the positives
    Debbie
  • eckstardeluxe
    eckstardeluxe Member Posts: 1,192
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well done, that's great. I bet you feel really proud of yourself to have got out there and done it. I went swimming with my son last week and felt great afterwards. Must admit we drove 20 miles away to do it (scared I might get beached at my local) :lol:
  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Eck
    I was away from anyone who knew me !! I didn`t want to bare my bod in front of anyone I knew!! :oops: I couldn`t hide the scar though!! Bring back long leg cossy`s!! :lol:
    I am quite pleased with myself, first for swimming after my THr and secondly for getting into my cossy!!Hey but I have lost a stone, so more exercise will help too.
    NB
  • eckstardeluxe
    eckstardeluxe Member Posts: 1,192
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Eck
    I was away from anyone who knew me !! I didn`t want to bare my bod in front of anyone I knew!! :oops: I couldn`t hide the scar though!! Bring back long leg cossy`s!! :lol:
    I am quite pleased with myself, first for swimming after my THr and secondly for getting into my cossy!!Hey but I have lost a stone, so more exercise will help too.
    NB

    Well good for you on losing the weight. I started my diet this week and am down 6lbs so far. It's the fat coke, I'm an addict, I've drank 3 litres a day since I was 12. I am having major withdrawal symptoms but needs must to try and get myself healthy again.
  • mistywillow
    mistywillow Member Posts: 711
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Eck
    I was away from anyone who knew me !! I didn`t want to bare my bod in front of anyone I knew!! :oops: I couldn`t hide the scar though!! Bring back long leg cossy`s!! :lol:
    I am quite pleased with myself, first for swimming after my THr and secondly for getting into my cossy!!Hey but I have lost a stone, so more exercise will help too.
    NB

    Well good for you on losing the weight. I started my diet this week and am down 6lbs so far. It's the fat coke, I'm an addict, I've drank 3 litres a day since I was 12. I am having major withdrawal symptoms but needs must to try and get myself healthy again.


    Hi NB
    Well done! Thats brilliant! Its always scarey to do something like that after you have surgery but a great sense of achievement afterwards. Hope you continue to improve in leaps and bounds. The olympics .......2012!! 8)
    love Gillx
  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Gill
    I`ll sign up for the 2012 if you`ll join my syncranised (sp?) swimming squad!!! I`ve always wanted a nose peg!! :shock:
    I had a negative experience the night before with a man making rude comments about the way I walked and my using my crutches. I had asked if I could use a chair which was empty when we were out for an hour with the children, and I was shocked at his sarky response, of he was older than me so NO. My hubby and me explained I had recently had a THR so needed to rest and he said `well I have had 2 hips done and a triple bypass . Top that!` He hadn`t (my friend knows him) but he thought I was lying about my op!! I was near to tears as I was so shocked and embarassed. But today I was determined not to hide away, and let him knock my confidence further.
    So I was even more proud of myself today!! :wink:
    NB
  • caravancollie
    caravancollie Member Posts: 66
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi NB
    Well done you for getting in the pool and having some fun with the kids. I bet they enjoyed it as much as you. Never mind the scarring, it's a mark of your bravery going through the surgery. I can't wait until I can take the grandchildren again. As to the other matter of the rude and ignorant man, it's a pity he's no need for this site as seeing himself in print may make him embarrassed. It's a good job he's in a minority as most people are polite.
  • vonski
    vonski Member Posts: 1,292
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi NB

    Well done :):) There'll be no stopping you now, what an achievement. Bet everyone was so proud of you taking the plunge.

    Ecks Well done to you too, 6lb is brilliant hmm! an alternative to coke that's a hard one though.

    Love
    Vonski x
  • denpen
    denpen Member Posts: 389
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi NB
    Well done or your courage getting in that pool that great and your losing weight (wish I could)
    And as for that ignorant guy he really isnt worth the worry and stress some people are just rude and ignorant and hopefully what comes around goes around.
    Take care and well done again
    Denise.x
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,
    Thats really good, it must have given you quite a boost. I'm afraid I'm a bit like that old joke, Dr, Dr, If I have a new hip, could I swim" "Yes, of cours" Thats fantastic, because I can't swim now" :oops:

    I am glad for you though, you'll be able to join in with the family fun. :D:D Love Sue :)
  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    Thanks everyone for your support and encouragement. I am feeling a bit achey today, but still feel very proud of myself!! I think my poor little used muscles are feeling the strain today. I will try not to leave it as long before I go back in the pool!
    And Sue I like that one!! I should have asked if I would be able to do things like ballroom dance or horse ride!!(never done either before!!)
    NB
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,395
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi NB,

    Well done you - that must have felt really good - bet at one time you didn't think you'd be swimming again.

    .......... as for your scar, you should be like me I show mine off at every opportunity I'm so proud of them. Before my op I was so knock-kneed I used to trip myself up :shock: now I have these beautifully straight legs with a white long worm stretched over each knee. WOW. :!: Who needs a tattoo? Cheap at half the price :wink: :roll: :lol:

    Luv Legs :D
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • ikesother
    ikesother Member Posts: 171
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well done on your first swim session! Wonder how you found the leg strokes? I must admit that Ive thought of going out of town or going to my local pool when its quiet after Ive had my op, and Im looking into getting an exercise bike as we live near a very busy main road and being knocked off a bike aint gonna do my new hip any good :wink:
    As for the old boy with 2 hip ops etc, I wouldve been tempted to give him another injury to add to his list :x Ive also had my share of moans and nearly all from oaps, when i park in the disabled bays. I love it :wink: jk :wink:
  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi jk
    I just kicked my legs a bit, no breast stroke legs. My operated leg felt a bit weak but I suppose thats to be expected until the muscle are totally healed.
    The old cantankorous (sp?) bloke made me feel bad on my first trip out in the evening. I already felt self conscious re crutches and worried about busy place and people possibly bumping into me. But his comments made me feel awful, but I wouldn`t let him see he had me near to tears!! He had never had an op in his life (I was told by a reliable source) and obviously thought I was making it up. Would he have made the same comment to an older person, I think not!!! :x
    I didn`t let him spoil my evening altogether!!
    NB
  • brian35
    brian35 Member Posts: 58
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Had my 6 weeks follow-up today and was cleared for swimming, driving etc. but surgeon said that TKR would not permit me to do breast stroke because of the leg movement involved, but said it is OK with THR.

    I will have to get back to learning the crawl but at the moment just looking forward to some weekly pool therapy.
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,788
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Good news Brian. Has the six weeks flown by for you I wonder?
    Enjoy your swim. What about just floating on your back to start with?
    Good luck
    Toni x