How soon after surgery can I swim?

Luckydog42

I had breast reconstruction surgery six weeks ago. Is it ok for me to swim in a public pool? I also have a port in; does that matter?

proudtospin

congrats for getting past this all, as a swimmer myself I understand your eager to get into the pool but, you really have to ask your doc and I expect it will depend on your healing

ElaineTherese

I started swimming with my port a week after it was put in. According to my RO, I had to wait awhile after rads to swim because the skin was still healing. As for your case, I think it would depend on the state of your healing. If there are areas (e.g. sores) that haven't healed properly, then swimming might not be a great idea. But, if your incisions and all look good, I would think you're good to go.

Kicks

Ask your Dr about when swimming is safe after recon.

Once the incision from the port implant is healed there should be no issue. My port has been in for almost 6 yrs. When it warm enough, I swim often in lakes and streams with no issues at all. Do not,normallly swim in public chlorinated pools though.

coraleliz

I swam 2 weeks after my BMX. Got my drains out 6 days after surgery. It was difficult at first due to decreased range if motion. But I do think swimming helped. I had to stop swimming about half way thru RADs. The swimsuit over the radiated chest was just too uncomfortable.

FrenchPorsche

Bumping this thread. I’m due to go on holiday next Friday. It will be 5 weeks since my mastectomy with a silicon implant. I’m going to check again with my surgeon but last week I asked and she made a face like ‘no way’. We are going to Eurocamp in the south of France and my family will be swimming all day every day so I don’t want to be stuck under an umbrella on the side! Worst case I guess I’ll be able to sit with my feet in the pool! Anyone have experience of swimming on holiday so soon after surgery? Thanks!