Prosthesis and hot tubs and saunas?

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NannaBaby
NannaBaby Member Posts: 510
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

What can I use if I plan on going in hot tubs and saunas?

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  • angeljoy
    angeljoy Member Posts: 128
    edited January 2011

    Hi Nanna,

     I haven't been in a suana since my mastectomy, but have been in a hot tub I just use my swim form, which is made of fiberfill and has a small amount of some kind of weighting material in it.   I can't imagine the heat or the chemicals would harm it much, and it is pretty inexpensive so not such a big deal to replace every now and then if need be. I'd worry more about the high heat and chemicals affecting my other prostheses. The fitters always tell me you can swim in them, but I prefer something lighter when in the water anyway. If it were me I'd ask the manufacturer before I used my expensive forms in a sauna or hot tub Good luck!

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2011

    You might want to review the Position Papers of the National Lymphedma Network regarding lymphedema risk, which includes temperature recommendations for saunas and hot tubs. No point in having a "swell" time of it!Kiss

    http://www.lymphnet.org/pdfDocs/nlnriskreduction.pdf

    Be well!
    Binney

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  • NannaBaby
    NannaBaby Member Posts: 510
    edited January 2011

    thanks for the link!  It says mx 15 minutes in hot tubs and saunas :)

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited January 2011

    2t, lymphedema will always be a risk.Frown The current guidelines read under 15 minutes and:

    "Avoid placing limb in water temperatures above 102°Fahrenheit (38.9°Celsius)"

    The idea is to avoid heat directly to that quadrant of your body, and to avoid raising your core body temperature (which happens when you soak even part of you in a hot tub for very long -- which is why they say 15 minutes.)

    Personally I wouldn't risk it myself, but all I can actually offer is the NLN guidelines, which are written and updated by their (very impressive) medical board. Some women turn down the heat to the recommended 102 degrees and continue to enjoy it at their leisure, and that seems to me to be more reasonable than even the 15 minutes at higher temps.

    We all make our own compromises! Kiss

    Be well!
    Binney

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  • NannaBaby
    NannaBaby Member Posts: 510
    edited January 2011

    Amoena told me I can wear my prothesis in hot tubs and saunas.

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  • purplemb
    purplemb Member Posts: 1,542
    edited January 2011

    I have used my hot tub, which the temp is set at 99.. and never stay in long.. I use the bath poofy swim form,  I have recreated it from an idea by a friend (thanks AlaskaDeb) sewn right in my suit.. its light weight and the water drains right out.. good luck and stay strong..

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