chlorine swimming pool

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jinky
jinky Member Posts: 746
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hi Everyone, I am wondering if you can go in a chlorine pool with lymphedema? Also if you have a hang nail could you get infection from the pool? Thanks jinky

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited April 2006
    Hi, Jinky,
    Here's a link to a National Lymphedema Network article on summertime LE tips.
    http://www.lymphnet.org/lymphedemaFAQs/riskReduction/summerTips.htm
    Halfway down the page it has a section called "In the Swim" that seems to say the chlorine helps disinfect, but if you're swimming in the ocean or a lake or river you shouldn't enter the water with any skin breaks (like a hangnail). I think that's what it says, anyway. Not entirely clear.

    We use a neighbor's pool all summer, and he's extremely detail oriented and is very careful about chlorine levels, but I certainly wouldn't trust just anyone to safeguard our poor old lymphatic limbs. Just my opinion.

    Anyhow, summer's just around the corner, so the article was a good review for me. A bit daunting, actually. Glad you brought the subject up!
    Binney
  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited April 2006
    Alot depends on how well the pool is maintained. I would say yes to a private pool if they take good care of it. You might want to invest in a $5 pool test kit to test for chorine and acid levels. I wouldn't go in a public pool as many diseases are not killed by chlorine.I won't go into detail, but you can guess. Especially true if infants are allowed in the pool.
    Use a private pool, but use with caution.
    Hugs, Lisa
  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited May 2014

    Now that the weather is getting steamy in some areas I am thinking about pool precautions. Any more ideas?

  • grammakathy
    grammakathy Member Posts: 407
    edited May 2014

    I have been worried about public pools because we are due to go camping and swimming with our grandchildren.  I'm going to stay out of the pool unless I need to jump in because of an emergency!

  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited May 2014

    As you can see this is an old post. Just thought I should bring it up seeing that summer is near.  Many of us do swim. Lots of LE girls have become more swim savvy. Me, I like to shower off if I go into a lake to get all nasty stuff off. Same with public pool. I dress my wounds with a waterproof bandage and Binney suggested liquid bandages for my cracked thumb skin during the dry seasons. It works pretty good at keeping it clean so that is another good suggestion.

    Don't forget, submerging over your shoulders makes the best compression garment so you don't need to wear sleeves or gloves while in the pool. I usually puddle around for a hour exercising  sleeveless in the water. I sit on a small pool noodle and it sinks me deep enough but keeps me afloat  Feels so good to be arm naked like that.

    That said, If I felt the pool was dirty I would stay out.

  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited May 2014

    Make sure your swim suit fits well, doesn't dig into the shoulder area. More summer swim tips here:

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/How_You_Can_Cope_wi...

    Water activities are actually good for LE, so hopefully we'll all find great ways to stay cool and comfortable (and swell-free!)in the water!

    Be well!
    Binney

  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 3,296
    edited May 2014

    for the bigger chested the miracle suit DDs have been a godsend. The first time I tried one on I cried since I had not been in a suit that fit right for years. The one I get is colorblock touché I think. They do have under wires. 

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