How soon after surgery can I swim?

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Luckydog42
Luckydog42 Member Posts: 51
edited May 2019 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

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?

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  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited June 2015

    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

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited June 2015

    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.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited June 2015

    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.

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  • coraleliz
    coraleliz Member Posts: 1,523
    edited June 2015

    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.

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  • FrenchPorsche
    FrenchPorsche Member Posts: 75
    edited May 2019

    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!

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