Hey I went swimming

[chimera]

After working with a physical therapist I went swimming for the first time at the health club I go to. It was great! Little scary at first, but when I wasn't panicking I did pretty well. Also, the owners of the health club recognized that there are people in wheelchairs that go there...so now we have a stationary hand bike and a lift for the pool! Just thought I would share my good news.

chimera

[Jeff]

I love swimming, especially with hand paddles. These are the kind I use:

http://worldwideaquatics.com/catalog/products/thumbs/71500.jpg

These are supposed to give a slightly more natural stroke:

http://worldwideaquatics.com/catalog/products/thumbs/lvc.jpg

Paddles make an unbelievable difference. Wearing them you can tread water with only your arms almost effortlessly. And you can get to the other side of the pool a lot quicker. And they'll help build stronger muscles.

http://worldwideaquatics.com/catalog/products.asp?BrandID=0&CatID=11

~See you at the SCIWire-used-to-be-paralyzed Reunion http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/wavey.gif ~

[chimera]

thanks for the link.

When I was at the pool there was a quad there using those same paddles. So I ask him if I could try them out. To me it was kind of awkward using them. Do they take some getting use to? I think I will go ahead and order some anyway and practice some more.

[Jeff]

At first it is awkward because it takes more strength and you have to constantly keep the paddle in the right plane without it turning to the side. They come in three sizes so it can be helpful to start with a smaller size. But gaining the strength and coordination to use them only takes a few swims, anyway.

I think this is also where those newer ones come in. I've never tried them but I've heard they work well and it feels more natural as you stroke through the water.

I hate swimming without them, now. Just too many strokes to stay afloat while treading water. Tires me out.

I think after you get used to them you'll feel the same way. The difference for me is night and day. Partly because being a quad means I cannot cup my hands effectively. Partly because those things really work! http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

~See you at the SCIWire-used-to-be-paralyzed Reunion http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/wavey.gif ~

[Jeff]

At one time I was planning to do serious workouts swimming. I bought pull-blocks to increase resistance while swimming laps and also five pound swimming weights for my wrists.

Well, TMALSS, I almost drowned twice. The weights on my hands would sink me and the pull blocks would keep my feet up making it harder to right myself in the water. And I hate getting so out of breath in the water. Makes it too easy and dangerous to breathe some water in.

Swimming for me is now recreation only. I'd rather be totally out of breath doing an exercise on dry land. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

~See you at the SCIWire-used-to-be-paralyzed Reunion http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/wavey.gif ~

[chimera]

Jeff,

I can't believe you put weights on your arms. What's wrong with you? http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif I'm pretty sure I would drown if I tried that. Hey it looks like you're up as late as me. My Yahoo chat ID is 'sootyempiric' if you want to message me.


chimera

[pep84]

I begin an MS swim class tomorrow at the YMCA and I was a bit nervous, although I am excited. Now I know what I need to pick up along with my new trunks. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Carl R]

I have a trach still because I have to be suctioned once or twice a day. It is plugged most of the time. Does anybody know anyone who has gone swimming with a trach? I am guessing it would leak, but swimming sure seems like it would be good cardiovascular exercise.

[Jeff]

Yeah, those weights were a bad idea. Actually, I could swim with them doing a modified back stroke but if I tried doing the crawl it was impossible. The pull blocks were worse than the weights, though. It's hard to get your face out of the water when your feet are on the surface. I started to panic once but made it safely to the side of the pool. It was a good thing because there was no one else at the pool. By the way, I drowned in a lake when I broke my neck and was later revived with mouth to mouth. I vividly remember taking my last breath and knowing I was going to die. The thought of that happenning again is a pretty strong deterrent against taking too many chances. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

~See you at the SCIWire-used-to-be-paralyzed Reunion http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/wavey.gif ~

[SHELLY]

Hi everyone, I haven't tried paddles yet, but I do use elbow splints. I noticed a major difference in my workout. Anyone willing to share their workouts? I could use a few new ideas.

[KLD]

Is definately not encouraged. You can get into the water with help, but would need to sit in a position where your neck was completely out of the water. Significant water can leak around the trach tube and get into your lungs either floating on your back or stomach. We even cover our trachs with plastic when we shower patients to avoid too much water spraying on the area.

This is a good goal to work towards though. I know several of our patients with trachs were able to get into the pool after they did all the work of getting rid of the trach all together (with a one week delay for the stoma to close fully).

[barondidit]

i went swiming for the first time recently as well... it was great. i offed it right out of the chair into the deepend. i saw the red head guy from murderball do it, so i said fuck it. warning do not atempt sny of the stunts shown as they are done by crazy ass mfers.