How Long After a Minor Surgery Do You Wait to Go Swimming?
By Pigglies
@Pigglies (9329)
United States
July 11, 2008 7:48pm CST
I am dying to go swimming again! I had a minor surgery on Monday and I really want to go swimming. I think I'm still too sore right now, but today I was finally able to shower again. How much longer should I wait?
Does it make a difference if it's a chlorine pool or a salt water pool? I have a chlorine pool, but one of my aunts has a salt water pool (no chlorine) and I'm wondering if maybe going over there would be better since salt water helps to heal wounds?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@GnosticGoddess (5626)
• United States
15 Jul 08
Surgery? Did I miss something?
I hope you are healing well now.
I'm sure you've already went through all this but I think I would call up your docs office and ask them about it. Salt would probably be better than chlorine though ;)
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
16 Jul 08
I still need to call, I am bad. I keep forgetting during the hours they're open. But I haven't gone swimming yet, so I guess it's not too bad that I didn't call.
It was the mole removals surgery, so the one was super minor and the other wasn't all that deep either.
1 person likes this
@GnosticGoddess (5626)
• United States
21 Jul 08
Oh goodie :) I'm glad it all was well then.
I know what you mean! I need to call and make an appointment for the doc and always forget!
@im_tiggs (141)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Given the length of time that went by for this dquestion, I would think that you are FINE now, if you still have not gone swimming. Did you have to go back and check on stitches, or have the surgical site looked at? Generally - it is 10 days to 2 weeks after surgery to go swimming. Your best bet is to call the office in the Morning and check on when you can do different activities.
You didnt say 'what the minor surgery was....you may be able to cover it now...
Don't take a chance and risk infection.
Get well!
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
23 Jul 08
You know, I am actually so lazy that I still haven't gone swimming.
I had mole removal surgery. My arm is almost entirely healed, but my leg is still an open wound, but not as large anymore.
I go back in on Monday, so I'll see what they say then. I've already been doing other exercises again like playing the Wii. And I've been volunteering with seals, but not getting wet. Basically, I was only told to not get the surgery sites wet. If I don't cover them in the shower, they bleed. So that's why I wasn't sure about swimming. I'm thinking it's probably okay now, but I might just wait until Monday anyway.
@im_tiggs (141)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Great! I am glad that you are going to wait till Monday. I guess that would make it 3 weeks. I was gonna say, as long as it is covered. But I rather a Dr look at everything.
Be sure and tell him about that frequent bleeding, that doesnt sound quite right!
Good luck and when you can go swimming- Enjoy!
I live in Montana= we havent had a hot summer! lol June 10th when the rest of the country was baking in the sun WE HAD 4 1/2 INCHES OF SNOW! AND IT IS STILL SNOWING IN GLACIER PARK- heheh.
Glad all is well!
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
12 Jul 08
You really should talk to your doctor before going swimming. The problem that I see with either pool is that your wound will be submerged in water for a long time so it will become very damp and that could increase the risk of infection. So, call your doctor...that way you won't have to worry about whether it's too soon or not.
