 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | I tried to swim a by wrapping Glad press and seal around myself a few times. It was really very comical and allowed me to swim a few times this summer. Every move I made, I crinkled. It held up for me to do a few laps in the pool.
But, yes the docs really frown on swimming. Basically with the tube in, the is a tiny gap which allows pool water to seep inside your belly. Thats why no swimming or baths.
I have since abandoned my swimming cuz I cant get a good seal around my picc line. My nurses have a fit when they change the dressing and its wet from the pool. Ive since abandonded my swimming plans for the rest of the summer.
Even if you arent using the tube yet, you still will want to flush it at least twice a day with at least 60ml of water. When is your surgery? Hope all goes well.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
