27 replies to this topic

[joelyboyblue]

Hey everybody. I wanted to help all of you by sharing my experience. I've been paralyzed for 10years. I've been swimming for the last 3years and I have to tell you IT IS THE BEST THING we can possibly do for our spiritual,emotional and physical well being. Before my injury I was Never a good swimmer. I could jump off the diving board but I could hardly swim across the pool. I rarely ever got in the water again after my injury. I felt like I should swim for a long time but I was so scared to try that I didn't for years. I was afraid of how I'd look, how I would get out of the pool, how I would get dressed after etc etc. Finally with a lot of encouragement and support from my mom I started. Little by little. We would go to the public pool for lap swim. At first, I could only float on my back. Then I learned to paddle. Then I learned to swim on my stomach. Then I got better so I could do the crawl stroke. Every single time I went I would have little but seemingly HUGE successes. I felt so good! The therapuetic quality of just moving in water combined with the positive emotion of doing something new was AMAZING. To make a long story short, I can now swim laps for an hour regularly several times per week. I feel so strong, so good, and so happy. I've gained strength and more sensation. I'mstronger than I've ever been in my whole life. Its sped my motabolism. Its improved my sense of well being SO much. Why didn't I start doing this right after my accident? I honestly believe every other type of physical therapy or excercise is completely WORTHLESS. I want to encourage you all to GET IN THE WATER. If you don't know where or how to start, I will help you! I'm available, you can skype me at joel.brooksby

Edited by joelyboyblue, 31 May 2011 - 09:33 AM.

[mahmutkaplan]

I agree with you, joelyboyblue. When I am swimming, I feel walking fast. At the beginning, I felt frightened because of drowning. My friend helped and encouraged me. Now I am swimming. I have one problem. I am not swimming straight when keeping my head below water.

[LeahC]

I'd love to agree but my legs sink taking my upper half with them and it is a very stressful struggle trying to keep above the water. For me, trying to swim is the most upsetting, traumatic experience. In a rubber ring floating about I'm fine. Otherwise you can count me sobbing my heart out. I'm upset even thinking about it.

[Edinburgh Colin]

LeahC, on 31 May 2011 - 12:41 PM, said:

I'd love to agree but my legs sink taking my upper half with them and it is a very stressful struggle trying to keep above the water. For me, trying to swim is the most upsetting, traumatic experience. In a rubber ring floating about I'm fine. Otherwise you can count me sobbing my heart out. I'm upset even thinking about it.

Floating about in a rubber ring is actually very good for you, it stretches and extends all the way down from your shoulders, extending the muscles and tendons at the front of the thigh and hip which are shortened all the time we are sitting.

A free stretch by just dangling there!. You can get a bit of a stretch going on by trying to rotate your shoulders and ring back and forth too which will flex and rotate any of your spine which still moves!


Don't sob Leah there is plenty water in the pool already!

EC

[LeahC]

Edinburgh Colin, on 31 May 2011 - 01:03 PM, said:

LeahC, on 31 May 2011 - 12:41 PM, said:

I'd love to agree but my legs sink taking my upper half with them and it is a very stressful struggle trying to keep above the water. For me, trying to swim is the most upsetting, traumatic experience. In a rubber ring floating about I'm fine. Otherwise you can count me sobbing my heart out. I'm upset even thinking about it.

Floating about in a rubber ring is actually very good for you, it stretches and extends all the way down from your shoulders, extending the muscles and tendons at the front of the thigh and hip which are shortened all the time we are sitting.

A free stretch by just dangling there!. You can get a bit of a stretch going on by trying to rotate your shoulders and ring back and forth too which will flex and rotate any of your spine which still moves!


Don't sob Leah there is plenty water in the pool already!

EC

That sounds like a wonderful excuse to go on holiday again :-D

[rue2you]

I love the water also. I swim better now than before. Leah, my legs do just the opposite, the almost float on top of the water! I haven't been able to be in the water for several weeks and I can tell a major (negative) difference in my body!! I am going back!!

[McTavish]

I agree 100% with Joel, I go swimming every Monday and I must say that my body feels all the better for it, stronger more flexibility also able to do transferring a lot easier. ~So come on ye all into the water with you.

[mcjane]

I would love to get in the water! I can only imagine how good it would feel to have a float and let me legs dangle. People have offered to help me get in the water but so far I have not been brave enough. It seems getting out would be the hard part. Getting the chair wet...dressing...bladder issues... Still, I can dream about it!

[LeahC]

mcjane, on 31 May 2011 - 03:43 PM, said:

I would love to get in the water! I can only imagine how good it would feel to have a float and let me legs dangle. People have offered to help me get in the water but so far I have not been brave enough. It seems getting out would be the hard part. Getting the chair wet...dressing...bladder issues... Still, I can dream about it!

Ask around your local pools, a lot of pools have hoists for disabled swimmers. With regards to the wet chair, put a towel on it! And wear something easy to get on and off like a skirt and vest :-)

[rue2you]

I don't know what kind of cushion you have, but I just take the cover off of my Roho (it is all rubber you know) and then put a towel over it. I drape a towel over the back of my chair so it doesn't get too wet. I go to the pool already in my bathing suit and just wear shorts and a t-shirt over it. Then all I have to do is pull off the outer clothes. Changing afterwards is harder, but at least I don't have to change twice.

Their is normally always a lifeguard at pools and they are more than willing to help if it doesn't have a hoise. My YMCA where I swim does not have a hoist (I wish it did!) but the lifeguards are always nice and willing to help (as are most people who are around and see you struggling to get out!) I haven't learned how to get out quite yet by myself but I will get it eventually!

Yes, it is embaressing at first because people do stare (I would too if someone came into the pool in a chair) but it is more out of curiosity than rudeness. Just pretend you don't know they are watching and then show them how cool a paraplegic is that can swim!! They will leave impressed and you will leave happy that you just taught them something. They think we will drown and they learned that we can swim!!

[andycm]

I like to get swimming fairly often too. Where I go, they have a hoist, so needs someone else to move wheelchair out of the way after getting in, and similarly for getting out.

It's great exercise, great cardio-vascular workout, and feels good, so much better than a long trek in the wheelchair.

Like the post above, I find it makes transfers easier. Especially straight after the swim, when my legs seem to lose tons of retained fluid, and I can virtually fling them into the car.

[Illinois Boy]

I used to love it before I lost my right leg... My wife would strap a ski vest on me, then strap
a five pound weight around each ankle [that kept my legs from floating up] I had to swim backwards
but it was a lot of fun.... Will try it again now that my pool is fixed, may bob to one side...

Jim

[mugsy]

I can't say enough good things about the water and how it makes you feel. It's amazing!

[rmorgan]

My husband loves the water too. The lake though, he doesn't really do the pool thing unless we are on vacation. But we have a ski boat, one of his favorite things to do, drive the boat, ski, and then go swimming. Plus it's fun for both of us, considering it's the only time when we are on the same "level" being in the water together. We can hug and kiss face to face.

[joelyboyblue]

are you wearing goggles so you can see where you are going? Try to focus on how you are moving and that you are pulling/stroking equally with each arm

mahmutkaplan, on 31 May 2011 - 10:46 AM, said:

I agree with you, joelyboyblue. When I am swimming, I feel walking fast. At the beginning, I felt frightened because of drowning. My friend helped and encouraged me. Now I am swimming. I have one problem. I am not swimming straight when keeping my head below water.

Edited by joelyboyblue, 01 June 2011 - 06:15 PM.

[mellowgator]

i love to swim as well. i have a 50 foot lap pool in my yard and it has a built in lift. i swim daily and it feel so great to have the freedom of moving and not being in my w-c. it's the best.




mellowgator

[joelyboyblue]

Illinois Boy, on 31 May 2011 - 08:20 PM, said:

I used to love it before I lost my right leg... My wife would strap a ski vest on me, then strap
a five pound weight around each ankle [that kept my legs from floating up] I had to swim backwards
but it was a lot of fun.... Will try it again now that my pool is fixed, may bob to one side...

Jim

I would suggest not using weights. you can do a lot just swimming on your back.

mellowgator, on 01 June 2011 - 06:07 PM, said:

i love to swim as well. i have a 50 foot lap pool in my yard and it has a built in lift. i swim daily and it feel so great to have the freedom of moving and not being in my w-c. it's the best.




mellowgator

thats awesome! Have you had other benefits?

rmorgan, on 31 May 2011 - 09:01 PM, said:

My husband loves the water too. The lake though, he doesn't really do the pool thing unless we are on vacation. But we have a ski boat, one of his favorite things to do, drive the boat, ski, and then go swimming. Plus it's fun for both of us, considering it's the only time when we are on the same "level" being in the water together. We can hug and kiss face to face.

thats outstanding, you two are awesome

mugsy, on 31 May 2011 - 08:24 PM, said:

I can't say enough good things about the water and how it makes you feel. It's amazing!

Amen! how often do you swim?

andycm, on 31 May 2011 - 08:02 PM, said:

I like to get swimming fairly often too. Where I go, they have a hoist, so needs someone else to move wheelchair out of the way after getting in, and similarly for getting out.

It's great exercise, great cardio-vascular workout, and feels good, so much better than a long trek in the wheelchair.

Like the post above, I find it makes transfers easier. Especially straight after the swim, when my legs seem to lose tons of retained fluid, and I can virtually fling them into the car.

Absolutely right

rmorgan, on 31 May 2011 - 09:01 PM, said:

My husband loves the water too. The lake though, he doesn't really do the pool thing unless we are on vacation. But we have a ski boat, one of his favorite things to do, drive the boat, ski, and then go swimming. Plus it's fun for both of us, considering it's the only time when we are on the same "level" being in the water together. We can hug and kiss face to face.

make sure you warm him up really well after he gets out. It takes me hours to warm up after swimming in lakes but I still do it. Also for everyone else reading this, make sure youre good in a pool before you swim in a lake. You have to be a good swimmer and know how the cold will affect you etc.

Edited by joelyboyblue, 01 June 2011 - 06:11 PM.

[mellowgator]

mcjane, on 31 May 2011 - 03:43 PM, said:

I would love to get in the water! I can only imagine how good it would feel to have a float and let me legs dangle. People have offered to help me get in the water but so far I have not been brave enough. It seems getting out would be the hard part. Getting the chair wet...dressing...bladder issues... Still, I can dream about it!

mcjane,

stop dreaming and do it. i know there are tons of lakes around melrose. i'm sure there must be someone around with a pool. heck if you want drive to melbourne and i'll let you swim with me. my pool has a lift. getting your cushion wet please.... what a wuzz!

[joelyboyblue]

rue2you, on 31 May 2011 - 06:14 PM, said:

I don't know what kind of cushion you have, but I just take the cover off of my Roho (it is all rubber you know) and then put a towel over it. I drape a towel over the back of my chair so it doesn't get too wet. I go to the pool already in my bathing suit and just wear shorts and a t-shirt over it. Then all I have to do is pull off the outer clothes. Changing afterwards is harder, but at least I don't have to change twice.

Their is normally always a lifeguard at pools and they are more than willing to help if it doesn't have a hoise. My YMCA where I swim does not have a hoist (I wish it did!) but the lifeguards are always nice and willing to help (as are most people who are around and see you struggling to get out!) I haven't learned how to get out quite yet by myself but I will get it eventually!

Yes, it is embaressing at first because people do stare (I would too if someone came into the pool in a chair) but it is more out of curiosity than rudeness. Just pretend you don't know they are watching and then show them how cool a paraplegic is that can swim!! They will leave impressed and you will leave happy that you just taught them something. They think we will drown and they learned that we can swim!!

that's a great point. Its nothing to be embarrased about. Youre not different than anybody else. The fear of being embarrased is no reason to keep you out of the pool. That was my biggest fear, you MUST conquer that and do it anyway.

mcjane, on 31 May 2011 - 03:43 PM, said:

I would love to get in the water! I can only imagine how good it would feel to have a float and let me legs dangle. People have offered to help me get in the water but so far I have not been brave enough. It seems getting out would be the hard part. Getting the chair wet...dressing...bladder issues... Still, I can dream about it!

BE brave! If people are offering to help LET THEM. Someone will help you get out and put you back in your chair. You don't have to change at the pool. I just dry off the best I can, leave, and shower/change when I get home.

[joelyboyblue]

LeahC, on 31 May 2011 - 12:41 PM, said:

I'd love to agree but my legs sink taking my upper half with them and it is a very stressful struggle trying to keep above the water. For me, trying to swim is the most upsetting, traumatic experience. In a rubber ring floating about I'm fine. Otherwise you can count me sobbing my heart out. I'm upset even thinking about it.

Try again! have someone help you. Try using floats

[LeahC]

I don't want to, thank you. I have explained how I feel about it. I am happy to use a rubber ring on holiday and that's as far as it goes. I am glad you all enjoy yourself xx

[mellowgator]

LeahC, on 01 June 2011 - 11:10 PM, said:

I don't want to, thank you. I have explained how I feel about it. I am happy to use a rubber ring on holiday and that's as far as it goes. I am glad you all enjoy yourself xx

leah,

were you able to swim before the accident? i grew up in florida and used to surf and scuba dive. i also swam competivaly in hs. due to the heat in florida swimming was the only way to cool down plus we have so much water here. the oceans, springs etc.

i'm not sure if many of you english swim much due to your cool climate. correct me if i'm wrong.

karen

[rue2you]

Mellow - I am coming to live with you. That all I want to say about it!

[pistol_pete]

I couldn't agree more about the benefits of swimming. I am dying to get back in the water.
The nearest pool for me is 50 km away and I'm not a huge fan of public pools, I've been in twice and it was great.
my only other swimming experience was in the local river and it was a bit of a disaster. me trying to get back in the chair on a sloping bank, covered in mud and being attacked by huge green biting flys that can be a scourge in our summer, almost gave my wife a nervous breakdown. My legs were running with blood from the bites and I developed cellulitis a week later from them.
So the river is out.
Now I am just hanging out to build a pool at my house, hopefully before next summer.

[MrBump]

i love swimming altho i've only done it in my mums pool.

what i'm afraid of is frign pooing in my local pool, even tho i don't have accidents, it scares the crap outa me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
knowing everyone in town doesn't help cause if I do go, everyone will know !

[wheeliebear75]

mcjane, on 31 May 2011 - 03:43 PM, said:

I would love to get in the water! I can only imagine how good it would feel to have a float and let me legs dangle. People have offered to help me get in the water but so far I have not been brave enough. It seems getting out would be the hard part. Getting the chair wet...dressing...bladder issues... Still, I can dream about it!

If you've already got a few people willing to help get you from chair to pool & from pool to chair THAT is the hardest part. Like Rue & others have said about the changing & the cushion; get your swimsuit on at home & wear shorts & T-shirt over it to the pool, you can also try putting the cushion itself in a garbage bag if it has any foam components (jel AND foam combo cushions are common) the foam will soak up water...well...like a sponge. Have PLENTY of towels; I use one draped over the chair like Rue cuz I also have a ROHO, & I usually have another towel or 2 for ME & often bring a robe. Also speaking of....make sure the water is nice & WARM! I don't have spasms to often unless I get cold & that happens far too easily & even worse once I'm wet if a cool breeze hits me...Hell of a way to ruin an otherwise perfectly wonderful fun afternoon in the pool. As to the question of the bladder; restrict your fluid intake for about 2-3hrs, then drain your bladder just as you're leaving to go to the pool. If you intermittently cath you should be able to go swimming for a couple hrs without "issues". If you're always cath'd such as a leg bag then close off the clamp & tuck the tubing in your swimsuit. If you've got an indwelling cath where you had to go to surgery to get it put it I'm NOT 100% sure about those.

[benok]

i would love to swim again but have never done it since surgery and that is 8 years ago. I also have a colostomy bag? how do one plunge from the pool from a wheelchair? how does one flap the legs and do a freestyle motion. I was able to swim when I was still an AB. one of my feet is spastic and the other is flaccid.

[Andrew Meddings]

as a pool salesman this thread is great. i think i will use some of this in my marketing. pete you need a
pool