i was going to join the ymca so i can swim and work on getting stronger.
but, if i end up going on iv and cannot swim, then all that payment for membership would be kind of a waste because i am only joining for pool access.
thanks again everyone for all your help
Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :
I think it depends on what kind you have. No, with Hickman catheter and PICC. Might be OK with some other types of central lines.
This is a question for the doctor or whoever inserts the line.
Posted by psano2 (Member # 11711) on :
I'm not a MD, but I think it would be a bad idea to do so, regardless of the type of line and insertion.
The point of insertion is a potential portal for any microorganism to enter and infect your body.
Please consult your Dr. before swimming with the line
Posted by tdtid (Member # 10276) on :
I've been trying to read up on this topic, not because I want to swim, but because I'm going to be referred to IV after 19 months of orals.
It sounds like the port is more enclosed and if the needle isn't in it, it is basically pretty well sealed off. If you get the PICC line, you can't get it wet, period.
Do people know if the top notch LLMD's give you a choice between port or picc or do they just tell you what they want you to have?
Cathy
Posted by AlphaRn3 (Member # 13677) on :
Hi, I got the port thing, so I can at least go swimming 2 days a week. Usually I jump right into the water as soon as the needle is out.
I did the treatment just with peripheral IV for some time but in the end this was too much for the veins.
As I told my LLMD that I like to go swimming, it was clear not to use a PICC.
Arne
Posted by SForsgren (Member # 7686) on :
You can swim with a PICC. just get a Dry PICC cover.
The swimming motion may not be good for a PICC line depending on where it is placed. Bending your arm too much can put tension on the line and cause a problem.
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
Cathy,
My primary doc suggested a port if I were going to do the IV abx again.
This was after I ended up in the hospital with an infection in my PIC line.
MIght have gotten it while doing water therapy.
So, I would recommend the sock idea Scott mentioned if you plan on being around water.
Can't recall, but I think my lyme doc asked me if I wanted a port or a pic when the subject first came up.
Still don't know which one i would go with if I had to make the choice again.
Like you, I would do more research.
Posted by daise (Member # 13622) on :
Hi!
quote: You can swim with a PICC. just get a Dry PICC cover.
NO WAY!
There is no product on the market to protect you with a PICC line in the water and there never will be.
Some people will sell you anything.
daise Posted by achey (Member # 6284) on :
You can swim with a deaccessed port.
My health care providers recommended that I wait 12 hrs after deaccessing before submerging in a public pool or lake to make sure I don't get pathogens exposed to the skin broken by the needle stick.
I have had a port for over 3 yrs and have enjoyed swimming throughout.
It's important to remember to exercise in moderation as the body doesn't heal well when fatigued.
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
![[Smile]](smile.gif)