I'm longing to get back in the pool and start swimming again . I am 7weeks post op.
Has anyone else managed to go swimming yet?
How soon after the op did you go?
did you face any difficulties ?
How did it feel using tour new in the water ?
I was going to ask that too. I will be 6 weeks this Thursday, also, small a bit hesitant getting in and out of a pool
I was going to ask that too. I will be 6 weeks this Thursday, also aml a bit hesitant getting in and out of a pool
We are going to ask the same question when we see the consultant on the 13th. I have asked at the local gym and they said to make sure you use a pool with a hoist for getting in and out to make sure you are safe.
I intend taking crutches pool side just in case worried about slipping. We have ladder type steps so I was going ti turn around facing the steps on the way in. We have a hoist in our pool but the comedy possibilities are far too great 
Hi Soobeedoo, I'm four and a half weeks post Tibial tuberosity transfer and I started swimmng again at the end of week 2 post op (as advised by Dr).
I started with a pull bouy float between my knees for the first two sessions, but I'm no longer using it as letting my leg move around as I swim helps all the stabilising muscles and ligaments to get back on board and do their job.
The freedom of the water is great, just be very careful on the wet surfaces!
I had a TKR and was advised to wait for the wound to heal and be joined together properly at about 6+ weeks. I can't wait to get back in bit daunting first time.
I think as long as your wound has healed over and no scabbiness I think it's fine. I am a bit worried how it will all feel
Worried also bout getting out or getting stuck
I used a pull bouy between my thighs to swim at 6 weeks last TKR and did the same at 7 weeks this time. My kick is still pathetic so I am working on it separately using a float. My kick is stronger on my back than front right now. It took about 5 months till I was back in form (3 kms. In 60 minutes) last TKR .To get stronger I spend lots of time doing bicycle motions with both my arms and legs while supported by a floater belt around my waist at first and now aquabells in my hands. This is very good for my overall strength and respiratory health. It is amazing how weak one gets after surgery and a month of slow recovery! In the water is the only place that I can workout nearly pain free so I am there 5 days a week. I worked up from 2 times a week in week 4. I think it is the key to quick and lasting recovery. Enjoy! Oh yes. I also got on a recumbent bike two days ago for 10 minutes even though I have only enough flexion to stretch out far to do it. I only have 90 degrees at almost 9 weeks as I had hardware removed and 7 surgeries on this knee in the past 38 years...I feel that small improvements are occurring every day now. Yay!
My Dr was happy with my wound healing progress after 2 weeks and all I did for my first 2 sessions was apply a large waterproof dressing, just to be on the safe side (had to get a special ones from the chemist to cover the 4 inch incision).
Oh yes. To get into the pool step down the ladder backwards one step at a time with the new knee so it doesn't have to bend far. Coming out will take more arm strength to pull up if you are not tall enough to sit on the edge and get up off the floor. Or find a pool with stairs or ramp like I have. By all means have your crutch there by the pool till you can to without it!
I too am a swimmer, I am dying to get back into the water, tub, jacuzzi, pool - whatever!!! My doc says after 6 week checkup and X-ray, if all good he will clear me to swim. Thankfully my pool has beach entry as well as ladders, not sure if I could manage the ladder yet! Happy swimming all!
That's a great encouragement and positive story. I am hoping to do a triathlon in July so need to get moving in the beginnings of a hint if training
You are lucky with a 4 inch incision. Mine is 9 inches!
I have been trying breast stroke - a bit untidy but getting there -I'm 12 weeks in and it definitely works muscles i had forgotten new aches but positive
Ooooo I was warned off breast stroke because of the angle the knee goes to. I tend to do a weak kick crawl
I was swimming at six weeks. It depends on how well your scar has healed.My physio gave me the go ahead so it's best to ask first. It felt great althoughI was nervous of going down the steps at first.
Oh wow, I got off lightly then!
As I am in Oz, we have an outside spa at 37.5 deg. C. I started in this at 6.5 weeks after the scar was completely healed with no scabs. the risk of infection worried me and I wouldn't go in before. Obviously I can't swim in there but the knee feels and moves really well in there doing bends etc, I limit it to about 15 minutes and spray cold water on the knee for 5 minutes afterwards. I think it helps a lot.