FrankTalk.org

How many weeks after the surgery before you can go swimming in a lake or ocean?

I was told last September; 6 weeks no swimming in the ocean, lakes or swimming pools.
MK

I would not allow any non-sterile fluids anywhere near any surgical incision until it is completely healed, especially in an area of my body so friendly to infection (warm, moist, protected - excellent potential for flourishing bacteria, fungi, etc).

I would not go into any body of water (particularly natural ones) until my surgeon examined the incision and gave me the go-ahead.

Bathing in treated water in a clean bathtub is one thing. Running river, lake, pond, sea or community pool another.

As W.C. Fields asked in response to an offer of a drink of water, "Do you know what fish DO in water?"

I agree with Lost Sheep about making sure you have your doctor's approval. Some surgeries are different than others. I was given the go-ahead after about 3 weeks, but my incision was very small and totally sealed with surgical glue. I know many others are told to wait 6 weeks.

Quincy.

I was just told by my home care nurse today to wait a couple months, but she also said to ask my surgeon also. She even said that sitting in a hot bathtub is risky until about 4 weeks. I believe I’ll get my direction from my surgeon in 3 weeks.

At 2 weeks my infrapubic scar was healed. It was about 3/4 inch long. I started using my home hot tub at that time. I watched to bromine level closely. At 106 degree it was great for breaking in the pump. Left nut was also attached to the pump. Hot tub was great for pulling them apart.

3 weeks after the procedure I was healed enough to start swim training