I'm going to call and ask my surgeon's office about this, but I thought I'd get some other people's opinions and experiences too. My surgeon says no swimming or submersion in Water (except for a shower) for 3 weeks after the surgery.

Well, at the end of 2 weeks after my surgery, we are taking a family trip to visit my inlaws. They have an in-ground pool in their back yard. They have a copper thing (?) that cleans the water, so there's no chlorine or chemicals in the water.

I was really looking forward to swimming in the pool with my 3 year old. :eek:

How long did your doc recommend to not swim after your surgery?

My doctor strongly advised against it for about 6-8 weeks. Even though pools are chlorinated or "clean", they are still full of bacteria and your incisions can easily become infected. Stay out of the pool until they are fully healed so you don't risk infection!

Hope this helps.

I had the same advice--3 weeks before any submersion in water/soaking in a tub. I actually decided to wait longer because my incisions were healing slowly and I didn't want to compromise them.

Of course, maybe it will be the other way around with you and you're a spectacular healer...maybe that will justify going in a week sooner!

My Dr. and Nurse Practitioner told me that I could swim after all of the glue was off and incisions are closed.

My doc said no swimming or hot tubs for 6 weeks.

It was at least three weeks probably closer to 4 before my incisions were healed enough for me to go swimming.

Doctor told me 6 weeks and I'm glad I waited that long. I had a wierd habit of spitting out my sutures, so my incisions took a bit longer to heal. Just when I thought I was healed, out would come the end of another one. I would be terrified to risk an infection.

Agreed with everyone. Incision infections can be NASTY....I don't even want to think about having the port site infected...