Swimming?

[BazAveyard]

Any tips on swimming! In theory it seems a good idea however cold water and chlorine set me off coughing and producing phlegm! I sound disgusting and end up getting out!

[Mandy6513]

Blimey getting into cold water takes my breath away so not sure about that one its hard work with a lung disease to get your breathing under control swimming

[piggi]

Hmm. I don't find the chlorine sets me off for some reason. But sometimes the vapors from people's shampoo/shower gels/perfumes etc at the shower end can have me gasping. I have to float about at the other end and wait for it to disperse. I used to swim quite a lot - then I didn't at all for a few years - then I was diagnosed with severe COPD and decided to try it again. So - I don't know if it's because I was used to doing it a lot at one time that now I don't find it too bad - if you see what I mean? I have a technique for getting in the water - I get showered and walk round the side of the pool. Because my skin is wet, I get cool for 30 secs/1 min. Then, when I get in, the water actually feels warm! Lol! I can't swim continuously - I have to stop at the ends to catch my breathe, but I go 3 times a week and I have gone from feeling quite panicked and using a float to get from one end to the other, to swimming half a mile quite gently. I like it. I feel stretched and warm when I get out. Hope you find a way to stick with it. Best wishes piggi x

[Hidden]

Hello bazaveyard. I know it is very good exercise but public swimming pools seem so unhygienic. Also I do not like anyone seeing me in a swimming costume! N

[weeneenee]

Swimmig is agreat exercise for anyone with lund disease i started swimming again after many years and have enjoyed every minute, when you're swimming you have to breathe and the breast stroke helps to open your lungs, ps I have copd/bronchiectasis

[onamission]

I go to aqua fit highly recommended by the PR team my local pool doesn't smell like it used to bleach they use other chemicals now due to people with lung problems.

Its this aqua fit that has kept me going I have lower back problems so I can't exercise on land its been my life line, some times the water is cold but you soon warm up and its good for you

[Azure_Sky]

Chorine would make me choke, I don't think I could bear to be seen in a swimming costume. Too many wobbly bits.

[Happy26]

Hello,

I highly recommend swimming if your Doctor approves it.

It is best if the pool is heated to a comfortable level.

Start slowly.

Swim 3 times per week.

Hop in the pool and sit at the shallow end for 5 minutes allowing your body to adjust to the temperature.

Swim for 10 minutes the first day and 15 minutes the next time and 20 minutes the next time so that eventually you are swimming 30 to 45 minutes each time depending on what you choose.

Do not worry about the coughing

and bringing up phlegm as this is exactly what exercise is good for.

Have a spit cup at one end of the pool and spit the phlegm into the cup.

Hope this helps