Swimming and COPD

[Delacroix]

So, I want to get back into swimming and I have done it for years competitively till I was diagnosed with COPD 3 years back. Any advice or just basics you would like to share about how to cope as I am not ready to give up in living yet. Also is there anyone that knows how to deal with the warmer pools I have mostly always swum in cold water, but my lungs are saying no to anything cold or too warm lol.

[peege]

Good for you! You put me to shame though. The town I live in has a magnificent Lido with heated pool. It's only a mile away but I've not been yet.

I don't have cold but I'd always take a puff of Ventolin before entering the water, build up slowly. Personally, I know I'd knacker myself for days if I overdid it, but that's me. You may be stronger & fitter!

[Delacroix in reply to peege]

walking down one flight of stairs gets me so know it will be slow but miss swimming a lot. thanx for the advice of Ventolin before

[laines]

Swimming is an excellent exercise. I struggle more with the warmer pools. Take two puffs on your ventolin inhaler using your spacer approx 10 mins before you go in the water and take your time don't over exert yourself and keep it up. The swimming will help your breathing and your frame of mind and your over all well being. All that along with staying positive is how you manage copd. I think most people when they are first diagnosed tend to think ' that's it I can never exercise and I am going to get worse' but that's the furthest thing from the truth. You'll always have copd but you can improve and you can improve your breathing. Enjoy your swim 🏊

[Delacroix in reply to laines]

thanks a lot

[2greys in reply to laines]

"You'll always have copd but you can improve and you can improve your breathing."

Spot on, 100% correct. Take it steady and stay near the sides just in case you need to hang on to catch your breath, at least until you are confident that you can cope. It would be a nightmare to get a panic attack out in the middle and too deep to touch the floor.

Also it might be an idea to just to pay a cautious visit the pool area first just to make sure that any chlorine fumes do not cause a "trigger event" with an exacerbation which you don't want, in or out of the water. Play it safe and always have someone else with you, do not swim on your own in an empty pool.

[Delacroix in reply to 2greys]

my mum has decided she will meet me there and come swim with me. she isn't a strong swimmer so I know her swimming with me will not make me attempt to go over board lol

[Hidden]

Went swimming in the sea the other day was glorious sunshine and water was freezing cold but loved it xx

[skinnylizzy59]

Hi Delacroix, I go to an aqua aerobics class. I feel fine about being in the water and doing the exercises and know I can get out if necessary. The class lasts 45 minutes and then I go into the steam room for 10 - 15 minutes with no problems or adverse effects. Good Luck and take care. Love Lizzy x

[Delacroix in reply to skinnylizzy59]

thank you

[helenlw7]

I started swimming twice a week two years ago on the suggestion of one of my consultants. I have uncontrolled asthma, bronchiecstasis and RA. My peak flow went from 295 to 395.

[Delacroix in reply to helenlw7]

that is awesome

[helenlw7 in reply to Delacroix]

I really miss the swimming when my breathing or joints are too bad!

[Shirleyj]

Give it a go, nice and easy, take your time. When you do a length stop and your breath back to normal then do another length. I find after swimming my chest feels clearer. Good luck x

[Delacroix in reply to Shirleyj]

thank you

[lKeith]

Delacroix

Sounds like you need to do a survey on line to find a pool that suits your temperature. The physios like to see you doing as much exercise as possible, it would be good if you can get back in the right temperature water. All helps to keep you subtle and fit.

Keep looking

Keith

[Hidden]

I struggle in the shower. I have stage 4.

Would love to go to baths but I think the moisture would be too much for me.

[onamission]

I went on a PR course about 2 years ago and the physiotherapist highly recommended swimming.

I go to the pool up too 3 times a week when I'm free from infection and I can say its this that's kept me going

[kiltylyn in reply to onamission]

My Physiotherapist has just asked me to go on a 6 weeks course re my COPD . Did you enjoy your course ? Ive started going to the swimming but by nighttime i cant get a breath . Am Gutted that this is happening as love the swimming, maybe im doing to much , not keeping in mind that Im no logier 29 but just about 60. Ive got the doc tonight so will see what he has to say..

[onamission in reply to kiltylyn]

I also went on a pr course got so much out of it. I enjoy going to the pool as I can't exercise on land due to back problems so swimming is good for me

[kiltylyn in reply to onamission]

Ive been put forward now for it. After last Tues swim which i absolutely love , night i cant get breath, went to doc wed past , another weeks antibiotic and 5 days Steroids to shift this chest infection. They are still saying its NOT the chlorine & COPD but chest infection. To go for an COPD review next Monday . I do hope they are right and can get back to pool on Tuesday . Must say feeling loads better with the drugs. I would be absolutely gutted if it ends up the chlorine.. Thanks for getting back to me , ill look forward to the course now, always open to learn new things.. Same here with your pain, back and knees , swim helps so much ..

[Midnightcowboy]

I was diagnosed with COPD 3years ago, stopped swimming until 2 weeks ago, first swim I did about 12 lengths and got really tired, 2 days later I managed half a mile ( 32 lengths ) have done the half mile 4 times now, yesterday halfway through my swim I started to feel really good, felt like my lungs were taking in more air, I swim crawl with a breath after every second stroke, the water is always cold because some of the British squad use it for training, this suits me fine as it makes it easier for me to breath.