SWIMMING.

[swallow]

I was wondering if anyone else has taken up aqua aerobics or swimming as a form of exercise or is this not good for people with COPD?

[Hidden]

I don't have COPD but I do have pulmonary fibrosis caised by Sarcoidosis and I've taken up swimming. I love it. Gentle exercise and I've gone from swimming 200m to a kilometre. I have to stop but I can tell my stamina has improved as I could only swim 1 length without stopping and now I can do 6.

I'd definitely recommend it.

Marie

[elian]

Hello swallow

I gave up my membership to the gym last year, due to a few stays in hospital with exacerbations of COPD, but I understand (and my consultant confirmed it) that swimming is one of the best forms of exercise there is providing you know your limits and don't try to push yourself too far.

I may well rejoin this year.

[veejayess]

hi, I have had COPD for afew years now ,but I have swam all the time, We go to an over fifties swimming session every week and i very rarely feel SOB. I used to swim a mile every week , but after a really bad exacerbation I just went and chatted alot, but after putting some weight on have started building up the lengths , don't think I will get back to the 60 odd lengths, but we can hope !!

I definately feel better after i have been even when I dont want too.

[Hidden]

I think it all depends on the individual. I loved swimming and it had been my favourite activity since childhood. I stopped swimming about eight years ago, despite living less than 200 yards from the beach. I was too tired and weak and didn't yet know i had copd. After diagnosis i tried going to aqua aerobics and it felt so good to be almost weightless in the water. I had to stop after a couple of sessions though as the chemicals affected my breathing quite a lot. It didn't happen immediately, but as the day progressed when i got home i found i was really struggling. I put it down to coincidence at first, but when it still happened after a couple of tries i had to give up on the idea - it made me ill for three or four days after so it really was out of the question.

If ever we get some good hot weather i may yet venture into the sea again. I will make sure i have another adult with me, and i will have to use my 02 as i couldn't do more than a stroke or two without it. Where there's a will there's a way

[Hidden]

It's great to hear so many people finding swimming useful. As Parvati said, it does depend on the individual and on your lung condition. For some, the water can feel very uncomfortable.

Our consultant physiotherapist said that as long as you're safe and comfortable in water it can be a great form of exercise; in fact for people with asthma, swimming is one of the best forms of exercise . If you were a swimmer but stopped becuase of breathlessness, it may be a good idea to get back in the water. With some advice and support from a respiratory physio or respiratory instructor of course.

One of the specialist respiratory fitness instructors who trained through the BLF runs swimming classes specific for people with lung conditions and the demand for them is very high! You never know, there might be one in your area! Any swimming class for over 50s, people with long-term health conditions or aqua aerobics should be able to adhere to your needs.

Keep it up!

[swallow]

Thank you so much for all your replies....I'm waiting to have my lung function tests etc after a very sudden illness which they say is COPD but as yet I've no firm diagnosis, I'm still recoverying slowly but once back on my feet I'll give the swimming or aqua aerobics a try which oddly enough I'd planned to do before this happened....I'm also recovering from cancer and radiotherapy and had only seen the Oncologist just 2 days before I was struck down with this illness, it happebned very suddenly and never before. Thankfully he was very pleased with how things were going and I left the clinic thinking I was finally getting my life back!!...famous last words lol

I can't change anything thats happened so the best thing to do is to get on and make the best of everything.xx

[MrHappy]

Thanks all for your responses to this topic.

I'd considered doing swimming, especially as I'll be near the seaside for all next week.

My fear was becoming short of breath when in the water, as there's no place to lean or sit.

Any suggestions?

[pollie00]

Yes...Swimming is my lifes BLOOD>>>Check this out oxydpnd.blogspot.com/2014/0...

[Hidden]

My Consultant said aqua aerobics was fine. Need to start again myself.

[pollie00]

If U use oxygen when U swim, U will be interested in this ebay.com/itm/271712554820?s...

[pollie00]

I am on oxygen 24/7 @ 5 LPM and I swim almost daily with my oxygen tank that I made for myself and I can make you a watertight case too. Just go to ebay and search "Take your medical oxygen tank swimming" and you will find it.