swimming the English channel

[Sunray-mid]

I am 56 years old four weeks post open-heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and I would like to swim the English Channel. I know this can't be done tomorrow as I have to recover first and do a lot of training but has anybody got any advice about how to achieve this goal.

[JulianM]

I do know several people who have done this, either as members of relay teams - the usual format is a team who take it in turns to swim for an hour each - or as solo swimmers. One of them made an attempt on a double-crossing, after deciding swimming one way was a bit too easy, but unfortunately gave up half way back ... Best of luck!

It is vital that you talk to, and train with, people who have done this before and know what they are doing. There is a recognised association which is the place to go, here's the link:

channelswimmingassociation....

[JulianM in reply to JulianM]

I should also mention there are other open water swimming challenges which might be great steps on the way. For example, in Istanbul, there is an annual swim across the Hellespont, which is very manageable, with the current, in much warmer water than the English Channel, and can be taken on with organised tour groups such as swimtrek.com/packages/swimm...

[Hidden]

Hello

I have no information I can give you on this one but I know eventually you will do it and so looking forward to that post when you have x

[Carlg]

i cannot speak for crossing the channel or speak as a professional.

But I think setting a long term goal could really benefit recovery. I think it will be important then to break it down into medium and short term. Recovery is a long process.

i have set fitness goalso hopefully I can go back to my part time fitness job. However I'm doing it in a measured way (even though that is frustrating at times!).

[Chappychap]

Good for you, with ambitions like that you're likely to be one of the successful patients who bounces back from surgery and lives a full and vigorous life.

Since my open heart surgery I've done a bit of open sea and wild water swimming, I live on the coast so it's easy to take advantage of any bit of good weather. I've been surprised at just how many heart surgery patients I've met on the beach, a number of whom were training for a cross Solent swim to the Isle of Wight, that's "only" three or four miles, but it's still a massive milestone achievement.

Good luck!

[Hidden]

Hi, An interesting challenge irrespective of OHS or not. Although beyond those targets I set myself, the principle remains the same. I've always found setting targets key, whether it's following surgeries or heart failure more recently. The way I see it with Valve Surgery is simple, the heart is effectively 'fixed', recovery can be a lot quicker, depending on an individual. One way or another, get on with life and don't look back.

The target itself doesn't matter, what does matter is 'Mindset and Determination', both of of which you will need to achieve your particular challenge.

These principles along with Positivity,have served me well over a very long time period.

I hope your recovery is going well and wish you all the best in your endeavours.



[Leonardo1]

like eating an elephant - in small chunks !!

Go for it ! I’m nearly a year post op ARV and I couldn’t swim the channel without a shed load of practise but !! I wish I could because I feel so alive !!

This incredible operation has given me so much vitality and life and I try very hard never to forget how lucky I am !

My attitude to life is so very much more positive and I have become a yes woman !! So if you want to swim the channel - you swim it with gusto !! Ill be with you in sprint !! ( I lived in Kent it’s jolly chilly water )

Good luck with your recovery - and keep swimming !!

The beat goes on !!!! ❤️

[Digger0]

No idea, but well done for having the idea. I'll sponsor you!

[Prada47]

Hello

What is the opinion of the Cardiologist who performed your surgery? I think that would be a starting point. I don't know if valve surgery is the same as bypass surgery, but after I had bypass surgery I was told under no circumstances to get Cold.

Like Thatwasunexpected you can put me down for a £1 a mile if you need sponsoring.

Regards

[Heather1957]

You will need to get specialist advice as my cardio physio told me that swimming needs special consideration after cardio surgery.

[spinningjenny in reply to Heather1957]

I was told the same but it was never explained why. Since I’ve no intention of swimming the Channel I didn’t bother asking.

[Heather1957 in reply to spinningjenny]

It was explained to me, something to do with blood pressure and you have to enter the water in a certain way.