This is about my daughter (14). Retinal detachment, genetic (she's -11 diopters!). Going in for surgery today to put this silicone band around it. Some grey area in doctor's orders, we have follow-ups, but a non-swimming doctor will say "no swimming," so I am hoping I may be able to get some input. He defaulted to "I don't care what you do, just do NOT let water in it for 3 weeks." Here's teh rub, she is a Winter Juniors qualifier, and has a very, very good shot at Summer Juniors in both backs, and a pretty decent shot in the 100 fly, as well. A 2-3 week break will pretty much kill that, as our LSC Championship meet is in 5-1/2 weeks. The meet this weekend where we were really hoping to make it is obviously out of the question.
So my question is, is there anyone with experience trying to continue to train right after surgery, or might there be an eye doctor (even better, a surgeon) on the board who knows how things that keep water out of the eyes (goggles, or goggles plus tape, etc.) work? Default is to just not take a chance, she's young, she's already cacught the eye of one good D1 program's coach, etc. But if there is a professional here who can tell me if it is at all possible to train with ZERO increased risk to not training, I would really appreciate the input.
Again, to erase all ambiguity, not looking for feedback on risks. I'm sure many reading this are thinking "Dude, it just isn't worth the risk!" and I agree! Unless we hear otherwise, we won't be taking them.
she's young, she's already caught the eye of one good D1 program's coach, etc Your daughter should be thinking about swimming as an additional lever to get into the college that offers what she wants to study. A great D1 swimming program at a school that doesn’t excel in her chosen major is not a real wise choice.
Jr. Nationals is what we are generally considered to be the meet where you get noticed. At 14 she might get noticed, but she won’t be receiving any scholarship offers. And in reality most coaches look at time progression until a swimmers Junior or senior year.
A 2-3 week break will pretty much kill that, as our LSC Championship meet is in 5-1/2 weeks.So what. Is her long term goal the LSC Championship or is it, well, more long term? If her goals are more in line with being a D1 swimmer instead of an S12 Para-Olympian, then it might be wise to follow the doctor’s orders.
Personal story – My son severely messed up his ankle 3 weeks before high school state meet his junior year. It wasn’t the end of the world. He was out of the water for 2 weeks and swam 1 footed at the state meet, but still went on to have a rather respectable college academic and swim career.
My wife is a doctor
One of my grandfathers was a doctor
3 uncles were/are doctors (2 deceased)
Sister-in-law is a doctor
Family's best friends are both doctors
Their reading comprehension is apparently above average for physicians. Or maybe my ability to emphatically state multiple times in multiple ways that there will be no risk taking is compromised by my engineering background (like physicians, we are accused of both hubris and not being able to talk to "normal" people). Regardless, I'm just going to close this thread, as apparently people think I'm a horrible parent for trying to educate myself to communicate effectively with the non-swimmer (and non-family member) doctor, to see if I can minimize her time out of the water. With no increase in risk.
The restriction from swimming is to minimize the risk of infection. I'm no doctor (actually I am) but I would follow your physician's recommendations.
Also not a doctor... wait I am... and recommend following post op instructions :) I guess since I'm not a retinal specialist it doesn't count...
