Swimming after back surgury

Hi Everyone, I have been diagnosed with a spinal tumor in the L5-S1 region. Likely, it's benign but will need to be removed surgically. :afraid: Swimming is my life and my love... it has always been my fallback activity to cure whatever ails me. And, on top of it all... the Masters Team I swim with has never been more engaged and my level of swimming never more intense. :bliss: Has anyone here had any experience with getting back into the pool after a serious back surgury as this? Any advice encouragement or wisdom is greatly appreciated.:bow: I had a microdiscectomy at L5-S1 this past December for a 12mm plus disc herniation. Basically my spinal cord was being crushed by the disc. I was back in the water swimming very easy with a pull buoy at 3 weeks post op. Doing flip turns and surfing at 3 months and competed in a meet at 6 months. I took it slow, but at the same time I was really focused in my rehab. Started with Physical therapy and diet, then slowly added strength training. Today I am lighter and stronger than I have been in probably 20 years. Make sure you have a good surgeon and good physical therapist and talk with them about what your plans and expectations are for recovery. And follow their advice to the letter.

Hi Everyone, I have been diagnosed with a spinal tumor in the L5-S1 region. Likely, it's benign but will need to be removed surgically. :afraid: Swimming is my life and my love... it has always been my fallback activity to cure whatever ails me. And, on top of it all... the Masters Team I swim with has never been more engaged and my level of swimming never more intense. :bliss: Has anyone here had any experience with getting back into the pool after a serious back surgury as this? Any advice encouragement or wisdom is greatly appreciated.:bow: I had a microdiscectomy at L5-S1 this past December for a 12mm plus disc herniation. Basically my spinal cord was being crushed by the disc. I was back in the water swimming very easy with a pull buoy at 3 weeks post op. Doing flip turns and surfing at 3 months and competed in a meet at 6 months. I took it slow, but at the same time I was really focused in my rehab. Started with Physical therapy and diet, then slowly added strength training. Today I am lighter and stronger than I have been in probably 20 years. Make sure you have a good surgeon and good physical therapist and talk with them about what your plans and expectations are for recovery. And follow their advice to the letter.