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:
Parents
Former Member
I've had two surgeries at L5/S1, the second one partially because of the damage from the first one. Mine was severe enough that after the second one I had to stay on my back for six weeks, and it was three more years before I got into the pool. Granted it was thirty years since I swam anyway but I certainly could not have swum the first year of recovery. I still have bad cramps in my left calf and arch but getting stronger.
I know a lot of people here say you'll be swimming in no time but please ask your doctor instead. If you rush the recovery you can cause worse damage. My doctor said I'd feel fine in five weeks but warned me not to rush.
I've had two surgeries at L5/S1, the second one partially because of the damage from the first one. Mine was severe enough that after the second one I had to stay on my back for six weeks, and it was three more years before I got into the pool. Granted it was thirty years since I swam anyway but I certainly could not have swum the first year of recovery. I still have bad cramps in my left calf and arch but getting stronger.
I know a lot of people here say you'll be swimming in no time but please ask your doctor instead. If you rush the recovery you can cause worse damage. My doctor said I'd feel fine in five weeks but warned me not to rush.
