Not looking for a pile on here but I'm sure there are some medically inclined folks out there who might offer an opinion.
I'm recovering from pneumonia and wonder what others have experienced coming back after a medically imposed break in training. I swim 4 days a week for 4000 yds. I'm training for the GCBS 4.4 mile swim in June (6th time)
I've been out of the pool for more than 2 weeks and wonder how the ramp up will be after a lung related illness. My primary physician moved out of state and the doc I saw is not too up to speed on the sports medicine scene and training.
The anwer will probably be to take it easy and see how it goes, but I thought I's ask.
Thanks,
Tree
I had it really bad in February 2001, and it took me until May. But they put me on the wrong antibiotic, and I was unable to breathe until the end of March when they did a peak flow and realized that I still had it in a bad way.
After a second round, I was much better but very, very weak.
I would say start going long but wait until you start feeling better and resting heart rates are back to normal before you start going hard. You should be fine for June.
I had a bad case of pneumonia back in 2003 I think (about 4-6 months after nationals was here). I was out of the pool for at least 2 weeks and lost about 20-25 pounds. The first time I went back to swim, the coach asked me about the weight loss (I guess losing that much so quickly is rather noticeable).
Anyway, I was back to where I was before in about 2-3 weeks. I may have taken it easy for the first day or 2, then I swam a few Saturdays to help make up the difference. I wasn't training for anything specifically, just wanted to get back in shape.
I had pneumonia last Feb. and was down completely for 16 days. When I started back (day 17 I guess), I had to go slow and ease into what I had been doing. Weightlifting strength seemed to come back faster. Overall I believe it took me about 2 months total to get over it and get back into shape. I was swimming faster than before the pneumonia by May. I'd say take it easy in the beginning so you don't risk a relapse. Good luck!
Former Member
No medical help from me but it generally takes 6 weeks before you are ready to load on heavy workouts and be back to your regular swimming ability.
