Swimming? Is it unsafe for some?

[greenandchic]

I was wondering if there if there is anyone here who cant (shouldnt) swim?  I'm not a big fan of swimming though I can do it.  Right now I am limited to using my spinning bike because I am too clumsy and "blind" to run at this point.

The reason why I ask about swimming is because there are times that my limbs get weak and feel like I have led weights tide to them.  I spontaneously fall with my arms slamming flat on the ground.  This lasts anywhere from 5-10 seconds then I'm able to get back up.  It happens more whenever I lift my head, whip my head around or lower it (reaching a high shelf, looking at the ceiling or looking for something on the ground).  Right now, I dont think its safe for me to swim because of the motions involved with my head and the fact that I can get too weak in the water to stay up.  Does anyone else go through this?  Sorry if this is common knowledge but I'm still very new at this.  :)

[greenandchic]

Thank you for the suggestions! I forgot all about the kickboard available at public pools.  Staying near the edge is also a great idea.  Thank you!

[Lulu54]

Julie has given you a great suggestion.  My thinking is if you can get in the water, do it! You don't have to go into the deep lanes.  Or if you are at a facility that has buoyancy belts, put on one of those.  We use them in aquacize class and do all of our workout in the 20 foot section.  My MS neuro says if he could do one thing for all of his patients, it would be put us all in water.  The pull of gravity for our weight is 1/6 of that on dry land and the water keeps our bodies cool, allowing us to do aerobic exercise and work our heart without overheating.  

I now get to the point that I crave being in the pool - the water is very therapeutic and when I am in there I think of nothing else.

my best,
Lulu

[Sarahsmom46]

Like you, my legs and arms tire out very quickly and that could be unsafe if you are in a pool with a deep end and are not swimming in a lane near the edge of the pool.  But, let me suggest something that has helped me.  Have you thought about using a kick board?   It has helped a lot with strengthening my legs.  If you get tired, you can just float.

I used to swim at least 40-50 laps before I'd call it a day, but now if I can swim 5-6 I think of that as a good day. I have problems with head movements too, especially when swimming and had to resort to the kick board because I would get dizzy.  

I hope this helps.