MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS COMMUNITY
Swimming? Is it unsafe for some?

Swimming? Is it unsafe for some?

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.  :)

Tags: swimming
Related Discussions
3 Comments Post a Comment
Blank
559187_tn?1330786456
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.
Blank
572651_tn?1333939396
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
Blank
701252_tn?1234379289
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!
Blank
Post a Comment
To
Comment
Post A Comment
Go
Blank
Multiple Sclerosis Tracker
Log symptoms & treatments
Start Tracking Now
MedHelp Health Answers
Submit
Top Neurology Answerers
572651_tn?1333939396
Blank
Lulu54
Dayton, OH
338416_tn?1260996698
Blank
jensequitur
Fort Worth, TX
1045086_tn?1332130022
Blank
twopack
northeast, OH
667078_tn?1316004535
Blank
HVAC
Durham, NC
987762_tn?1331031553
Blank
supermum_ms
Australia
738075_tn?1330579444
Blank
Guitar_grrrl
Santa Cruz Mts., CA
RSS Expert Activity
1741471_tn?1336957856
Blank
LIVE WEBINAR TOMORROW!-SUPER BODY, ... Blank
May 22 by Michael Gonzalez-WallaceBlank
2126606_tn?1335910182
Blank
Fibromyalgia Awareness
May 11 by Clare Waismann Kavin, RASBlank
2126606_tn?1335910182
Blank
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia reduces...
May 03 by Clare Waismann Kavin, RASBlank