Swimming with an open wound

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JimMarshall

JimMarshall

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TFP Guide
Jun 5, 2017
1,193
Oil City PA
Pool Size
13000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Tuesday evening while on vacation at the beach, I ended up at the ER getting stitches - I know, great vacation right?

They cautioned me against swimming in the ocean (duh, I’m not the top of the food chain there) or any pools until healed and my stitches are removed due to risk of infection from water borne nasties.

Could one safely assume this applies only to questionably sanitized, non TFP pools and I’d be fine in mine?:D
 
Absolutely check with a doctor. Stitches need to stay dry, and the skin around them, in order to heal correctly. That's why anyone that's had them, me included, know about the "no showers, keep clean and dry" orders. You can google it and you'll get a lot more info.
 
The answer might also depend on *where* the sutures are? Some areas are at higher risk for infection due to the circulation they get...or don't get.

Also depends on the type of suture material they used, and they choose that based on location of wound as well as how the sutures will heal and scar.

Maddie :flower: (I play a nurse some nights in trauma)
 
I'm the one who asked after having laprascopic abdominal surgery. My dr said it was ok if I covered my surgical wounds with waterproof bandages, and avoid anything strenuous, such as lap swimming. I tried the bandaids, and the pads on the stayed perfectly dry. But pulling them off was pure torture.

I just got in, vacuumed and gently floated around. When I got out, I showered with hibiclens (since I had it) and used the blow dryer.

I had abdominal surgery last year too, and the nurse said 4 to 6 weeks. The surgeon said as soon as the wounds were closed. It seems to be one of those ask 4 people, get 4 different answers.

I'm also the patient who drags 4x4 and 2x8 lumber, runs the circular saw and builds wheelchair ramps 2 weeks after abdominal surgery. Some might say I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed. I just ask a lot of questions, try to understand the risk and go from there.
 
YippeeSkippy said:
The answer might also depend on *where* the sutures are? Some areas are at higher risk for infection due to the circulation they get...or don't get.

Also depends on the type of suture material they used, and they choose that based on location of wound as well as how the sutures will heal and scar.

Maddie :flower: (I play a nurse some nights in trauma)
Click to expand...


*********WARNING, WARNING, WARNING, WARNING************* Picture of a sutured wound to follow. Queasy people should turn back now.
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Back side of my left pointer finger

60296A8F-ADC4-412A-B83B-6D9EF09D7556.jpg
 

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Well, I had a 3 year old asking to swim and needing supervision in the pool, so I got in Englishman-drinking-tea-style. :p

8651110C-1F15-4EA0-B7E5-C746A88B5500.jpg

If my finger rots off or needs amputation due to infection, well, I can’t say I wasn’t warned. I may try to throw a cotton ball and some duct tape over it or a glove today so I don’t have to concern myself with trying to keep it above water.
 
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