Any way to get back to the water?

[sangredulce]

 

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this, I mean really new! I don't make it a habit to write to anyone much less write on the net!
But I like to view the net once in a while and I came across this web site and thought it might be a good source of info and support. So here I go!
I started dialysis just three months ago in December of 2010. It was a pretty scary ordeal. I had diabetes for over 14 years and really  didn't watch it very well until maybe the last 5 years before going on dialysis. Anyway, I found out 3 years ago, when my mother passed, that I was having kidney probems. I started taking care of myself, watched my sugar, watched my diet and completely stopped any alchohol intake. But my kidneys just got worse over time and well, here I am.
What I hate the most about being on PD, is that I can't swim. Before this happened I used to take my grandson swimming every thursday. We often had taken short trips to nearby lakes, rivers, hot springs, places were there was a lot of water involved. I just love swimming. But that's apparently over and it just kills me. The times I spent with my grandson were special "bonding" moments that even with just a few months in this situation, I really miss.
So I've been trying to find a way to waterproof this thing hanging out of my belly in hopes of returning to the water. I guess for starters, does anyone have any suggestions?

[sutphendriver]

my neph says salt water, swimming pools and the lake are no problem as long as your doing well and do not have a history of infection.  Just ask your doc.  there are some that use  a dressing to water proof their exit site, I'm sure they will chime in.

[sparklelady]

I was on PD (had a transplant Jan 3rd) and I used a product called Tegaderm. Got it through Baxter. Works great, although I kept to the ocean and my friend's private pool as I know it was very clean.

[willowtreewren]

Yes, yes....look into Tegaderms....They should solve your problem. 

If I had to give up swimming I would have to start seeing a psychiatrist.... I get it!   

And Welcome to IHD! 

Aleta

[Rerun]

hello sangredulce,

Welcome to IHD.  I'm so glad you found us.  I remember watching a video on PD and they were swimming.  Of course they say we can travel and be just as free as a normal person.  That's a big fat lie! 

Hope you enjoy the site.

Rerun, Moderator   

[WishIKnew]

 

I'm on PD and swim regularly in the pool at the local fitness center.  My neph says no backyard pools or ponds or lakes, but public pools where they must meet safety standards ar fine.  Wishing you the best.

By, the way, I've traveled both by plane and car with no problems.  It's a hassle to carry all the solution around or have it delivered to each destination, but  very doable for me.