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Epilepsy and Swimming
Sun, 05/16/2010 - 11:30Hey,
I've recently been diagnosed with TLE, but have not been prescribed meds for it yet (the process is taking rather long). I've always enjoyed swimming and had planned to pick it up again. I'm okay with this, but my boyfriend is angry about my decision to go swimming. He says I should wait, and that it's too dangerous. I say that, as long as I'm with a friend who knows I have seizures (I've only had ONE since being diagnosed 4 months ago), and as long as there are lifeguards, I honestly believe I will be okay.
What do you think? Is it okay for me to go swimming? I can't just stop my life because I have epilepsy. Swimming is something that helps relax me and makes me happy, so I do not agree with my boyfriend and think he is being a bit ridiculous. I understand he worries about me, but it's my life, my decision...not his.
Thanks.
Comments
Re: Epilepsy and Swimming
Submitted by phylisfjohnson on Mon, 2010-05-17 - 14:05
Amy, why is the med prescription taking so long? Have you had diagnostic tests yet?
I agree with the others. Epilepsy should not rule your life, but on the other hand, you DO have to be careful. Don't go swimmiung alone. Take a friend and make sure they know how to deliver first aid.
Here are suggestions for first aid while swimming from the EFA:
"If a seizure occurs in water, the person should be supported in the water with the head tilted so his face and head stay above the surface. He or she should be removed from the water as quickly as possible with the head in this position. Once on dry land, he should be examined and, if he is not breathing, artificial respiration should be begun at once. Anyone who has a seizure in water should be taken to an emergency room for a careful medical checkup, even if he or she appears to be fully recovered afterwards. Heart or lung damage from ingestion of water is a possible hazard in such cases." Phylis Feiner Johnson www.epilepsytalk.com
Amy, why is the med prescription taking so long? Have you had diagnostic tests yet?
I agree with the others. Epilepsy should not rule your life, but on the other hand, you DO have to be careful. Don't go swimmiung alone. Take a friend and make sure they know how to deliver first aid.
Here are suggestions for first aid while swimming from the EFA:
"If a seizure occurs in water, the person should be supported in the water with the head tilted so his face and head stay above the surface. He or she should be removed from the water as quickly as possible with the head in this position. Once on dry land, he should be examined and, if he is not breathing, artificial respiration should be begun at once. Anyone who has a seizure in water should be taken to an emergency room for a careful medical checkup, even if he or she appears to be fully recovered afterwards. Heart or lung damage from ingestion of water is a possible hazard in such cases." Phylis Feiner Johnson www.epilepsytalk.com
Re: Epilepsy and Swimming
Submitted by amy1021 on Mon, 2010-05-17 - 20:30
Hey phylis,
I've had one routine EEG so far. My seizure was 4 months ago, and I'm only now getting the results from that EEG and getting things moving to have the sleep deprivation EEG...which my neurologist suggested the one time I saw him. They didn't even call me when they received my results. 3 weeks later I was getting frustrated so I decided to call.. "oh yes, Amy, we received your results 5 days after you had the EEG. Would you like to schedule an appointment with your neurologist?". seriously...when did doctors stop caring about their patients? Sorry, I'm just ranting now.
I agree. As long as there are lifeguards and people around who know about my seizures, I'm sure I'd be fine. I would be extra careful of course. For example, if I have aura's the day before, i'm obviously not going to go swimming for a little while...just in case.
Hey phylis,
I've had one routine EEG so far. My seizure was 4 months ago, and I'm only now getting the results from that EEG and getting things moving to have the sleep deprivation EEG...which my neurologist suggested the one time I saw him. They didn't even call me when they received my results. 3 weeks later I was getting frustrated so I decided to call.. "oh yes, Amy, we received your results 5 days after you had the EEG. Would you like to schedule an appointment with your neurologist?". seriously...when did doctors stop caring about their patients? Sorry, I'm just ranting now.
I agree. As long as there are lifeguards and people around who know about my seizures, I'm sure I'd be fine. I would be extra careful of course. For example, if I have aura's the day before, i'm obviously not going to go swimming for a little while...just in case.
Re: Epilepsy and Swimming
Submitted by filly150 on Tue, 2010-05-18 - 14:12
I was diagnosed with Epilepsy in 2004. I am a competitive triathlete. I've found that as long as you notify the lifeguard before you go into the pool, it really isn't a big deal. I did have a seizure in the pool once, but it was when I was changing meds. I usually have trouble when I do that. I go to the same pool all the time, and the lifeguard always knew it was a possibility. Being a lifeguard is a pretty boring job just sitting there, so I think some of them are looking for some action anyway : ). If you are with friends, just let them know what they need to do in case of a seizure. I swim a 2.4 mile race in the open water every year, and I have a kayaker with me for support. I refuse to sit home for the rest of my life waiting for my next seizure. Not going to happen.
I was diagnosed with Epilepsy in 2004. I am a competitive triathlete. I've found that as long as you notify the lifeguard before you go into the pool, it really isn't a big deal. I did have a seizure in the pool once, but it was when I was changing meds. I usually have trouble when I do that. I go to the same pool all the time, and the lifeguard always knew it was a possibility. Being a lifeguard is a pretty boring job just sitting there, so I think some of them are looking for some action anyway : ). If you are with friends, just let them know what they need to do in case of a seizure. I swim a 2.4 mile race in the open water every year, and I have a kayaker with me for support. I refuse to sit home for the rest of my life waiting for my next seizure. Not going to happen.