Am I Ready to Swim Again?
I am a 20-year-old individual (assigned female at birth) who underwent a double mastectomy two months ago. Overall, my recovery has been smooth, but I recently experienced a mild episode of cellulitis near my surgical site. I first noticed the issue on July 14, and I promptly visited a healthcare professional who diagnosed the condition and prescribed Cephalexin. I completed the medication a few days ago, and fortunately, the pain and swelling have subsided. Nonetheless, I still observe a small amount of yellow discharge that seeps onto a gauze pad, which I cover with bacitracin during the day. Currently, I am on a pre-planned trip for snorkeling, which I have been looking forward to since 2023. I’m eager to know if my condition appears sufficiently healed for swimming without risking further complications. I would be disappointed to miss out on this experience, yet it’s important not to jeopardize my recovery.
Answers (1)
7/23/2025, 5:40:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that you've been recovering well overall after your surgery and managing the cellulitis effectively. Given your recent history and the small amount of discharge, it's understandable that you're eager to get back to activities like snorkeling. However, it’s also crucial to ensure your healing is on track to prevent complications.
Key Points:
- Healing Status: You've had recent cellulitis, and while your symptoms have improved, any discharge could indicate that the surgical site is not fully healed.
- Risk of Infection: Swimming, especially in natural bodies of water, can introduce bacteria that might increase the risk of infection, particularly when the area is healing.
Explanation:
- Cellulitis Recovery: After a double mastectomy, the surgical site takes time to heal. Any ongoing discharge may suggest that your body is still in the healing process, which can make it more vulnerable to infection when exposed to water.
- Implications of Swimming: While swimming is generally a low-impact activity that can be helpful for health and wellness, water exposure can lead to complications if the site hasn't completely healed. Chlorinated pools might be safer than open water, but caution is still warranted.
Next Steps:
- Assessment of Discharge: Keep monitoring the amount and color of your discharge. If it decreases further and you have no pain or swelling, that’s a positive sign.
- Limit Activities: Consider postponing swimming for a little longer (ideally up to a week) until the discharge fully resolves and the site appears completely healed.
- Protect the Site: If you choose to swim, cover the area securely with a waterproof bandage that keeps it protected from water as much as possible.
- Hydration and Rest: Focus on staying well-hydrated and getting enough rest during your trip to support your recovery.
Please prioritize your healing and consider how that aligns with your desire to swim. It's wonderful to enjoy activities like snorkeling, but ensuring you're fully ready will make the experience even better. Let me know if you have any further questions or if there's anything else you'd like to discuss!
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