Now that my IV site has scared up, I will get into the water upto my waist. As a matter of fact, I just can from water walking at the pool earlier today.

When swimming or showering, there are two issues with the water and an IV. One has to do with the pump, the second is the IV port site.

When showering, I just leave the pump out of the shower area. I have plenty of line. I learned from others to put the pump in a dry bag when in the pool. I just put the pump in the bag and roll it up around the tube. Easy peasy and the pump stays dry. Some people just let the pump in the dry bag float next to them. I put mine in a fanny pack around my shoulders, so it is out of the water. I might be able to create a video and show you.

For the site, I used to put on a 7x7 hydroseal, then a 9x9 over it, then tape it up. Again, I don’t submerge the site (so no swimming) it’s just to protect against any accidental splash or wetness. Double plastic protection is still what I use in the shower as water is going to get on the site, However, for water walking, now that it’s been so long and the site should be scarred over, I only use the 7x7 hydoseal with some tape, especially at the bottom which sometimes gets water. Again, I might be able to create a short video.

After I’m done in the pool or shower, if the site is at all wet, (it usually isn’t in the pool), I just err on the side of caution and change the dressing. Really since I don’t submerge the site, it’s more a problem with showering. I only shower 1-2 times a week and I change the bandage pretty much every time I shower. Others have different ways to make bathing work for them. Baths would be easier, but I also have orthopedic problems, so getting in and out of a tub is difficult for me. I’m installing a walk in tub soon. I can’t wait.

I know I have limits like submerging, but that doesn’t mean I cant enjoy the pool. Also, I know others have come up with ways to protect the site when submerged, I just can’t remember what they do and I choose not to.

Again, with the pump, when you find yourself wanting to do something, ask others most people will find a way to make it work, once they are comfortable enough with the pump.

I know there are work arounds for the subQ pump in water situations, too. My dad has one and while he doesn’t swim, he uses some work around to make it easier to shower.

Again, it wasn’t right away and it’s not exactly what I did before, but I can still enjoy those activities.

Thank you for your reply I do appreciate it the reason why I'm having such a hard time is because I am a summer girl I am a water girl we live one mile from a lake and I was told that if I do the IV that or the the other one I will never be able to go swimming again and that is so important to me cuz that's my truly happy place and I already know that if I get on the pump and I'm not able to go in the water with my view of a lake I'm going to be so depressed and I don't want that either so thank you for your reply I appreciate it

Which type of pump. Are you thinking subQ or IV?

I firmly believe IV remodulin saved my life. I had severe PAH and right side heart failure. I was in the high risk category.

Learning to live with the pump was an adjustment at first. I was scared, sick, overwhelmed and nervous. However, now almost two years later, it’s second nature and I feel so, so much better. I am not who I was. I still have limitations but I have the ability to do so much more than I could before the pump.

It is a very difficult decision and I believe everyone had to make the best decision for their lifestyle. The doctor said I was too severe for the orals or the inhaled. I considered the subQ pump. My dad has one and I saw all the drawbacks from his experience. He doesn’t feel like they are bad, but I knew I couldn’t live with the skin irritation and the constant site changes. I know that IV remodulin was the right decision for me.

If you have other questions or want to chat more, feel free to send me a message. I have a list of questions in hindsight, I wish I would have asked my health care team. However. I was so overwhelmed and sick at the time, I just didn’t think to do so and my wonderful dear hubby was to worried to think to ask them either.