2 years post stroke. I am a lot weaker but can walk and use both arms. Went to a spa this weekend and got in the pool for the first time fully expecting to be able to swim but I couldn’t. I just went under. Not panicked I tried on my back with my daughter supporting my waist but went under again. I was really upset. I had been so looking forward to it. Has anyone else had this experience? I’m put off trying again as it was such a hassle getting ready.
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I have experienced this as well. The solution was swim fins. Even with one leg the flipper provided enough propulsion to keep me on top of the water and moving forward. That was a couple years ago and I haven’t stopped since. Im a huge fan of water therapy. Good luck.
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Oh yes, and like you, I found it most disconcerting
I sank like a brick first time I tried swimming after stroke
One half of me could swim, the other could not
Eventually I (re)taught myself to swim breast stroke
I managed 2 km on the last day of my Summer hol
about 2x further than I can walk
Roland
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Thank you to those who replied and especially to Roland for the wonderfully encouraging video. I was so upset and discouraged, but after watching his progress I’m definitely going to keep on till I can swim again. There’s nothing like hearing from other people who’ve trodden the same path. Bless you all.
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Roland, I totally understand how you felt. Prior to March 15th of this year( ironically the Ides of March) I was swimming 2/3 to a mile three times a week in a salt water indoor pool for the past 20 years. In late April I went back to the pool. I did not loose much muscle in my left side, mainly that awful “stiffness/squeezing sensation particularly in my left arm, chest and back to the spine. I had a “mild” (Dr talk) thalamus stroke. I managed to get in the pool and was just grateful for warm water and just floated around for the next month stretching, moving arms and legs and realized I could float as I have always been a “cork” in water. Weeks later I tried small laps. I could swim!! But the fatigue afterwards was too much so learned to pace myself. My “stiffness” like a corset has worsened over the past months and I do feel as though I have to force the left side to stretch out as it should, but I know I have to keep at this. Not to get back to “normal” again…..at 81 I am passed that,but to keep my body as strong as it can be under these circumstances. Water is a life saver for me. thank you Roland and your side kick for sharing how you got your swimming back and that we can still travel if we plan and take the plunge so to speak.
All the best to everyone on this journey of ours. Lane
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At 81 you’re a spring chicken and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise 
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Thank you!! Half of my body says “you are old”! My thirst for living says “Not”! Ahh the conflict. I will heed your advice. 
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So happy to hear of your progress. If I could get that far I’d be a happy 88 year old.. I only felt “old” when I was in hospital with my TIA 2 years ago because most of the nurses treated me as though I was ga ga instead of disabled.
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