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Swim Suits for Neuropathy Hands
Hi - My arms/hands/fingers are as affected by my PN as much my legs/feet/toes, so I am unable to swim since I can’t keep my head above the water. But I absolutely LOVE water exercise and the benefits I know it has for me when I can make it to our seasonal outdoor pool. However, my main deterrent from taking advantage of the opportunity is the struggle I have getting in and out of a woman’s bathing suit, especially wet. It sounds silly, but there have been times when I’ve come close to getting scissors to cut me out, and that too is dangerous with my neuropathy hands. Swimsuits are mandatory for the pool (no street clothes, no birthday suits). Does anyone have suggestions for good swimwear that might help a person like me to get in the water and do some brilliant, helpful water activities? Thanks, Debbie
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My Mom wore what I would describe as a "swim romper" for water therapy after several strokes. It was a loosish one piece with built-in shorts and bra, & overskirt. Nylon jersey so it slid on easily and was loose in the midriff. That was over 10 years ago and I got it from an adaptive clothing catalog.
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3 ReactionsNeoprene wet suit will keep you buoyant in the water. I did water aerobics in San Diego Bay every day when condo pool was closed due to Covid. Problem for you will be putting on and taking off with your hand problem.
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2 ReactionsGoogle women wet suits. Found options that may work. You will most likely need a partner to help put on and remove. Brilliant!
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2 ReactionsYes, helpful to have my partner with me 24/7, but I try to find things I can do as independently as possible, like getting dressed! I already get so much from him, I just want to give him a bit of a break on some things… leave him to all the housework that involves stepping, bending, squatting, heaving lifting, and walking while carrying an item. But I’ll keep googling, surely there’s swimwear out there with one big easy zipper with a large zipper pull for me to grasp…
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1 ReactionWet suits have back zipper you may be able to handle.
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3 ReactionsHonestly never thought of wet suit type things until these responses. Thanks all, so great to be able to tap into experience md thinkers!!
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1 ReactionJust saw this. I have owned regular swimsuit with front zipper. it was cute and really easy to get into and out of.
They should make more like that! Google for models
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3 ReactionsGreat topic! I have resorted to swimming laps after having to give up all the easier activities, like brisk walking. For modesty, I wear a swim skirt from Lands End. That part is easy. The tankini top that I wear with it is more problematic. It’s modest (high neck, long length) but sometimes I feel like I’m going to get stuck taking it off! I know the day will come when I’ll need something looser. There is no way I’m wearing a sleek neoprene wetsuit on my now-chubby body in front of anyone! Also FYI, I use a mask and snorkel at the suggestion of my PT. I usually do 32 laps (1/2 mile).
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6 ReactionsI swim every day when the weather's warm. Bathing suits and wetsuits are just too hard for me to get in and out of.
I wear quick-dry board shorts made for swimming, lightweight pullover bra, and one of these new 'tech' swimming tshirts that are lightweight and quick to dry. The shorts and tshirts are also sun blocking, which is nice, because my skin is sun sensitive from my meds.
Comfy and easy to get on and off, and just looks like I'm wearing shorts and a tshirt.
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4 ReactionsAs an Aquatherapy fan for my polyneuropathy, I struggle in and out of swim suits with my husband’s help. So after reading these comments, I Safaried “women’s front zipper bathing suits,” and found a number advertised. “Swim and Sweat” is a brand with several models, and they are also chlorine resistant—a favorite of my aquacize buddies. Thanks for raising this issue, Deb!