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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Deneb on March 23, 2010, at 15:52:46
I never learned how to swim. My whole family doesn't know how to swim. I was just never taken to a pool when I was a child.
I have access to a pool now at the YMCA and I like to play around in the pool now with some floaties. It's fun.
I saw a bunch of kids jump into the deep end with life jackets on so I decided to try that too. I put on two floatation belts and jumped into the deep end! At first I was too scared to and it took a while, but now it's fun!
I tried to tread water, but it's too hard. My head goes under and I swallow water. I'm really hoping I'll figure it out soon!
I signed up for classes after the lifeguard thought I was drowning and suggested I take lessons.
Lessons start the second week of April. I can't wait!
Posted by rnny on March 23, 2010, at 16:37:16
In reply to I'm going to learn how to swim!, posted by Deneb on March 23, 2010, at 15:52:46
Have fun!
Posted by Dinah on March 23, 2010, at 21:20:32
In reply to I'm going to learn how to swim!, posted by Deneb on March 23, 2010, at 15:52:46
Good for you!
Not only is swimming fun, but it's also a good way to stay fit.
Posted by Deneb on March 24, 2010, at 19:15:16
In reply to Re: I'm going to learn how to swim! » Deneb, posted by Dinah on March 23, 2010, at 21:20:32
I have very bad control in the water, even in the shallow end.
I tried floating on my front today in the shallow end, but had a lot of trouble standing up again. I ended up inhaling some water and coughing it out.
I tried doing what those babies do that learn how to survive in water, they flip onto their backs and float. Well, I was unsuccessful. I managed to flip over, but I couldn't maintain my float.
I was able to just float on my back without holding onto anything, but had trouble getting back into the standing position without holding onto anything.
What do I do when I am face down and can't get my feet down or my head up? I managed to grab my flotation belt, but how do I get up without it?
Posted by Deneb on March 25, 2010, at 2:27:18
In reply to Re: I always almost drown, posted by Deneb on March 24, 2010, at 19:15:16
I just got an idea on how I can stop panicking when I lose control in the water! I can take some propranolol before heading to the pool!
I hope it works. It should stop the fight or flight response that is dangerous in the water.
Posted by jane d on March 25, 2010, at 21:46:45
In reply to I have an idea! Propranolol!, posted by Deneb on March 25, 2010, at 2:27:18
> I hope it works. It should stop the fight or flight response that is dangerous in the water.
>Don't you take that to stop inappropriate panic attacks? In this case I think your panic is a quite appropriate warning that what you are doing is dangerous. You'll stop panicking when you learn how to handle yourself in the water. And you'll do that thru continued practice and thru the lessons you've signed up for. Until then I'd be happy that your internal monitoring system for dangerous situations is working just perfectly in this case.
Posted by Deneb on March 26, 2010, at 19:08:03
In reply to Not sure that's such a great idea » Deneb, posted by jane d on March 25, 2010, at 21:46:45
It was a good idea. Propranolol isn't like alcohol or benzos, it doesn't affect your judgment and mind.
I didn't panic at all today! It was great. I was still cautious.
I learned how to float on my front then flip onto my back and breathe. I did it many times! I had a flotation belt nearby and was holding onto the strap without putting any weight on it the whole time.
I need to be able to do this flipping on my back thing if I ever accidentally fall into the water.
One of today's lifeguards was terrible. He didn't seem to be paying attention at all and even threw a kid into the water when the kid wouldn't stop bugging him! He seemed really annoyed by the kids screaming and was preoccupied with threatening to throw the kids out of the pool for screaming.
Posted by Deneb on March 29, 2010, at 19:45:18
In reply to Re: Not sure that's such a great idea, posted by Deneb on March 26, 2010, at 19:08:03
Oh man, I almost drowned in the shallow end AGAIN! I think I wasn't relaxed so I sank. Anyways, I almost drowned in the shallow end right next to the stairs. lol I'm OK, I didn't inhale any water into my lungs, just my nose. Lifeguard noticed and came to me to make sure I was OK.
I thanked him for keeping an eye on me. I said I have very bad control even in the shallow end and he said he knew. LOL This particular lifeguard is very attentive. Some of the others aren't so good. Of course it also helped that there was only one other person in the pool with me. LOL
Gawd, I have to stop drowning! I hope I learn how to swim quickly.
This is the end of the thread.
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