My own exercise experience

[dragonfly7412]

Hello all,
I have just recently joined this site, so I am a little unsure where to post what topics, but I have a semi question/experience. Over the summer I lost about 35 pounds from swimming daily. I had experienced chronic UTI's and IC sympoms for about 1 year prior to this. Once I started swimming I found that my UTI's all but disappered and I figured it was from chlorine exposure, although I had various other lingering IC symptoms. Eventually I had to stop because I had lost so much weight I stopped getting my period, and once I stopped swimming daily, I got an immediate, ferocious UTI (within about a week). I have IBS as well, so my diet is okay, I hate pop and don't drink coffee. So my question is this; I know UTI's are kind of a by-product of IC, and the bladder and urethra are very sensitive when you have IC, so is it safe to swim daily? Because honestly, I felt great to get rid of the UTI's for even the few months I was swimming, I was just a bit nervous because the UTI I got after was one of the worst I'd ever had. I swim in a public pool so I know there are just loads of chemicals in the pool. If the chlorine exposure is safe when you have IC, I would recommend (to at least try) this, it totally relieved my UTI's (although the other symptoms remained), besides, swimming is one of the best exercises there is!
ps. this site is great and everyone is so nice, I am addicted to researching all the info. and reading everyone's unique stories

[dyno]

Hi,
I love to swim too, but I am just the opposite, I don't get UTI's but sometimes when I swim the chlorine will irritate my bladder to the point that I have to get out of the pool for the day.

Have you read Jill's story, http://www.ic-network.com/patientstories/jill.html, I think you might find it interesting. Obviously hers situation is not the norm.

I would say just from what I have read on here, that more people than not are bothered by the pool, rather than your reaction. We are all so different.

[Sarojini]

I think a lot of people are bothered by the high chemical levels in pools. I know that if our hot tub gets out of whack chemically I can tell immediately because of the reaction on my skin and yes, on my genital area/bladder. My husband is very good and maintains our hot tub with bromine, which is a bit gentler than chlorine, and with the lowest amount possible he can get away with without turning the tub into a bacterial soup -- and he buffers it well with a lot of baking soda for me so pH changes don't happen so quickly and so the water is softer.

However, many patients report that swimming in lakes and oceans are much more tolerable than pools. I think pools are okay though... I find showering after helpful, and urinating before and afterwards to be helpful.

Your reaction is interesting, but I'm glad it works for you! :)

[Julie B]

I have a hard time in the pools, BUT you CERTAINLY would know by now if you PERSONALLY are having problems!!! Swim a few laps for ME! :smile tee

[dragonfly7412]

Wow! This is interesting for me to read! I know this may be a weird question, but is it possible for IC to go away (almost remission)? I have not officially been diagnosed with IC, but I do have most of the symptoms, so maybe something else similar? Endometriosis? My sister has endom., but she does not have UTI's or other severe side effects. I am going to bring this up to my doctor next time I see him! Thanks for the input!