stitches on heel- going in lake?

Question

I'm in a cast now because I got surgery on my heel.
i'm getting cast off in about two weeks, and on that day i'm leaving for a camping trip..
can i go into the lake with my stitches?
and if the doctor ends up taking my stitches out on that day is that okay too?
is there something i should cover the area with so it dosent get infected?

thanks!

Answer 1

If the wound is healed enough to take the stitches out, I doubt that it would be a problem. But make sure to ask your doctor while you're there! If he says that you need to cover it...we use a plastic bag, similar to a gallon ziplock type bag and cut it down to size and then tape it to the skin to protect incision sites and IV sites when patients need to shower/do pool therapy. If it's fairly small they make waterproof bandaids that work pretty well (I used to use them when I was on a swim team). Either way, have fun and don't forget your sunscreen! ;-)

Answer 2

if the incision is healed -and where the stitches were in the skin -arent raised up a lil ,and/or arent a little red-then i would say definately-however -i would still use something like triple antibiotic or neosporin and keep the area wrapped in a gauze bandage for a while after, just to be sure that you will remain healthy-good luck

Answer 3

Only if there is no open wound. Some times the wound hasn't completely healed so if that is the case, do not enter dirty water. Good luck