Lake Water

K

ktsmom

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>mom2cameron</b></i>

Where do you find bacteria type and count? I've looked everywhere, searched everything I can think of and am coming up with nothing. We live in Oklahoma and my family lives near a lake and we have avoided it this summer bc of the fear of bacteria. We've been left our of alot of family outings.</end quote>

We also live in Oklahoma. A lot of the lakes are managed by the US Army Corp of Engineers and I have been able to find lake water level information on their website. But I think the Oklahoma DEQ is responsible for bacteria counts.

We avoid the lakes when the water temperature gets hot, and also definitely avoid stagnant areas at any time. Otherwise, we try to enjoy the lakes and not worry.
 
K

ktsmom

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>mom2cameron</b></i>
<br />
<br />Where do you find bacteria type and count? I've looked everywhere, searched everything I can think of and am coming up with nothing. We live in Oklahoma and my family lives near a lake and we have avoided it this summer bc of the fear of bacteria. We've been left our of alot of family outings.</end quote>
<br />
<br />We also live in Oklahoma. A lot of the lakes are managed by the US Army Corp of Engineers and I have been able to find lake water level information on their website. But I think the Oklahoma DEQ is responsible for bacteria counts.
<br />
<br />We avoid the lakes when the water temperature gets hot, and also definitely avoid stagnant areas at any time. Otherwise, we try to enjoy the lakes and not worry.
 
E

enaj

New member
Our city is nestled between two lakes. Every chance we get we are going to the Lake. I loved swimming in lakes and rivers as a kid. It is the best part of being a kid during summer.
 
E

enaj

New member
Our city is nestled between two lakes. Every chance we get we are going to the Lake. I loved swimming in lakes and rivers as a kid. It is the best part of being a kid during summer.
 
E

enaj

New member
Our city is nestled between two lakes. Every chance we get we are going to the Lake. I loved swimming in lakes and rivers as a kid. It is the best part of being a kid during summer.
 
T

theLostMiler

New member
I understand some parents not seeing it worth the risk... I know that I wouldnt change that I swam in lakes growing up... even with my bugs that I have now (which I didnt get from lakes b/c I was in college and never went to any... I havent swam in a lake in like 4-5 years!)

It makes sense to watch the bacteria levels (cool I didnt know you could look that up!) and the quality of the water of the lake... surprisingly I was totally ok growing up doing to a dirty muddy lake haha. I would try to hit the clearer lakes, but I havent sworn off swimming in lakes or pools <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I kinda picture it as a form of exercise, and then just do a really good treatment aftewards to get the mucus out...
 
T

theLostMiler

New member
I understand some parents not seeing it worth the risk... I know that I wouldnt change that I swam in lakes growing up... even with my bugs that I have now (which I didnt get from lakes b/c I was in college and never went to any... I havent swam in a lake in like 4-5 years!)

It makes sense to watch the bacteria levels (cool I didnt know you could look that up!) and the quality of the water of the lake... surprisingly I was totally ok growing up doing to a dirty muddy lake haha. I would try to hit the clearer lakes, but I havent sworn off swimming in lakes or pools <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I kinda picture it as a form of exercise, and then just do a really good treatment aftewards to get the mucus out...
 
T

theLostMiler

New member
I understand some parents not seeing it worth the risk... I know that I wouldnt change that I swam in lakes growing up... even with my bugs that I have now (which I didnt get from lakes b/c I was in college and never went to any... I havent swam in a lake in like 4-5 years!)
<br />
<br />It makes sense to watch the bacteria levels (cool I didnt know you could look that up!) and the quality of the water of the lake... surprisingly I was totally ok growing up doing to a dirty muddy lake haha. I would try to hit the clearer lakes, but I havent sworn off swimming in lakes or pools <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />I kinda picture it as a form of exercise, and then just do a really good treatment aftewards to get the mucus out...
<br />
<br />
 
W

websterhome

New member
We have gone around & around on this one. It has to be a decision you make for your child & feel confident about. In our case, we live on a clean deep cold lake and watersports area way of life -- as is swimming in pools during the winter months. We do not have our daughter in other lakes around the area that are shallow, warm & frequently have bacteria & algae. Our CF doctors support the decision but I have corresponded a lot with anoter CF mom I respect a lot who has chosen differently for her daughter. In their case, they only allow her to swim in the ocean, never pools, lakes, rivers, etc. Like I said, take time to make an educated decision, talk with your doctor & your spouse, then move forward & enjoy the activities you feel comfortable with. If swimming is only going to make you crazy nervous & worried, it probably isn't the best choice. Good luck, I know it's a tough one!!
 
W

websterhome

New member
We have gone around & around on this one. It has to be a decision you make for your child & feel confident about. In our case, we live on a clean deep cold lake and watersports area way of life -- as is swimming in pools during the winter months. We do not have our daughter in other lakes around the area that are shallow, warm & frequently have bacteria & algae. Our CF doctors support the decision but I have corresponded a lot with anoter CF mom I respect a lot who has chosen differently for her daughter. In their case, they only allow her to swim in the ocean, never pools, lakes, rivers, etc. Like I said, take time to make an educated decision, talk with your doctor & your spouse, then move forward & enjoy the activities you feel comfortable with. If swimming is only going to make you crazy nervous & worried, it probably isn't the best choice. Good luck, I know it's a tough one!!
 
W

websterhome

New member
We have gone around & around on this one. It has to be a decision you make for your child & feel confident about. In our case, we live on a clean deep cold lake and watersports area way of life -- as is swimming in pools during the winter months. We do not have our daughter in other lakes around the area that are shallow, warm & frequently have bacteria & algae. Our CF doctors support the decision but I have corresponded a lot with anoter CF mom I respect a lot who has chosen differently for her daughter. In their case, they only allow her to swim in the ocean, never pools, lakes, rivers, etc. Like I said, take time to make an educated decision, talk with your doctor & your spouse, then move forward & enjoy the activities you feel comfortable with. If swimming is only going to make you crazy nervous & worried, it probably isn't the best choice. Good luck, I know it's a tough one!!
 
R

robert321

New member
I've swam in nearly every body of water between the red river and the brazos. Lakes, creeks, rivers, ponds, anything
The only thing I've been told is avoid backwaters and stagnant water, but thats where leaches and snakes like to be anyway, and don't jump into water over your head feet first shoving that water with who knows what into your sinuses.
I spend every few days in the summer in a spring fed creek that runs through around the area either fishing, seining, or out with friends swimming, the land owners in the parts we swim in don't care as long as we don't leave a mess and stay in the creek (texas law states that as long as you're in public water you aren't trespassing) and I'll spend a good deal of my spring and fall in the local lake, the creek is flooded in the spring and stagnant and full of leaves in the fall. As long as the weather is nice I'll be in water, I can't honestly swim hardly at all, just wading and fishing etc.
 
R

robert321

New member
I've swam in nearly every body of water between the red river and the brazos. Lakes, creeks, rivers, ponds, anything
The only thing I've been told is avoid backwaters and stagnant water, but thats where leaches and snakes like to be anyway, and don't jump into water over your head feet first shoving that water with who knows what into your sinuses.
I spend every few days in the summer in a spring fed creek that runs through around the area either fishing, seining, or out with friends swimming, the land owners in the parts we swim in don't care as long as we don't leave a mess and stay in the creek (texas law states that as long as you're in public water you aren't trespassing) and I'll spend a good deal of my spring and fall in the local lake, the creek is flooded in the spring and stagnant and full of leaves in the fall. As long as the weather is nice I'll be in water, I can't honestly swim hardly at all, just wading and fishing etc.
 
R

robert321

New member
I've swam in nearly every body of water between the red river and the brazos. Lakes, creeks, rivers, ponds, anything
<br />The only thing I've been told is avoid backwaters and stagnant water, but thats where leaches and snakes like to be anyway, and don't jump into water over your head feet first shoving that water with who knows what into your sinuses.
<br />I spend every few days in the summer in a spring fed creek that runs through around the area either fishing, seining, or out with friends swimming, the land owners in the parts we swim in don't care as long as we don't leave a mess and stay in the creek (texas law states that as long as you're in public water you aren't trespassing) and I'll spend a good deal of my spring and fall in the local lake, the creek is flooded in the spring and stagnant and full of leaves in the fall. As long as the weather is nice I'll be in water, I can't honestly swim hardly at all, just wading and fishing etc.
 
M

MissAlexsBP

Guest
Hello!

I hope that you enjoyed your vacation! I live in a very rural area and I swim in lakes and ponds all the time! I haven't had any bad effects from it, so I say go for it! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
M

MissAlexsBP

Guest
Hello!

I hope that you enjoyed your vacation! I live in a very rural area and I swim in lakes and ponds all the time! I haven't had any bad effects from it, so I say go for it! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
M

MissAlexsBP

Guest
Hello!
<br />
<br />I hope that you enjoyed your vacation! I live in a very rural area and I swim in lakes and ponds all the time! I haven't had any bad effects from it, so I say go for it! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
I

izemmom

New member
We grappled with this on our recent camping trip. I do beleive there is some risk. After all, pseudomonas is EVERYWHERE and the lakes in the area, and the area where were camped have been having issues with e. coli.

However, trips like the one we were on are a pretty big part of our lives in the summer. This particular one is a family tradition for my husband's family, and, yes, the cousins swimming together in the lake is part of that tradition.

So, we chekced the bacteria counts as best we could. THe county in Michigan that we were camping in didn't post very comprehensive results from thier regular water testing (not like we see for our lakes around where we live. But, we could tell that e. coli was down to well below the "accpetable" level and had been for weeks. PA? well, there's know way to know, but, heck - Emily picked it up in the NICU (and hasn't cultured it again since she was 9 months old) so that just shows it's EVERYWHERE!

We talked to her about the "germs" that might be in the lake and how important it was to not drink the water. We also asked her to not go under water, even though she loves to do that...

We covered her g-tube with a water-proof bandaid, and as soon as she was done swimming and having a BLAST with her cousins, she took a shower, did a sinus rinse and a vest session. Her cousins ans sister also took showers, since that's what we always do when we swim.

We figure we taught her that she CAN do what she wnats, as long as she is responsible about it. I don't ever want her to feel that CF keeps her from having fun or from being involved in family activities. I know there will come a day, soon enough where CF causes her to not feel well enough to participate, but, why would I not let her, when she DOES fell well? I want her to grow up knowing that SHE needs to take extra steps to stay healthy, but that doesn't mean missing out on life.

We had a great trip, and made great memories. She'll remember that, and maybe, just maybe, I'll get used to seeing her swim in a lake without having my heart in my throat, wondering if I"m doing the right thing.
 
I

izemmom

New member
We grappled with this on our recent camping trip. I do beleive there is some risk. After all, pseudomonas is EVERYWHERE and the lakes in the area, and the area where were camped have been having issues with e. coli.

However, trips like the one we were on are a pretty big part of our lives in the summer. This particular one is a family tradition for my husband's family, and, yes, the cousins swimming together in the lake is part of that tradition.

So, we chekced the bacteria counts as best we could. THe county in Michigan that we were camping in didn't post very comprehensive results from thier regular water testing (not like we see for our lakes around where we live. But, we could tell that e. coli was down to well below the "accpetable" level and had been for weeks. PA? well, there's know way to know, but, heck - Emily picked it up in the NICU (and hasn't cultured it again since she was 9 months old) so that just shows it's EVERYWHERE!

We talked to her about the "germs" that might be in the lake and how important it was to not drink the water. We also asked her to not go under water, even though she loves to do that...

We covered her g-tube with a water-proof bandaid, and as soon as she was done swimming and having a BLAST with her cousins, she took a shower, did a sinus rinse and a vest session. Her cousins ans sister also took showers, since that's what we always do when we swim.

We figure we taught her that she CAN do what she wnats, as long as she is responsible about it. I don't ever want her to feel that CF keeps her from having fun or from being involved in family activities. I know there will come a day, soon enough where CF causes her to not feel well enough to participate, but, why would I not let her, when she DOES fell well? I want her to grow up knowing that SHE needs to take extra steps to stay healthy, but that doesn't mean missing out on life.

We had a great trip, and made great memories. She'll remember that, and maybe, just maybe, I'll get used to seeing her swim in a lake without having my heart in my throat, wondering if I"m doing the right thing.
 
I

izemmom

New member
We grappled with this on our recent camping trip. I do beleive there is some risk. After all, pseudomonas is EVERYWHERE and the lakes in the area, and the area where were camped have been having issues with e. coli.
<br />
<br />However, trips like the one we were on are a pretty big part of our lives in the summer. This particular one is a family tradition for my husband's family, and, yes, the cousins swimming together in the lake is part of that tradition.
<br />
<br />So, we chekced the bacteria counts as best we could. THe county in Michigan that we were camping in didn't post very comprehensive results from thier regular water testing (not like we see for our lakes around where we live. But, we could tell that e. coli was down to well below the "accpetable" level and had been for weeks. PA? well, there's know way to know, but, heck - Emily picked it up in the NICU (and hasn't cultured it again since she was 9 months old) so that just shows it's EVERYWHERE!
<br />
<br />We talked to her about the "germs" that might be in the lake and how important it was to not drink the water. We also asked her to not go under water, even though she loves to do that...
<br />
<br />We covered her g-tube with a water-proof bandaid, and as soon as she was done swimming and having a BLAST with her cousins, she took a shower, did a sinus rinse and a vest session. Her cousins ans sister also took showers, since that's what we always do when we swim.
<br />
<br />We figure we taught her that she CAN do what she wnats, as long as she is responsible about it. I don't ever want her to feel that CF keeps her from having fun or from being involved in family activities. I know there will come a day, soon enough where CF causes her to not feel well enough to participate, but, why would I not let her, when she DOES fell well? I want her to grow up knowing that SHE needs to take extra steps to stay healthy, but that doesn't mean missing out on life.
<br />
<br />We had a great trip, and made great memories. She'll remember that, and maybe, just maybe, I'll get used to seeing her swim in a lake without having my heart in my throat, wondering if I"m doing the right thing.
 
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