We are going camping with our family in a couple weeks at a lake. I'm worried about bacteria. My daughter (6 wcf) loves the water. Ever since she was diagnosed we have tried to stay away from lakes. We even put in a pool so we could still enjoy the water without the bacteria. I was needing advice on how to deal with this trip. The lake is in a very hot place. She has been in the hospital two times in the last five months and we would like to do what is best for her. What would you do? Michelle
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Lakes and bacteria?
- Thread starter anonymous
- Start date
Michelle, I have an 8 yr old son wCF. He loves to go canoeing in the mountains with his dad and brother. This past weekend it was beautiful so he got to do some tubing in the river. He loved it. We have also let him in the water at the beach. Both river and beach probably have just as much bacteria as the lake, but we have never had a problem. We have asked our CF doctor before and she states that it is okay for him to get in the water. Also prior posts have said not to have fish tanks around children with CF because of the bacteria in the water, but our CF doctors says that she has never seen a problem with them. I have also gotten a pool (above ground) for our son to enjoy since he loves the water.
When I was growing up, we owned a lakehouse. My way of waking up was to go out & jump in the lake. I have no doubt there is bacteria there. Bacteria lives all around the world. I also know that it depends on how the water source is maintained. Our lake was very "clean". No gas powered motor boats were allowed. No bathing in the lake using any type of soap or shampoo. The lake association went around 2 times a year & put tablets in all the toilets of the houses to make sure there was no leakage into the lake. The exercise was fantastic & I found the lake water much better for my hair/skin then chlorinated water. If I had a choice to this day between a lake/pool, I would choose a lake. My health became worse after we no longer had the lakehouse. Granted age had something to do with it, but the lack of the exercise definitely contributed. Hope this gives a bit of insight from someone who lived on a lake before & after diagnoses. By the way I am 35 with CF & have a 5 year old daughter.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">
I had the exact same concern about a trip to visit cousins at a Lake in NC and asked our daughter's CF doctor about it. Because she is on Tobi right now, we and her doctor, decided it was not a good idea right now for her to come in contact with the water. We too are in the process of getting an above ground pool because we can be sure of the upkeep ourselves. By the way, I am a mother of two girls, one age 3 1/2 without CF and one about to turn 1 with CF. I know the doctors/nurses keep telling us it's okay to treat CF children like any other children but there is still that concern in my mind that if it's possible for me to control a setting, I'd like to be able to do it if there is any possible benefit to my daughter. But, on the other hand, you certainly don't want her to feel as though she is 'missing out' on the family fun or that she is the reason you cannot go. Jennifer
i have three sons, the two older, ty and jon do not have cf. the little one sam, 4 has cf. my pediatrician, who is also my best friend, is very cautious sbout sam. my whole family lives in florida. on the river, one on the beach, and on a lake. i think constantly about sam and pseudomonas in the water. but cepacea can live in the soil and pseudomonas can live in drain pipes and lots of other places. when i get really worried, i try and think about that. my ped. says that as long as sam is "healthy" and not coughing that she feels like it is ok for sam to play in the water. there is no way possible that i can keep sam out of the water when his two older brothers are swimming and jumping on to the lake. i do so want him to enjoy life, but if he contracted it and i could have prevented it i'd be devastated. he wont put his face intentionally under water all the time so, i can rest for a little while until he becomes more adventurous, but sam has been going to florida and swimming for 4 years and has been "fine"good luck and have a good time,juliet and the three muskateers<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
Thank you for all the input. Just to let you know. We did go to the lake but had a turn of events. On the way my daughter started vomitting. The lake is 5 hs. away. By the time we got there she was really sick. I called the clinic earyly the next morning and they said to come in. The clinic was 2 1/2 hrs. away. She was admitted and we spent our week of camping in the hospital. Never did find out why she has had such stomach problems lately. Even did a endoscopy. Still waiting for biopsy results. I guess that answered my questions about the lake for this month. Maybe we will try again later. Michelle