Quote Originally Posted by LGray23 View Post
There is nothing wrong with staying the the shallow end, or keeping your arms safely above water. You have a medical issue that could definitely become a problem in the water. Your fear is not irrational. Don't go swimming alone, and just stay above water. Maybe sometime in the future you can go to some lessons where they teach you alternate ways to swim safely without needing your arms in case of an emergency.
Yeah, I won't go to the pool without my girlfriend present. I was able to, after about 20 minutes, stand in the shallow end. Was in the pool for about 15 minutes and I was done for awhile. That's definitely a good idea about the lessons! I will look into that. Or, if I can manage to find a (competent) hospital that will work with me on the bill, just have the surgery I need done and swim happily ever after.