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vercetti2021

(10,156 posts)
Sat May 20, 2023, 07:14 AM May 2023

Invited to a lake next weekend

Next week is Memorial Day weekend and my girlfriends parents extended an invitation to go camping with them. Essentially glamping as the new term is. While I really love being invited to come, I'm very unsure about wanting to go and get into any type of lake water with my skin removal scars still healing. I'm also very self conscious about the battle scars I have right now and don't wanna show off skin.

I really don't know, I feel if I make up something I will look awful.

42 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Invited to a lake next weekend (Original Post) vercetti2021 May 2023 OP
If they know about your recent surgery, woodsprite May 2023 #1
I take a common BP med Marthe48 May 2023 #14
I think it's wonderful your girl friend's peacefreak2.0 May 2023 #2
They are nice vercetti2021 May 2023 #22
Go! The suggestions above are great Sanity Claws May 2023 #3
Pretty much! vercetti2021 May 2023 #23
Buy some flowers for your gf and her mother. twodogsbarking May 2023 #4
I'll just pick some vercetti2021 May 2023 #24
If your girlfriend's family can't understand your concern, you wouldn't want to be there. If dem4decades May 2023 #5
No they are fully aware vercetti2021 May 2023 #19
scars... markie May 2023 #6
They would be fine with it vercetti2021 May 2023 #25
... markie May 2023 #39
Bring a fishing pole... Lochloosa May 2023 #7
Can't fish vercetti2021 May 2023 #26
Buy a very airy coverup that dries quickly. Baitball Blogger May 2023 #8
What would you suggest? vercetti2021 May 2023 #27
I usually purchase online. Baitball Blogger May 2023 #40
You'll be ready next year. multigraincracker May 2023 #9
Thank you! vercetti2021 May 2023 #28
I don't know the relationship you have with the parents Alpeduez21 May 2023 #10
They already know vercetti2021 May 2023 #29
Bring a hammock Danascot May 2023 #11
Haha vercetti2021 May 2023 #30
Tell them the truth Tbear May 2023 #12
They already know vercetti2021 May 2023 #31
Go. Have fun. Stay out of the water... Joinfortmill May 2023 #13
I think they would vercetti2021 May 2023 #32
If the trip would sound fun if no water were involved then go. Hope22 May 2023 #15
Facts vercetti2021 May 2023 #33
Yes! Hope22 May 2023 #42
Tip from your friendly neighborhood surgeon Docreed2003 May 2023 #16
Exactly vercetti2021 May 2023 #20
Jeremy Wade has some specials on lake monsters which could come in handy. GreenWave May 2023 #17
Interesting! vercetti2021 May 2023 #34
My best advice. Niagara May 2023 #18
This is the way! vercetti2021 May 2023 #36
My pleasure. Niagara May 2023 #41
I have no idea where that lake is located but few are warm Phoenix61 May 2023 #21
The lakes and ponds in Indiana are still pretty cold. Emile May 2023 #35
Well I think it'll be low 90s this coming week vercetti2021 May 2023 #37
Maybe the first couple of feet. A little bit deeper and it will still Emile May 2023 #38

woodsprite

(11,927 posts)
1. If they know about your recent surgery,
Sat May 20, 2023, 07:27 AM
May 2023

I would say “The dr says I need to be very careful about sun exposure during the healing process.” Even if they don’t know you could blame it on a med “my dr has me on”. I know there are drugs for bladder or kidney infections where you have to stay out of the sun. Actually that would work for staying out of the water as well.

I hope you can go and have fun without them pressuring you. We’ve lost so much family time over the last few years.

Marthe48

(17,035 posts)
14. I take a common BP med
Sat May 20, 2023, 08:41 AM
May 2023

and the instructions say to avoid direct sun.

If I go to the lake with my family, I don't swim, just enjoy watching the water

peacefreak2.0

(1,023 posts)
2. I think it's wonderful your girl friend's
Sat May 20, 2023, 07:36 AM
May 2023

parents are including you. You don’t have to swim if you don’t want to. A big book and a shady tree might be more appealing. Maybe hit the thrift store again and look for some gauzy cover ups that you’d be comfortable in. And a good hat! Good luck!

vercetti2021

(10,156 posts)
22. They are nice
Sun May 21, 2023, 04:26 AM
May 2023

They know I've been dealing with a lot of stuff after surgery and such. I think its more of a way to get me out of the house and away from work. I hate a nice hat, but not sure about the shading there at the lake. I might sit in a chair by their RV. I keep my abdomen wrapped up a lot now.

Sanity Claws

(21,854 posts)
3. Go! The suggestions above are great
Sat May 20, 2023, 07:52 AM
May 2023

You don't have to go swimming to enjoy the lake. You can just sit back and enjoy the company of your girlfriend and her family.

dem4decades

(11,304 posts)
5. If your girlfriend's family can't understand your concern, you wouldn't want to be there. If
Sat May 20, 2023, 08:02 AM
May 2023

they're understanding, then enjoy your day at the lake. I wish I could go and bring my fishing pole.

vercetti2021

(10,156 posts)
19. No they are fully aware
Sat May 20, 2023, 09:55 PM
May 2023

They expressed concern about it and thats why they wanted me to come also. To get out of the house and from work. Essentially take my mind off of things

markie

(22,758 posts)
6. scars...
Sat May 20, 2023, 08:02 AM
May 2023


I have so many (from compound fractures to elective surgery)... I tell people they are from a life well lived!!

I had brachioplasty and have about 18" of scar under each arm... I say (to the little ones) these are the zippers that I use to get in and out of my skin!!

I have decided 'fuck 'em' if people judge me by my scars... this may not help you but truly, for our own good, we all really need to be comfortable in our own skin, no matter the size, shape, color, imperfections or perfectness!!

Baitball Blogger

(46,758 posts)
8. Buy a very airy coverup that dries quickly.
Sat May 20, 2023, 08:14 AM
May 2023

I did it last summer when I didn't want to pose for pictures in a bathing suit. We all sat in the lake for the photo.

Baitball Blogger

(46,758 posts)
40. I usually purchase online.
Sun May 21, 2023, 09:35 AM
May 2023

I did searches for the one I purchased. If you're not happy with what you find, I will be happy to gift it to you if you give me a mailing address. It's white with pinkish flower design.

But you can start here, to look:

https://www.swimsuitsforall.com/

This is the cover up section
https://www.swimsuitsforall.com/sa/cover-ups/

Here is one that looks like it can dry quickly, but I wanted to cover up my arms too, so mine has sleeves.

https://www.swimsuitsforall.com/products/quincy-mesh-high-low-cover-up-tunic/1007465.html?cgid=SA_Cover_Ups_6&dwvar_1007465_color=4308457

Alpeduez21

(1,757 posts)
10. I don't know the relationship you have with the parents
Sat May 20, 2023, 08:25 AM
May 2023

So I don’t know how to respond. I do know you are under no obligation to go swimming nor to show skin.
Crazy as it sounds I’ve found honesty to be the best approach. “I’ve recently had a skin procedure and shouldn’t get the areas wet”. Don’t get on a boat either. Heath Ledger in that Batman movie kept telling different psychologically horrible stories about his characters scars. Test out your imagination. Most people are very understanding. If these people are not that is very good to know
Liquid bandaid is water proof but I don’t know how much area you have to cover. It can benefit from reapplication. Long pants and shirts are good especially if it’s cold out. If you want to go then go. We’ll always be here to support you no matter what.

vercetti2021

(10,156 posts)
29. They already know
Sun May 21, 2023, 05:05 AM
May 2023

They think its good for me to come to get my mind off of it. I'm still thinking about it though. I have all week.

Tbear

(488 posts)
12. Tell them the truth
Sat May 20, 2023, 08:39 AM
May 2023

Most reasonable people will readily work with that. I’ll bet at least one person will extend themselves to help you feel comfortable.

Hope22

(1,865 posts)
15. If the trip would sound fun if no water were involved then go.
Sat May 20, 2023, 08:55 AM
May 2023

Shorts and a tee take you on boat rides, shoreline walks and wading to cool down on a hot day. I’m with you about being protective of your new skin. Wear what makes your heart sing. You have been through so much and missed things for other reasons. Live it up! 😁💗

vercetti2021

(10,156 posts)
33. Facts
Sun May 21, 2023, 05:12 AM
May 2023

Yeah boat ride would be fun. I just need to wrap my abdomen up really good so no lake water gets on my scars

Docreed2003

(16,877 posts)
16. Tip from your friendly neighborhood surgeon
Sat May 20, 2023, 10:25 AM
May 2023

I would avoid exposing any new surgical scars to lake water and sunlight. Just my 2c.

vercetti2021

(10,156 posts)
20. Exactly
Sat May 20, 2023, 09:57 PM
May 2023

Given I'm also fair skinned too. I'll burn faster. I already told my girlfriend that I feel I'd be a burden since I'd be in the shade hiding until it was dark outside.

GreenWave

(6,766 posts)
17. Jeremy Wade has some specials on lake monsters which could come in handy.
Sat May 20, 2023, 11:36 AM
May 2023

A fish can pull in 7 times its own weight. So a really big one... yikes.

Niagara

(7,675 posts)
18. My best advice.
Sat May 20, 2023, 12:45 PM
May 2023

If you feel like going to the lake, go and enjoy your time there.


Explain to the in-laws that you recently had major surgery and going into the lake water is not possible at this time. You can inform them now or when you get there, although inform them that you're absolutely ready to spend time with family.



Bring comfy clothing, including shorts and long pants, short and long sleeves, a jacket or a hoodie, a sun hat, possibly an umbrella for sun shade or from rain, tennis shoes or sneakers. A familiar and cozy pillow and blanket. Also, don't forget the sun block and mosquito spray and share if you need to. Super imperative.




Bring a cooler with Vercetti2021 approved food and drinks. It doesn't have to an abundance of foods, possible items like fresh fruit, boiled eggs, yogurt, or whatever small items that you enjoy. Possibly bring a flashlight or a lantern just in case nature calls at 3:30 in the morning and walking to a campground restroom is in the realm of possibilities.

If you decide to go, enjoy yourself. And I want a full report about your journey.

Phoenix61

(17,019 posts)
21. I have no idea where that lake is located but few are warm
Sun May 21, 2023, 01:03 AM
May 2023

this early in the year. I bet there will be lots of people just hanging out and enjoying each others company. Take a deck of cards, Yahtzee, etc and have fun.

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