Hi Scotscat,
Swimming is an activity which I practiced "before" almost every day from April to November. I had to skip the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008 but I resumed it in June. Precautiously at the start, just to see what I was capable of, two pool lengths, then four, six ten…up to the 70 I used to do…
The first week, I also ask my wife to be around the pool, just in case…
I never had problems although I still have some weakness in the legs, but curiously that doesn' t affect swimming…I found also that I was feeling better after swimming, maybe that could be due to the water temperature, the pool is not heated, but sheltered.
Have fun and a good swim!
Maurice.