please help me show my wife she wont' get flamed for using an EVC

[mcco5543]

Dear Dis'ers,
My wife was a star softball catcher for 10 years in elementary and H.S. she had to quit because she has no cartilidge in her knees left and her Dr. told her she'd be a wheelchair user within 2 years if she didn't quit playing. He also told her that he wants her to take care of her knees and hold off on knee replacements as long as possible since you can only replace your knees so many times and she's only 28 years old.
We are going on our Disneymoon in July. I told her if we need to we'd rent an EVC for her to get around and save her knees (and excruciating pain...no point in that on your disneymoon!)
She refuses to do it because of all the "flame" posts she has seen here on the boards complaining about people who rent EVC's and don't really "need" them. And she doesn't want anyone to think that about her!

Well I told my wife that lots of people might make judgements about why she's in an EVC (she's not a stick figure), but that people who are familiar with medical issues and disabilities will realize that some disbailities can't be seen and there are a million of those types of disabilities out there and would never judge her or give her nasty looks or remarks.

Can you please weigh in and help me tell her to ignore those people who don't realize that hidden disabilities/medical issues can require EVC assistance and that she should ignore them.

p.s. I should add, i'm a wheelchair user (paralyzed waist down from birth and It's still not helping her feel better).

I know you Dis'ers are great at encouragement and have eased our minds about many a Disney worry.
TIA!!

[quiltymom]

No, she won't get flamed for using an ECV! The people who get flamed are the ones who are irresponsible using them (i.e., running into people w/o caring, not knowing how they work or not looking where they're going, using them to "save" their feet for dancing that night and bragging about it...).

ECVs are there for people who need them to use them, just like strollers for kids. It's what you do with the wheeled vehicles that is important. I'm sure I'll get nasty looks when my DS9 will use the stroller from time to time (he'll be sharing it with DD7), but I'll also make sure that I don't run into people, and if I do upon accident, I'll apolgize.

Does this make sense?

[cupcake]

There are a a few people out there who for whatever reason think they can know what it's like to be me, sitting on a bench in pain and not enjoying my vacation. But my doing that is not going to enlighten them-- all it's going to do is ruin my trip. The EVC is a wonderful thing, and I am very happy that I made the decision to try it out, I certainly have never looked back. I am, btw, 40 and hop up and down from the EVC to go into shops, attractions, etc. I have extra bones in my feet which are undetectable unless you are looking at my feet, so I have a classic invisible issue. I can walk for short distances fine, though, so you would not know anything by appearances. The funny thing is that the # of judgmental people is a very, very small fraction, but I know that if you run into one, it can be upsetting. But I am not going to spend my vacation on a bench to appease someone who, like I said, is not going to become empathetic if I use an EVC. So go ahead and do whatever you need to do to have a great trip!!

Congrats on your upcoming wedding, and please tell your fiancee to get out there and have a great time!

:wave: Cupcake

[AJKMOM]

I have never seen "the look" that others talk about, and if I did, I would probably make a comment to anyone who had the nerve to question why I use a GAC with my autistic son. If someone uses an electric wheel chair, it's 99% certain that they need it.

Unfortunately, the 1% who cheat are the ones who ruin it for the others. If your wife needs an ECV, I hope she will use one and ignore the people who pass judgement on what they think they see. I hope you have a wonderful honeymoon at WDW.:cheer2: :banana: :woohoo: :grouphug:

[minkydog]

My 50yo DH suffers from a serious heart &lung disease. To look at him, you'd never know he is so sick. He tries his best to keep up with everyone else, but he needs a lot of rest. He'd rather just sit on a bench than ride around in a scooter and draw attention to himself!

We planned a big trip to WDW for the first week of January. This trip was my three children's whole Christmas. But DH was hospitalized over Christmas with pericarditis, a very painful and exhausting heart disease, and it looked like the trip was in jeopardy. His cardiologist did not want him to go, but I made DH promise he would use an ECV. It was his intention to just break that promise:headache:

Well, within the first 2hrs of our visit to MK, DH realized how much the ECV was helping him. He recognized how limited he was and that he could save his energy for enjoying stuff with the kids. We still had to take breaks, but the ECV saved the vacation.

Tell your DW to give it a try. No one will look at her funny. If they do, tell her to stick out her tongue. It's your vacation. Let strangers think whatever they want.

[SueM in MN]

If someone uses an electric wheel chair, it's 99% certain that they need it.
I'd just like to point out that electric (power) wheelchairs are different than ECVs (electric scooters). If you see someone with a power wheelchair, it's 100% that they need it, since you can't rent one of those unless you already use one (many people choose not to travel with theirs for fear of damage).

There are people who will look and/or comment; we've heard comments over the years about DD because people saw her sitting on a bench next to her wheelchair. She can't walk unless someone holds her up and can't transfer out of her wheelchair without assistance. That has not stopped some people from making their opinions known. But there is a very small number of those people. Doesn't keep it from hurting, but for every person who is mean, there are at least several nice people.

You and your family are the only ones who know how much you need the ECV and how miserable you would be without it. There might be a few people who are anxious to offer their opinion, but the only people whose opinions matter are yours.

[RNMOM]

I have used an ECV for my last 3 trips and have enjoyed those trips so much more than the previous ones when I was in pain.

I have bad knees, back, hands and ache all over from my connective tissue disease. I look fine, and yes, I am obese.

I own my own scooter now as well. I scoot around malls and our local shopping areas with my hubby and when people look at me I make a point of looking them in the eye and giving them a big smile and a "hello". It never fails to get a "hi" back and at least they recognize there is a person that goes along with this annoying contraption they might be asked to move a bit for. Just act like you own the world and be gracous. I always excuse myself if I scoot in front of someone, like I would if I had to walk in front of them. I am always careful of those around me and have not hit anyone but my poor husband on the heel.

No one can make you feel bad about something unless you allow them to. If you feel you need the assistance a device gives you then it should not be an issue to anyone else. Go. Have fun and save your knees for more important issues. There are some people who have nothing better in their lives to do than to judge other people. That is their problem. Not mine.

[mrsksomeday]

I hope she uses the ECV and has a wonderful time. It is going to be your Disneymoon. She needs to just focus on you and starting your new life together. It doesn't matter what other people think, especially other people that you are likely to never see again.

She needs to keep herself healthy for as long as she can, why be in pain on your Disneymoon? Tell her we all hope she doesn't worry about what others think and just enjoys herself.

[Cheshire Figment]

Please ask her the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are travelling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

[mommyseven]

I just returned from WDW after a week's stay. This was the first time that I used an ECV - ever. The bad comments that have been mentioned had me so worried that I didn't rent the ECV until the day before I left (rented it locally - was less expensive and a very nice ECV).

During the trip I was pleasantly surprised by how helpful and kind strangers were. Many times people would go out of their way to hold the door open. One night I was passing through Pleasure Island and ended up on the worse zig-zag ramp (I'm sure some know what I am talking about). The path was very crowded with people standing in line to get into a club. One gentleman went out of his way to move everyone to the side, which they gladly did.

The only less than friendly look that I got came from a lady at the bus stop leaving Epcot. I was trying to get to the handicap loading area so that the bus driver would see me and I could easily manuever the ecv onto the bus. She I suppose thought I was trying to cut so she purposedly stood in front of me and dropped her bag in the way. Well, the bus came and the driver pointed to me and flagged me forward. When she got on the bus she had a sour pus look but she probably is like that all the time. :)

That was the only negative experience. Yes. People do walk in your way and you learn quick how to stop fast and watch how people will react. They don't always mean anything by it because when I did a bit of walking they would walk in my way too. It was a bit frustrating when looking at the animals in AK because people would squeeze their way in front of me and the window. With me being down low it was harder to see, but then again they would have squeezed their way in anyway.

Tell her to rent it. I'm the most self-conscious, people aware type person. I know if people are looking at me and thinking things. I prefer to blend into the crowd and go unnotice. I'm not the star nor do I like any unwanted attention. If I can do it she can too.

[OneLittleSpark]

Some people find putting a jokey sign (like an L plate) on the back of the scooter relieves some of their tension. I know that's not something that everyone would go for, but some do find it helps. I'm thinking of making a couple of bumper stickers for my wheelchair before Disney, such as: "43 square miles of magic, and I'm the most exciting thing you can find to look at? I'm flattered!". All right, it's not really snappy, but it'd get the message across.

Wherever you go, whatever you do and whatever your abilities, you'll probably find some jerks. But what's more important: pleasing the jerks, or having a great trip? I say scoot away and have fun! :moped:

[KPeveler]

great bumper sticker idea, onelittlespark!

I hope she uses the ECV or whatever device is most helpful. I am only a little away from using a chair myself due to connective tissue disease, and I am 22. you would never know to look at me.

This is your honeymoon. The last thing you want to do is look back at the pictures, and have her say "wow, i hurt so much just to stand and take this picture."

I say to live your life and pooh on anyone who is so immature they feel the need to ignore disney world and stare at people who need an ECV!

[OneLittleSpark]

great bumper sticker idea, onelittlespark!

Thanks K! :thumbsup2

I say to live your life and pooh on anyone who is so immature they feel the need to ignore disney world and stare at people who need an ECV!

:rotfl: Nicely put!

[mcco5543]

she Rented An Evc!!!



you Guys Are The Greatest!


Thankyou!!!

[Michigan]

"43 square miles of magic, and I'm the most exciting thing you can find to look at? I'm flattered!".

I have 2 daughters with spina bifida both paralyzed from the top of the legs down and I found the perfect shirt for my 9 year old the other day at Target. It says "Ok I'm perfect so now you can quit staring".

We've had some of our funniest moments from people staring at WDW. Like the time a guy had his head cranked all the way around and kept walking right into a poll. As we went by we said don't worry about all the people staring at you maybe one of them will entertain you like you did us.

[edcrbnsoul]

I'm glad she rented. My DW chose to "tough it out" one trip and then for the next she got the ECV, she was glad she did she enjoyed herself much more.
Remember those who complain about the ECV's are the vocal minority we never ran into nasty looks or comments.

[cmwade77]

she should get the ecv and enjoy, as stated earlier on here the people who do get flamed are the irresponsible ones.

[mcco5543]

I have 2 daughters with spina bifida both paralyzed from the top of the legs down and I found the perfect shirt for my 9 year old the other day at Target. It says "Ok I'm perfect so now you can quit staring".

We've had some of our funniest moments from people staring at WDW. Like the time a guy had his head cranked all the way around and kept walking right into a poll. As we went by we said don't worry about all the people staring at you maybe one of them will entertain you like you did us.


I have SB too! And I also have a million of those stories, in fact when I do my guest speaking shpeel about what it's like to live with a disability I always tell those stories to loosen everyone up and it always does!

[OneLittleSpark]

:woohoo: Yay! I'm so glad she's gone for the ECV, it will make your trip so much easier for both of you! Have a wonderful time, and ignore the gawkers! :thumbsup2

[WildGrits]

Do you mean flamed here on the boards or going around WDW?

Cause trust me, the loud minority will complain about anything. One of my scouts older sisters has severe CP. She is in an electric wheel chair with a dyna-vox attached. The Loud Minority where just horrid when she was getting on the buses.

The lack of campassion is shamful. :sad1:

Personally I find that behavior reminecent of pigs fighting to get to the trough. :snooty:

[bzzymom]

My mom has pain in her back, hips, and knees and feet. She can't even carry her groceries in from her car. You can't tell by looking at her. She used to walk the park, stop sit while we went ahead to do an attraction she didn't want to do and catch up with us later. I had a very hard time convincing her to use an ecv, until we were at AK and I told her she had to. She had a great time at the park and now rents one at all the parks, and has more enjoyment of her vacations at WDW. We don't judge people who are in a scooter, we just hope that people who are using them, need them. We have had the unfortunate experience of not having a scooter at MK, and took the last scooter at epcot once.

There are a lot of "cut throat" type people who travel to WDW. They spend every possible second they can in the parks. They feel that they are "cheated" of time by having a scotter or wheelchair load on to the bus. It is such rubbish. That is the very reason why my mom won't rent the ecv off-site. She doesn't want people getting upset with her for the time it takes to get loaded. She also feels bad because the scooters take up seat space.

I am so glad you rented an ecv for your honeymoon. DH and I honeymooned at WDW. We had a a great time. I hope you do too.

[mcco5543]

she was reading all the flames here on the boards ..and she was afraid of people thinking those things about her. (sometimes it's hard not to care what people think..she tries not to). She just doens't want anyone to think she'd take advantage of using an assistive device when her own wife has a disability and she has a few hidden medical issues as well. She's trying to take a deep breath, be brave and ignore everyone who is rude like that and just pay attention to all you wonderful Dis'ers~ :grouphug:

[KPeveler]

unfortunately there are rude people everwhere, but I am glad she is renting an ECV... there may be people who stare or are rude, but dont let that spoil things. i use a cane at age 22 so I get a few looks, but who cares! it means I can get around better, so pooh on them!

[mcco5543]

oops i posted the same thing twice..sorry!

[HarbinsMom]

I started using a cane around 29 due to debilitating arthritis. I had had it since 16, but underdiagnosed. NOW, I'm on crutches and have been for 6 weeks for my 2nd knee surgery since January. My doctor and physical therapist have told me that I must use a chair for our trip in 18 days. We tried this once and I was so self-conscious, it didn't last throughout the morning. I've resigned myself to the fact I'm going to have to use one, we just haven't decided on on-site rental or off-site. I, too, am not looking forward to the *looks*. I'm fairly young and to look at me without cane or crutches, you'd think that I wouldn't need one, but after a few hours walking the park, I think I'll be glad I caved.

[Dis1978]

Just wanted to say that my young son was in a wheelchair on a previous visit to WDW and this time we had to use a GAC for my aspie son. Obviously with autism it is a hidden disorder and people must have wondered why my healthy looking teen was going to the front of the line. However, just wanted to reassure you that we got no nasty looks whatsoever with either child on any of the occasions that we had to use the GAC. So please don't worry about any looks.

Also although my DS felt a little awkward at first, he was much happier using the wheelchair because he could enjoy WDW and not be in pain. There are loads of people in wheelchairs and no one will be looking at you in particular. Everyone is too busy having fun.
Hope you have a great time.:)

[Lillypug]

My OLDEST son has severe CP and uses a chair. My advice to your wife is to go to Disney and ride that ECV and not look back. Have the time of her life and stay away from those stupid flaming posts. Do not even open them. I, myself, stay away from them because it hurts me and I am the type where it would affect my trip reading people's secret thoughts. It seems the intenet seems to give some people a ticket to be rude because of the anonymity of the internet. Most people were kind to us our last trip. We did have one teenager stand with her butt in Noah's face at the parade at MK but after that we went to the w/c seating area where we didn't have to deal with petty stuff like that and had a perfect view without the rude teenager.
In summary:
Don't read those nasty threads. Those posters won't be at WDW breathing down your neck at WDW. Most people who post those things on the internet don't have the cahones to say something to your face. The world is not perfect but the kindhearted people outnumber the nasty people, so don't let the bad apples ruin it for you. You go and get the ECV and have the time of your life with your husband & Make some wonderful memories.:goodvibes

[edcrbnsoul]

When we went to WDW in Dec. we never heard nasty remarks and the majority of the people we came across were nice and patient, if the few impatient jerks were there we didn't hear them and could have cared less.


Just an added thought, the newer buses that are lower make the loading time so much shorter and easier we always hoped thats what was coming.

[minkydog]

When we went to WDW in Dec. we never heard nasty remarks and the majority of the people we came across were nice and patient, if the few impatient jerks were there we didn't hear them and could have cared less.


Just an added thought, the newer buses that are lower make the loading time so much shorter and easier we always hoped thats what was coming.


And I just wanted to add--when we went we had DH in the ECV and DS12 in his wheelchair. I'm sure there were people who felt unhappy with the loading/unloading,but they kept it to themselves. :confused3 I just couldn't be bothered worrying about what other people might think.

[Joanna71985]

I hope she gets the ECV, and have a great trip. I don't judge people in the chairs because I am so thankful I don't have to use one.

[girli565]

My mother was in horrible car accident about 10 years ago, when she was 34, and suffered a severe back injury. She was in a brace for 3 solid months instead of choosing to have surgery which could have possibly paralyzed her, so now she suffers with chronic back, hip and neck pain that make it next to impossible to even grocery shop. She looks perfectly fine to look at her but she's not.

I totally understand your fiance's trepidation because my mom suffers from the same state of mind. She worries what people will say and troops it out while in pain at the parks when she could be in an ECV or even wheelchair which I or my fiance are more than willing to push.

Her worries stem from an incident she had while parking her car in a handicap spot at the grocery store one day. Her doc told her she had to get the permit because she could barely walk from her car to our front door without crippling o ver in pain. Some man at the grocery store tells her that she looks real healthy to be using a handicap spot and then proceeds to berate her everytime she ran into him in the store.

Tell your fiance not to worry!! I'll beat up anyone that looks at her funny!!! ;)

[Haley Whippet]

she Rented An Evc!!!



you Guys Are The Greatest!


Thankyou!!!

WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deb

[Kate70410]

I just wanted to take a minute to thank you all for your kind words here. I'm the one that the original post was directed to. My wife and I have been having a discussion about all this since we first starting planning our trip. After reading all this, I'm definitely renting an ECV, from Care Medical after reading rave reviews about them from a poster on this board.

My pride just really gets in the way with all this. I used to be an athlete that could do anything whenever I wanted, and that's just not the case anymore I'm starting to realize. It's hard, especially since I know that not only are my knees bad, I have really bad asthma on top of it all. Actually the asthma has been slowing me down worse than my knees the last few days, I'm guessing because allergy season is in full swing where we live.

I am still a little nervous because with both of us being in a chair, isn't it hard to get around together with the crowds and all?? I just thought that since I'm still able to walk around..albeit slow at times, that I would be the one to do that if it meant a better time for the both of us..

After reading your posts, and really thinking it over, I think that renting the ECV will be a lifesaver for both of us. It's always been hard for me to keep up with my wife..I think this will save us from some of that and save my health in the process which is a win win situation.

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for writing and letting us know what you decided to do.

My suggestions are to practice a little bit first in a non-busy place. You should be able to confidently go straight ahead, turn both directions, back up straight and turning both directions and sort of parallel parking in a spot (you will need that for the bus). If you can get fairly confident doing that when you are in a non-busy place, driving in the parks will be much easier.

And, one more note about something that happens fairly often......
A poster who was injured and needed to use an ECV will write "I used to be one of the people to complain the most about wheelchairs and ECVs, but using one made me see how wrong I was and I will never complain again."
That actually does happen about once every month or so.
So, some of the people who have scared the most people with nasty posts often get a little taste of Karma.

[OneLittleSpark]

Glad you decided to rent, I think it will make the holiday easier and more enjoyable for both of you. If you haven't already, you might want to check out the FAQ, as it has lots of information about all sorts of things from boarding buses, to getting onto rides with moving walkways. If there's anything else you think of that you want to know, do just post here and I'm sure you'll get loads of helpful answers.

Please don't worry about using the ECV, or think of using it as giving in or failing. An ECV is just another tool, like a pair of glasses, to help you get past a certain challenge and do what you want to do.

Congratulations to you and your fiancée, I hope you have an absolutely magical Disneymoon! :goodvibes

[SueM in MN]

One last hint....
If she is wearing shorts, make sure she remembers sunblock for her legs. They are right out there pointing at the sun when you are sitting in a wheelchair or ECV and are not a part of the body people typically think of getting burnt on. You can end up with a pretty bad burn fairly quickly because that area is usually not receiving direct sun while walking but is while sitting.

[Haley Whippet]

One last hint....
If she is wearing shorts, make sure she remembers sunblock for her legs. They are right out there pointing at the sun when you are sitting in a wheelchair or ECV and are not a part of the body people typically think of getting burnt on. You can end up with a pretty bad burn fairly quickly because that area is usually not receiving direct sun while walking but is while sitting.

You are so right! I burnt up my knees last time because I didn't think about extra sunblock..
Deb

[Dis1978]

Yes don't forget the sun block, it was boilng hot when we were there last month.
ECVs are great.

[KPeveler]

also, i would bring a towel (your own, not from the room in case it disappears) to place over the seat. there are some places that you cannot bring the ECV into, (such as haunted mansion) and when she goes back out to it, she will not be happy to sit on a 400 degree seat, especially in shorts!

i have even heard of people buying a lawn-mower seat cover for $20 from sears...

[mcco5543]

oh thanks so much for the sunblock tip and the seat cover tip! I already knew about putting sublock on your legs (
I am a fulltime wheelchair user and have freckles on my knees from the sun! So believe me her legs will be slathered. I never even thought of the seat being leather though. I assumed they'd be cloth. Thanks for the tips! Keep'em coming!

[OneLittleSpark]

If you're going to be leaving the ECV outside some rides, shows, restaurants or shops, make sure you have a spare poncho to cover the seat. The last thing you want is to come out and find that a Floridian shower has been past in your absence, and soaked the seat. Ponchos are also useful on Khali River Rapids, as the design of seat means you're sitting in a puddle of water before you even start. I know from experience that it's not pleasant sitting in a chair when your lower half is soaked right through to your undergarments [insert smilie representing soggy backside :rotfl:].

[whgrn]

I have to chuckle reading about the 400 degree leather seats!!! :lmao: On our last trip 5 years ago, it was beastly hot. I was using an ECV, and came out of someplace to exactly that. YIKES!!! Fortunately I was wearing capris, not shorts, but I felt that heat right through to my gatchies!!! After that experience, I always left something on the seat to keep it cool.

I've been looking at rental sites for our trip in November, and many of them offer a canopy for the ECV. That looks like a great idea, as it could help with the hot seat prolbem, as well as keeping the sun off me.

[mcco5543]

ooh the canopy sounds lovely! I think we're just going to bring an old towel for the seat (if it gets swiped...no big deal). Of course i assume nobody would even dream of swiping anything from the happiest place on earth but you never know. :eek:


much love to all..keep those tips coming!

[allie_to_you]

First let me just say that I hope you both have a wonderful & memorable disneymoon. My DH & I had our honeymoon at Disney World and we had a fantastic time. Be sure to get Mickey & Minnie bride & groom hats to wear.

I'm so glad she decided to take all the advice and rent an ECV. My DH is also confined to a wheelchair. He was born with Spina Bifida and has been in a wheelchair since birth. We have been on 2 Disney vacations together and the last one about did me in. I have problems with my feet and knees that cannot be seen by anyone so even though I was in incredible pain last year, I was too stubborn to try and rent an ECV. I soooo wish I had. Trust me, this year, if I get to hurting I'll definitely be getting one.

It's a shame that there are jerks out there that will make comments or stare or just be rude because they can't see a person's disability and they just assume the person using an ECV/wheelchair lazy, but those people only do those things out of ignorance and stupidity. I used to be too proud to rent an ECV too. Your right, it's hard to not listen to others opinions but I just had to tell myself to think about...how many of those people am I going to see again after my vacation...probably none.

Your wife will feel so much better now that she has decided to rent an ECV. It's so hard to just tough it out.

I hope you have a magical and romantic honeymoon together!

[starwishing]

Loved the bumper sticker idea!!! I actually had purchased a stuffed "Beeker" from the muppet store in MGM and attached him to the front basket. Anyone who glanced my way immediately broke into a smile! I also was very worried but I never had one mean look or word.....and I am sure you will be fine too!!!! :goodvibes

[Mami2Princesa]

I have decided to rent an ECV for our upcoming trip to Disney World because I have developed a heal spur in my right foot. It's very painful to walk and stand for long periods of time. I was concerned about what other might say but I know that I don't want to be in pain when we watch our daughter see Walt Disney World for the first time. I want to enjoy watching her and making magical memories. If I don't rent the ECV I know I will be in pain and miserable. This post has been so helpful. A friend of mine suggested that if I am concerned about what others may think since I look healthy (which I know I shouldn't be) to wrap my ankle in an ace bandage. I know I shouldn't have to do this but I know I will be very upset if I get stared at and I don't like standing out in a crowd. I think I will take her advice. I am glad your wife is getting an ECV. Enjoy your Disneymoon!!! :)

[hollygolightlytika]

I have never had to use an EVC, but I have juvenile diabetes and the start of neuropathy in my feet so I am fully aware that in the future I will need assistance. I have seen the "looks" and heard the "comments" while standing in lines and I have to say it drives me crazy! I would never be so rude! I especially hate the comments where they say the person looks fine to them and shouldn't be using an EVC because if anyone looked at me they wouldn't have any clue that I have such a horrible disease or that I am slowly losing my eyesight due to it. I know when the time comes I'm going to get the comments too, because I look perfectly healthy but no one else can know how bad the pain and burning in my feet gets, how sometimes I have no choice but to stop the vacation and sit down because I cannot walk any further. I am forrtunate that so far my neuropathy is intermittent and not yet a permanent state, and truth be told right now all the walking I do at DW keeps my levels in a more normal range and I'm less likely to experience the neuropathy on vacation. But unfortunately this will not last, it will eventually be a permanent issue.

I just don't understand how people can be so rude though. I mean, why get angry over something so trivial, we'll all get our turn on a ride, or at a show, people need to have a little more patience and a little more understanding that not all disabilities are visible, but that doesn't mean the person isn't disabled. I'm one of those who actually goes out of my way to make it easier for EVC users, more than willing to lend a hand if someone needs some assistance, and it makes my trip a better one for it!

[JadeDarkstar]

i wanted to say ty. i have been going back and force with the idea of evc. a few years ago (1month befor going to dw. I had an acdent at work. every one said it wasnt permnet but my legs still hurt when i walk to much. I can walk normaly I try to alot, but dl im thinking its alot of standing and walking and do i relly want to take the chance of trying with out evc and maybe runing my vacation. Or just rent one use it most times.

I will not do charcter photos in i this time. i thought i looked horibuel in whell chair last time. and I want good emmorys.

what worries me most is some one will see me stand up to take pic with charcter with my son and then see me in line at some ride.

I know i keep being told dont worrie what others think and I am not gona pay atition to other ppls adituieds towards me if there bad.

I hope the lady who was gona need the evc got it. im sure it helped her vacation just like it would with me. im only 23 and fill so old and weak and hate giving up, but if im gona do it any where i see dl and wdw being the place

im also traveling with my 57year old dad and he may decied to need one. hart attack few years back and harder time walking lately

[kmjmom]

Congratulations and have a wonderful Disneymoon!! I have been considering renting an ECV offsite after having major ankle surgery in May. After transitioning through four casts and having Physical therapy twice a week for the last month, I am actually walking increasing distances. Granted, I do 10 minutes on the treadmill at therapy, but I feel stronger each day. Having been to Disney before, I know I will probably not have the necessary stamina to last at the parks, so I will most likely need to rent an ECV for the parks. I want our trip to be magical and if I am in pain that won't be possible, so I'm keeping an open mind about the ECV!:thumbsup2