Opinions Please child with Asthma

[kinlaw6450]

Ok everyone I figure I can get the most reliable opinions on this from you guys.

My 4 year old son is a severe asthmatic. I spoke to a CM at WDW yesterday and she said that the smoke situation has been varying but on some days can be very bad. Simply being near tobacco smoke can trigger him and this concerns me very much. He has a hand held "rescue" inhaler and a nebulizer that we will be able to use pretty much anywhere (just found out from same CM that the restrooms have outlets! everytime you go you find something new.) So just being outside is not has much of a concern as being outside and stationary.

I have a letter from his doctor explaining his condition and was wondering if I would be out of line to request a GAC (?) pass from guest services. Thus keeping him from having to standstill outside for long lengths of time.

This is very important to me. Your opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Kami
p.s. 5 days and counting!:confused: :confused:

[teri]

No problem at all, kinlaw. Click on the link in my signature and look at the section on the GAC. Not all disabilities are mobility issues, the GAC is made for you. You are not out of line, you are doing what you have to do to keep your child safe and healthy.

[SueM in MN]

I agree with teri. You are not asking for any "perk". You need a place to wait where you won't be standing around outside.
You will want to look at the park maps to see where the smoking areas are located. You may find some people smoking outside of those spots, but if you can avoid going near the smoking areas, at least you will avoid the majority of the cigarette smoke.

[pugdog]

something else you might want to think about too is getting a high filtration dust mask for him to use on the bad days inbetween the buildings.

[kinlaw6450]

Thank you both very much. I feel much better. I do have a note from my sons doctor just in case because with asthma he just doesn't look sick. But why give his asthma a chance to fire up? He is a beautiful boy (as every parent thinks of their child) and the attacks put him in a terrible state of panic and fear. I hate the thought of someone looking on my child with disdain because they think he is well. AND there are people who do! Even in the doctors office when he is given priority people get upset with us for going "first".

I will ask for a GAC pass for him when we arrive.

Please wish us luck! No trips to the hospital this trip. (Although both Disney and Florida Hospital were great, just don't want to visit again.)

4 days and counting!!!!

[kinlaw6450]

Pugdog, that is a wonderful idea. Thank you too!

[pugdog]

well I need to come up with good ideas, I'm a respiratory therapist at the kids hospital here in MN.

[kinlaw6450]

The resp therapists here at UVA were my sons closest friends for a while

[teri]

Pugdog, are there any particular brands or types of mask you recommend? Got any website links? :)

[pugdog]

Ok here's one site www.allergycontrol.com (www) . What you want is a HEPA high filtration mask. 3M is one good company and I think they sell some at like Target in the paint dept. or any other place like that. should have them too.

[SueM in MN]

pugdog, are you in the Minneapolis area? Just curious.

[pugdog]

yep St Paul

[SueM in MN]

Thought so. I work in St. Paul too, in a rehab hospital. RTs are very important to us because we have a lot of patients on ventilators.

[pugdog]

AHHHH Bethesda.

[SueM in MN]

Good guess.

[LindaDVC]

We just got back from WDW and we found very little smoke. One day we noticed it but it did not last. I had been concerned since DH has lots of respiratory problems (has had LONG icu visits with trachs,vents, etc) but we didn't have any problems.

Good to be prepared and hope the fire situation continues to improve.

Linda

[tink2dw]

P Of the Caribbean was the worsted for my friends child w/ asthma due to the fact that Disney pumps in mold smells. It triggered an attack!! So, if molds are one of the things that your son has problems with,be careful of this ride!!