Navigating WDW in a cam walking boot?

[beatlesblonde]

I've been in a cam walking boot for almost four months due to multiple stress fractures in my right foot. 90% of the time when I wear it I'm at work where I am able to sit, although I do wear it outside of work when possible (it's my driving foot so I have to make due when I'm forced to drive, but I've worn it to weddings and even a funeral). I've been going to a podiatrists for this since July but even with rest and other treatments my foot still isn't healing as fast as the doctor would like.

DH and I are headed to WDW in 10 days and I'm worried about how I'll cope wearing the boot, it's heavy and uncomfortable but I don't want to use a wheelchair or ECV if I can help it (it's not something we've really budgeted for). But if I just wear my tennis shoes with my orthodics I'm afraid I'll do more harm. I have another appointment this week and will be talking with the doctor about what she recommends and of course will take into account what she says. I was just hoping to get some advice for anyone who's had experience wearing one of these at WDW. I really hoped that I'd be healed by now but I guess not

 

[WheeledTraveler]

In your place I'd really look at the budget and figure out how to fit in the cost of an offsite rental ECV. An offsite rental is substantially cheaper than in-park rental and means you'll have it in the resort (since some of the resorts can be big in and of themselves). You've been to WDW so I'm sure you're aware how big it is, but you may not be so aware that even ride queues can be as long as 1/4 mile and there's no way to shorten that distance or sit somewhere while in the queue if you don't have a mobility aid with you. An ECV will give you the independence that a wheelchair wouldn't and can be brought in most ride queues. If the ECV can't be brought into the queue, there will be a wheelchair you can transfer into for your husband to push you through the queue in. You can use them on the buses or rent an ECV that can be broken down to be put in a car if you prefer to drive to the parks. You may not always notice it when visiting WDW while healthy, but things are incredibly far apart in WDW and there isn't much seating to take a break. The boot itself isn't light either so it's another weight you're carrying around with you for several miles of walking a day. An ECV would also reduce the chances of your accidentally re-injuring your foot with all the extra walking (even people who are just doing a relaxed park visit tend to walk minimum 4-5 miles a day while in the parks).

Otherwise, I'd really advise thinking about what you need to treat any pain before it starts. It's much easier to treat pro-actively than to start treating after your foot starts to hurt. If you bring ice bags with you, you can generally get refills from vendors. Also, you can use the First Aid center if you need to rest or for ice or anything like that. If pain is an issue that's still a problem while at home you might want to talk to your doctor about extra meds to be able to take while on your trip. It's far more fun to avoid the pain even if it means taking extra or stronger meds while there.

 

[beatlesblonde]

Thanks for your advice. I am a seasoned Disney vet so I am aware of how much walking is involved, it's a lot even if you're healthy. Pain management I think is the biggest concern. The boot is so heavy that sometimes it causes more discomfort than if I went without. I was fitted for a custom brace on my last doctor's visit that should be ready when I go this week. I should be able to wear it with my shoes so hopefully I can go that route so we'll see. I also ask the doctor about medicine for pain, I take an OTC pain reliever now but she may have other recommendations. DH is aware of my concerns and has said that we can get a wheelchair/ECV if I really need it but I'm hoping I won't.

 

[KPeveler]

You can rent a WC offsite for something like $50, so it would not be that expensive to add it.

If you really do not want to use a wc or ECV, I suggest a very good touring plan, so you do not walk needless steps going in circles and budget LOTS of breaks. If you are a WDW veteran, hopefully you are good with a slower trip, more laid back, which should help cut down pain.

Also, you can always get an ice pack in First Aid, and lay down for a bit.

I suggest renting something, but if you can't, then make sure you put your foot up whenever possible, to cut down on swelling, and be very protective so no one injures it accidentally.

 

[peemagg]

Definitely don't not use your boot, unless your doctor says to use something else! You don't want more damage.

Watch the swelling, and as a PP pointed out, stay proactive on the pain killers. I have had issues from a break from almost 20 years ago, and I still get swelling in it, especially when at Disney or it is hot. The swelling then increases the pain, so staying on top of both will make for a better trip.

I suggest at least a wheelchair (one with elevating legs if possible for your bad foot). Even if you have it, it does not mean that you have to sit in it all the time. You can walk either beside it or behind it when you want to walk, or you can sit when the boot becomes too much. It would give you the best of both worlds. You might even ask your doctor for a prescription to rent a wheelchair from home and bring it with you. If you did that, then maybe your health insurance would pay for at least some of the rental, or if you have one at home already, bring it with you.

 

[minkydog]

Another strong recommendation for wearing the boot. I understand your discomfort. An ordinary tennis shoe will not have enough support, even with an orthotic in it. If your foot is already not healing properly, I don't think walking around WDW is going to improve that.

I have been in and out of casts and boots due to foot and ankle injuries. The last time we went to WDW I had broken an ankle, got the cast off 2 days before we left for our trip. Needless to say, there was no way I could have walked that much--even though the fracture was healed, I still had a good bit of swelling and pain. Without an ECV I simply couldn't have made the trip.

I would go with the ECV. It will give you more independence and will keep your DH from fatiguing unnecessarily. You can remove your boot and ice your foot while riding. I got a nice refillable ice pack from Walmart. It has a screw on top and a velcro wrap to keep it in place without having to hold it. Put your foot up every chance you get.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Please ask yourself 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 traveling 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!

 

[beatlesblonde]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and encouragement, I'm coming to terms that I'll be in an ECV for this trip. Now all I have to do is decide who to rent one from. I've heard good things about Walker but they aren't "approved" by Disney, my other choice would be Buena Vista who is "approved". Any words of advice there?

 

[peemagg]

It all comes down to whether you want the convienence of not having to wait for the scooter to be delivered or picked up.

With Walker's, you have to wait. With Buena Vista, your scooter will be waiting for you at bell services, and you can drop it off at bell services when you leave. No waiting.

 

[beatlesblonde]

It all comes down to whether you want the convienence of not having to wait for the scooter to be delivered or picked up.

With Walker's, you have to wait. With Buena Vista, your scooter will be waiting for you at bell services, and you can drop it off at bell services when you leave. No waiting.

That's a good point. I'll have to call Buena Vista and get a quote from them. If they aren't too much more than Walker I'd probably still go with them for the convenience.

 

[seashoreCM]

I've been in a cam walking boot for almost (snip)

DH and I are headed to WDW in 10 days and I'm worried about how I'll cope wearing the boot, it's heavy and uncomfortable but I don't want to use a wheelchair or ECV if I can help it (it's not something we've really budgeted for).

Even though the boot is made for walking, you should not walk a lot using it. A typical Disney day can involve 4 miles of walking while an injured foot or leg probably should not be called upon to support your weight for more than one half mile total broken into short segments.

 

[KPeveler]

Actually most people walk closer to 10 miles in a day.

 

[beatlesblonde]

I cortisone shot in my foot yesterday and the doctor is going to have me start wearing the walking boot less and slowly moving to a new brace. I'll still be in the boot at WDW as I'll be in an ECV and I can't wear the new brace for extended periods of time yet.

I'm waiting to get a quote from Buena Vista, if I don't hear from them soon I'm gonna have to go with Walker even though they aren't on the preferred list. The quote they gave me we can work into our budget.

 

[QueenElinor]

I cortisone shot in my foot yesterday and the doctor is going to have me start wearing the walking boot less and slowly moving to a new brace. I'll still be in the boot at WDW as I'll be in an ECV and I can't wear the new brace for extended periods of time yet.

I'm waiting to get a quote from Buena Vista, if I don't hear from them soon I'm gonna have to go with Walker even though they aren't on the preferred list. The quote they gave me we can work into our budget.

Did you try Apple? I think their prices were on par with Walker's (cheaper once I calculated what the basket would have cost), and less than Buena Vista. They are a preferred vendor. Mine was $117 total (including tax and the basket) for a little over five days.

 

[beatlesblonde]

Did you try Apple? I think their prices were on par with Walker's (cheaper once I calculated what the basket would have cost), and less than Buena Vista. They are a preferred vendor. Mine was $117 total (including tax and the basket) for a little over five days.

I ended up going with Apple, they're pricing we were able to fit into the budget and they are "preferred" so my ECV should be waiting for me when we arrive on Wednesday.

 

[BanditsMommy]

My sympathies to you! I knocked a lock box onto my foot back in May, and I didn't stop wearing my cam walker until September. It was awful and my foot still isn't fully healed. I'm leaving for Disney in a month and I was wondering how much the ECV rental was per day from the company you chose. If I'm feeling uncomfortable still, closer to my trip, I might consider that over a wheelchair so my fiancé doesn't have to spend his vacation waiting on me, listening to me whine, or pushing me around.

I hope you feel better soon, and have a great time on your trip!

 

[beatlesblonde]

My sympathies to you! I knocked a lock box onto my foot back in May, and I didn't stop wearing my cam walker until September. It was awful and my foot still isn't fully healed. I'm leaving for Disney in a month and I was wondering how much the ECV rental was per day from the company you chose. If I'm feeling uncomfortable still, closer to my trip, I might consider that over a wheelchair so my fiancé doesn't have to spend his vacation waiting on me, listening to me whine, or pushing me around.

I hope you feel better soon, and have a great time on your trip!

With tax I'm paying $143.78, that's for 7 days and includes delivery, pick-up and insurance. I didn't want my husband to have to push me around so an ECV it is. Good luck to you!

 

[peemagg]

With tax I'm paying $143.78, that's for 7 days and includes delivery, pick-up and insurance. I didn't want my husband to have to push me around so an ECV it is. Good luck to you!

Who did you go with?

 

[beatlesblonde]

Who did you go with?

Apple, I never heard back from Buena Vista.

 

[peemagg]

Just to ease people minds about Apple, I was just over at another Disney website (I know, I know, but at least it wasn't Universals), and did a search over there about Apple.

I could not find a bad report about Apple at all over there and they are another popular site for all things Disney.

I am not trying to say that the few on here who had issues, didn't or anything, just that many others are posting only positive responses.

Pm me if you would like to know the other site. I would put it on here, but I believe it is against the rules, but it is a very popular site.