Recently diagnosed Weak Heart with a disney trip planned

[mommyarewegoingback]

So, I'm a 43 year old that was recently diagnosed with a weak / enlarged heart. My first major symptoms actually occurred this past thanksgiving while I was at Disney. Since then I've done the asthma / prednisone/ inhaler and finally a chest x-ray and echo two weeks ago. My main concern is shortness of breath just walking. I am on a beta blocker and cardiologist so far thinks it's only a virus that caused it. I'm supposed to have cardiac catherization soon to make sure. Anyway, I'm scheduled for a trip back to the world in April. I'm not so concerned about the going on rides, as I'm ok skipping them. But I'm concerned most about the walking and the backpack I usually carry. So, should I rent a ecv (but I really don't want to worry about the / taking it away from someone else), get a rollator, or just find a wheeled cart/ backpack? Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks. -Virginia

 

[SueM in MN]

So, I'm a 43 year old that was recently diagnosed with a weak / enlarged heart. My first major symptoms actually occurred this past thanksgiving while I was at Disney. Since then I've done the asthma / prednisone/ inhaler and finally a chest x-ray and echo two weeks ago. My main concern is shortness of breath just walking. I am on a beta blocker and cardiologist so far thinks it's only a virus that caused it. I'm supposed to have cardiac catherization soon to make sure. Anyway, I'm scheduled for a trip back to the world in April. I'm not so concerned about the going on rides, as I'm ok skipping them. But I'm concerned most about the walking and the backpack I usually carry. So, should I rent a ecv (but I really don't want to worry about the / taking it away from someone else), get a rollator, or just find a wheeled cart/ backpack? Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks. -Virginia

If you have shortness of breath just walking, you will need something that decreases the work on your heart and lungs.
An ECV or wheelchair ( with someone else pushing you) will decrease work. Putting your backpack in a rolling cart or using a rollator probably won't.

If you haven't talked to your doctor yet about going to WDW, these would be dome things to get the doctor's advice about.

 

[aaarcher86]

I think you should get whatever is going to make you the most comfortable and whatever will allow you to enjoy your trip to the fullest. I wouldn't concern yourself in the slightest about taking it away from someone else. You're not a teenager who doesn't feel like walking - you have a genuine need and it will increase your enjoyment of the parks.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[aylarosie]

You should definetly rent a EVC. I just returned from a trip with my grandchildren I have had some problems this past year.AFIB and shortness of breath ,I am on medication but I noticed a real differance in my stamina.I usually go to Disney with my husband who needs a EVC for nearopathy .I put the backpack in his basket and walk at my pace.This time I carried the back pack and I really slowed down. It was hot over the feb vacation and I felt short of breath at times.I did go on the rides -once.It was a once in a lifetime trip with my grandsons and they were so excited that Nana went on space mountain and thundermountain.I t was the first day of vacation and I was not exsausted yet. Then I went on tamer rides the rest of the week.I will be returning in 2 weeks for my 60th birthday trip with just my husband.He will rent the EVC and I will carry nothihg .I did find that with the magic bands I really didn't need to carry the backpack ,but old habits die hard.Go rent The EVC (we use apple scooters) its waiting at the resort so you can use it there and every Disney bus can transport you. Enjoy.

 

[amykathleen2005]

You need an ECV. With symptomatic heart failure like that there is no way you would be able to get through the parks. It can get hot and there is alot of walking. Rent from off site and you have the ECV all of the time.

 

[kathie859]

Only your doctor can give you this info--Dis-ers can only give you general ideas and have no idea the extent of your health issues. Please ask your doctor before traveling.

 

[lacheeze]

I'm in my 40s and my problem is my lungs - and I'm renting an ECV from off-site. I discussed this with my doctor and she is very supportive of renting an ECV for our trip. Ask your doctor to be sure.

A friend who goes to Disney parks regularly told me the average walking distance for a visit can be from 4-12 km a day - and that made me realize there's no way I could tolerate that much walking in high humidity and very warm temps.

Don't worry about taking the scooter away from someone else - a cardiac issue isn't a minor health issue and is absolutely enough reason to rent one.

Also - (a little off topic) you may want to up your sunscreen coverage for the park, Prednisone can make some people's skin much more sensitive to the sun and they burn in a much shorter time period.

I hope your tests go well, and good luck!

 

[Andianna]

Only your doctor can give you this info--Dis-ers can only give you general ideas and have no idea the extent of your health issues. Please ask your doctor before traveling.

I agree however if he does recommend an ECV you might consider off site rentals as they are waiting for you when you arrive and are very easy to maneuver in about the parks and disney buses. I have stamina issues as well as mobility and a scooter gives me the ability to enjoy WDW and not be full of pain and whipped out at the end of the day ? sending pixie dust your way

 

[mommyarewegoingback]

Thanks for everyone's comments. I'm gonna see the dr this Friday. I am type a, so I like to plan in advance. I'm a month away and wanted to make plans. I will rent the ecv. I think it will take away the anxiety I have about this.

 

[Schmeck]

So, I'm a 43 year old that was recently diagnosed with a weak / enlarged heart. My first major symptoms actually occurred this past thanksgiving while I was at Disney. Since then I've done the asthma / prednisone/ inhaler and finally a chest x-ray and echo two weeks ago. My main concern is shortness of breath just walking. I am on a beta blocker and cardiologist so far thinks it's only a virus that caused it. I'm supposed to have cardiac catherization soon to make sure. Anyway, I'm scheduled for a trip back to the world in April. I'm not so concerned about the going on rides, as I'm ok skipping them. But I'm concerned most about the walking and the backpack I usually carry. So, should I rent a ecv (but I really don't want to worry about the / taking it away from someone else), get a rollator, or just find a wheeled cart/ backpack? Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks. -Virginia

No wheeled carts (or pulling anything with wheels behind you) are allowed in WDW, so that's not an option.

 

[MatoMany]

Please rent a ECV.. My Dad has heart issues and went with us to Disneyland years ago. He refused to rent a ECV or wheelchair. The walking stressed his heart out and he ended up in the ER. Cardiac issues aren't something to mess around with, they can be very serious.

Make sure to clear it with your doctor as well, make sure they are OK with you going..

 

[bopper]

And if you still feel guilty about "taking an EVC away from someone else" (which you aren't, there are zillions of companies that provide them), think about the people that you are going with. They would rather have a non-exhausted you with them...one who can keep up and won't have to go back early (or make them go back early).

 

[karice2]

My dad has the same type of issue enlarged heart with Afib. He also had a stroke so I rented an ECV from Apple Scooters and it made a huge amount of difference. Don't risk it. Also if Doctor puts you on any sort of blood thinner to reduce risk of clots. Make sure you bring a sweater or long sleeve shirt.

 

[Andianna]

Thanks for everyone's comments. I'm gonna see the dr this Friday. I am type a, so I like to plan in advance. I'm a month away and wanted to make plans. I will rent the ecv. I think it will take away the anxiety I have about this.

glad you are planning this through best wishes to you.

 

[sleepingbean]

I would rent the motorized vehicle, for sure. And I would also advise ear plus and sunglasses. Wishing you the best!