possible torn miniscus (teenager)

[newtexan]

Hi,
We leave in 20 days. It is most likely that my 15 yr old will have surgery before we leave. ACK!
I am at a loss of what to do for my prep and plans now...too young for a scooter, too big for a stroller...rent a wheelchair off-site or just day-to-day at Park if the crutches are too much?
Change room request to handicapped one?

Any and all advice, even how this momma can deal with surgery fears are appreciated!!

 

[aaarcher86]

I'd plan on a wheelchair. I can't even imagine crutching any distance would be comfortable.

I don't think you'd need a handicap room. Crutches and hopping, etc should be okay in the room. You wouldn't really need the lower sink or roll in shower, but if you want it, you could try to switch over. They may be booked up at this point.

Enjoy your trip. Kids always keep it interesting and fresh lmao

 

[HopperFan]

DD tore ACL last July, in addition damaged other ACL, MCLs and Meniscus so bad they weren't sure until they got inside if it was torn (it was not). Understand the fear of the surgery but the technology today is so good that the repair can be done fairly easily. DD went back to classes at college a week later on crutches and it was brutal. She had no choice in matter but I wish she could have used a wheelchair for a couple of weeks. Talk to doctors asap about scheduling because you have to get in those post surgical visits and stitches removal. Get your PT lined up and if you can get a few in before you go, that is great.

The amount of walking will not only be exhausting but the crutches (especially so new) will likely give underarm issues. DD even got blisters on sides of arms and DD was an athlete with the upper body strength to handle them (they were actually hers already from previous injury). They will probably say no weight bearing for 6 weeks so the wheelchair is a much safer option than the crutches. The heat will make it that much worse and potentially could dehydrate from all the efforts. Take lots of ziploc bags and go into counter service asking for cups of ice for them. Have them use the ice bags off and on all day for swelling. Also the chair is a great place to do some of the PT stretches off and on all day to help with recovery.

Based on our recovery I highly suggest you rent a wheelchair from an outside source for the duration of your trip.
It will be so much healthier for them and really so much less stressful for you all.

I would not change your room. You should be fine.

 

[Gracie09]

The only thing I will add is depending on the size of you dd you may want a pediatric chair. It may make her more comfortable. Good luck!

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I would plan on renting a wheelchair offsite. That way you know she'll have it as soon as she needs it.

Depending on the type of surgery and when it is compared to your trip, she may already be off crutches. If they can keep it to arthroscopic (sometimes referred to as keyhole), everyone I've known who has has an arthroscopic meniscus repair was fully weight-bearing in under a week. They wouldn't have been able to make it through the parks without a wheelchair, but for shorter distances, no problem. If it isn't arthroscopic or becomes more complicated, the recovery time will be longer (such as the example by the PP).

Make sure you tell your doctor/surgeon the situation regarding the trip as soon as possible (I know this seems basic, but I know some people who wouldn't). Most doctors really will work with patients so that they can do things already planned.

Another thing you could consider is finding out if there's a brace she could wear and, using a wheelchair, go on your trip before surgery. Obviously, this is something to bring up with the doctor. When my mother tore hers, my parents were about to go to Europe for 3 weeks. She ended up with a very good knee brace and a cane and went on the trip. After they came home, she had arthroscopic surgery. Obviously, the risks for my mother were different than they would be for a teenager. (I don't remember, but I almost think her orthopedic surgeon was the one who suggested putting off the surgery.) I have no idea if it's something your daughter, or the rest of your party would want to deal with during a WDW vacation, but if her doctor okays it, you might want to consider it as an option.

 

[WantToGoNow]

My ds13 tore his mcl last winter but didn't need surgery. He was on crutches for a month followed by weeks of physical therapy. There is no way he could have done Disney on the crutches. I'd rent a wheelchair so that he'd have it all the time.

 

[newtexan]

I have to get a wheelchair, I just can't see her getting around any other way.

I appreciate all the comments and suggestions.

I just realized we were supposed to water park on wednesday, she probably shouldnt be climbing steps to slides should she? Do you think I should consider taking her for a full spa day instead, then maybe a movie at DTD? I have to make it a special day, it's our mommy/daughter day while the boys head to Legoland...crap, can't believe i didn't even think about that before just now..

I agree that we don't need a handicapped shower, and if thats the only accomodation, we dont need to make a request.

We have been in a brace and on crutches since the morning after she hurt it. She couldnt put weight on it and the pediatricians office sent her straight to ortho, we will know wed what kind of surgery and when. I am a stress filled ball of a momma.

 

[North of Mouse]

Hi,
We leave in 20 days. It is most likely that my 15 yr old will have surgery before we leave. ACK!
I am at a loss of what to do for my prep and plans now...too young for a scooter, too big for a stroller...rent a wheelchair off-site or just day-to-day at Park if the crutches are too much?
Change room request to handicapped one?

Any and all advice, even how this momma can deal with surgery fears are appreciated!!

My dh had meniscus repair surgery recently, and the surgery itself was very mild and relatively quickly done. He never used crutches at all as it's important to walk on it - not Disney walking - but never the less should be done often, as well as the physical therapy they send you to.

Would think a wheel chair would be a 'must' for Disney - crutches would not be practical at all. I'd definitely get up and walk around a little quite often (if your Dr's instruction is like his was). He got over his surgery very quickly and has had no trouble since.

Good luck, and can understand your fear for surgery, but it really wasn't bad at all according to my dh. Hope you can enjoy your trip!

 

[mbradford87]

I had meniscus surgery a little over a year ago. It was arthroscopic and I was walking no brace and no crutches 48 hrs after surgery. If it's the same type of surgery you should be ok. I went to disneyland 2 weeks after surgery and didn't use a wheelchair or anything. I took a break every few hours and went to first aid and iced it a couple of times during the day. The only thing that was a challenge was stairs but for the rides I just spoke to the cm at the entrance and didn't have to do the stairs. As for the water park that probably won't happen. Even with the small incisions a pool or jacuzzi was out for like 3 weeks due to among sure the site were fully healed.

 

[newtexan]

She is going to be so bummed if she can't swim at all.

I'm so nervous to go the dr today, I couldn't get much sleep.

Going to the first aid center to ice it - Genius! I would never have thought of that. Perfect place to cool off and rest a tiny bit. I will still take the idea of carrying some of our own baggies and just putting cups of ice inside for her to use if needed too.

Does this mean I need to get a dr's note of some kind for a GAC to avoid steps? I don't know much about that aspect of Disney service at all...

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

She won't need a DAS since she can wait in line. You will need to tell the CM at each line that she can't do steps. You may have to tell more than 1 CM in each line.

And please, don't let her swim unless the doctor says it is ok. Even in a pool with chemicals there is a lot of bacteria. Especially in a place like Disney, where there are lots of babies in swim diapers and little kids who have accidents in the pool.

 

[lanejudy]

... Does this mean I need to get a dr's note of some kind for a GAC to avoid steps? I don't know much about that aspect of Disney service at all...

No need for a Dr's note. If she is using a wheelchair, most queues are accessible and for those that aren't the CM's will direct you accordingly to avoid stairs, etc. If that is her only need, she will not qualify for a DAS (there is no more GAC).

As for waterparks -- I'd consult the doctor on that but my guess is no. If she is wearing any kind of brace, they won't allow her on any slides. Even without a brace, I'd be concerned about possible injury/damage so soon after surgery - but her surgeon should have a better idea on that. Assuming her doctor approves, she can probably relax in the resort pool for swimming.

I don't know if the spas have full services for teens or not, you'd want to check before promising that as an alternative. But it's a nice idea if they accept teens. Maybe get your nails done together and then a shopping day or movie at DTD.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . Based on our recovery I highly suggest you rent a wheelchair from an outside source for the duration of your trip. It will be so much healthier for them and really so much less stressful for you all . . .

1) Absolutely!
2) MrsRustyScupper had this and did the surgery.
3) For about 6-weeks post-surgery, it was rough and tough on her crutches.
4) Unless in a wheelchair, I do not see how the kid can do the parks.

 

[North of Mouse]

1) Absolutely!
2) MrsRustyScupper had this and did the surgery.
3) For about 6-weeks post-surgery, it was rough and tough on her crutches.
4) Unless in a wheelchair, I do not see how the kid can do the parks.

On crutches at 6 weeks post op???? She must have had other extensive repairs other than just repairing a torn meniscus!

DH walked into our home, up three steps coming home from the hospital. Dr. gave him crutches, but told him not to rely on them, that it was safe to walk, and he 'should' walk for short periods of time. That was his post op instructions and he never once used the crutches. He has done great!

I 'do not' advise going to Disney so soon though, under the 'best' conditions.

 

[2tinkerbell]

If she has surgery, the biggest complication is blood clots. If you are flying that adds to the concern. I would consult with her Dr. to make sure she is clear to go post op. You can always do what I did and put off having surgery until I returned (ran the 1/2 Marathon).

 

[SA mom]

I am 5 weeks post op ACL reconstruction. We are due in WDW in 3 weeks. I am extremely nervous about the trip because I still don't have my strength back. I injured the knee in February and had worked up to walking 3.5-5 miles a day prior to the surgery plus doing tons of upper body in anticipation of crutches. Even with that amount of conditioning, my leg (my whole body) is still weak.

At 5 days post op, the doc threw away the crutches. At 2 weeks, I entered physical therapy. Swelling was still a big issue and continues to be even 5 weeks out.

The thing is that we think these surgeries are no big thing, but the chances are re-injury in the weeks afterward are quite high. I slipped on a french fry a few weeks ago in a restaurant. Thank God I had my brace on. Yes, the knee cap is bruised, but the graft is still in tact.

Also, the water parks do not allow you on many attractions with a brace on. So, I've come to the realization that this will be a different trip from the rest. I will not be able to be my usual theme park commando self.

If she isn't in pain, I would put off the surgery until after the trip. I would have, knowing what I know now.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

On crutches at 6 weeks post op???? She must have had other extensive repairs other than just repairing a torn meniscus! . . . .

1) Nope.
2) Although she had the crutches, she did not use them for support all the time.
3) She always had them, in case there was a balance problem or got overly tired while walking.
4) If such an event occurred, she could use the crutches to "catch" herself.
5) Thus, preventing re-injury and a new injury elsewhere from a fall.

 

[SA mom]

I contacted guest services about the water parks and this is what they said:

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort.
>
> Guests wearing casts or braces are not permitted to ride the following

> attractions:
>
> Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park:
>
> Downhill Double Dipper
> Runoff Rapids (Enclosed Slide)
> Slush Gusher
> Summit Plummet
>
> Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park:
>
> Humunga Kowabunga
> Storm Slides
>
> If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact

> us. Have a magical day and we look forward to your visit in July!


A former cast member has told me differently on the DisAbilities Board, but this is the official response from Guest Services.

I hope you guys have a good time, whatever happens!

 

[Mommee]

I have a medline ultralight transport chair (no big wheels since it's designed for someone else to push it. It's lightweight enough, though, that i can use my good leg to scootch around small spaces). It would probably be cheaper to find one on craigslist than to rent something. It's like 15 pounds (mine is 13 and has a lower weight limit but I'm not finding those for sale online), folds up easily, and except for the bricks at haunted mansion, I am not uncomfortable riding in it at Disney (though we only stay in the parks until after lunch usually). If you can't find one on craigslist, they're 100-150 at places like Sams (on sale for 113 right now) and Amazon if you keep your eye out, and you could sell it when you're done. This would give you a wheelchair during travel time, too. My husband has pushed me in rental chairs (never again!) and has pushed toddlers in strollers. He says it's about the same effort to push me in this chair as it is a 4-yr. old in an umbrella stroller.

Though I'm with the -wait until after the trip for surgery- camp. She can still use a wheelchair in the meantime. I've had more than a dozen orthopedic surgeries... Sometimes they go fine. Sometimes there's complications. I wouldn't risk having to cancel the trip.

 

[clanmcculloch]

What resort are you staying at? I believe that some buildings in POR and maybe POFQ (I can't remember) don't have elevators. While most resorts do have elevators in all buildings, if you're at a resort that doesn't then you'll need to request a ground floor room.

My 13yo doesn't like transport chairs. Because they don't have the big wheels, she can't self-propel. Generally I push her but she does like to move herself when I'm looking at something she has no interest in. As the person who pushes her chair at WDW, I'd rather she be happy with what she's sitting in than have a bit of an easier time pushing it. I haven't found it to be difficult to push her, other than places like the ramp up to the monorail at MK (OMG that's a tough hill) and a few other steeper places. If it was my DH, he'd be stuck with whatever's easier because he weighs a lot more and he's a grown up so I make him put up with more.