2 ECVs and a GAC??

[Geekerbell]

My family (myself, hubby, 3 boys 10, 8, and 4, and Grandma) have a WDW trip planned for November, the week of Thanksgiving. We began planning this well over a year ago and finished paying it off this summer.

I knew from the beginning we would get an off site ECV rental for mom-in-law who has severe arthritis in her knees and Congestive Heart Failure.
We decided a couple of months ago that we would look into getting a GAC for DS8 who has Semsory Processing Disorder and possible Asperger's.

Well, my DH, who is only 37, had a stroke last week.
I have confirmed with his doctors that it will be safe for him to fly, as long as we keep his blood pressure under control, so he definitely wants to go.

At first he said he said he would not use/need an ECV and just use a walker. I have now convinced him there is no way he will be able to do that with the amount of walking required, crowd level that week, etc.
Now I am wondering, if he even would be able to use an ECV, as he can not use his right hand (dominant hand).
I have had to rent one before when I had a broken foot, but cannot remember how the controls are on it.

So now that you have taken the time to read through all of that (sorry!) here are my questions...
- Would he be able to maneuver the ECV basically one handed, or should I plan on a wheelchair for him instead?

- How difficult will it be getting transportation/buses since we will have two in our group with ECVs and/or WC?

-How will having them in ECVs and a GAC for my son work? Should I not worry about the GAC?

-And finally, am I completely insane for letting him convince me that we are still going to WDW during one of the busiest weeks of the year?????

Thanks so much for your help!!

 

[videogal1]

My family (myself, hubby, 3 boys 10, 8, and 4, and Grandma) have a WDW trip planned for November, the week of Thanksgiving. We began planning this well over a year ago and finished paying it off this summer.


Well, my DH, who is only 37, had a stroke last week.
I have confirmed with his doctors that it will be safe for him to fly, as long as we keep his blood pressure under control, so he definitely wants to go.

At first he said he said he would not use/need an ECV and just use a walker. I have now convinced him there is no way he will be able to do that with the amount of walking required, crowd level that week, etc.
Now I am wondering, if he even would be able to use an ECV, as he can not use his right hand (dominant hand).
I have had to rent one before when I had a broken foot, but cannot remember how the controls are on it.

So now that you have taken the time to read through all of that (sorry!) here are my questions...
- Would he be able to maneuver the ECV basically one handed, or should I plan on a wheelchair for him instead?

Thanks so much for your help!!

He can use a walker, which requires the use of two hands, and you're worried about an ECV? Worry not. The forward and reverse controls on an ECV can be used by either or both hands...lucky for all us stroke survivors. That way the ECV manufacturers don't have to figure out how many left-handed and how many right-handed scooters to make... Check out the controls on one at your nearby grocery store...you should do that anyway, just to make sure he is familiar with them before the trip.

-And finally, am I completely insane for letting him convince me that we are still going to WDW during one of the busiest weeks of the year?????

Why should his stroke make any difference? You planned to be there anyway...just add more time to your schedule and it'll be the same trip.

 

[Geekerbell]

I know, I'm just stressed and going nuts it feels like right now. I was fine with it...just planned to cancel a couple things so the trip is more relaxed. But everyone keeps telling us to cancel the trip. And I'm also worried about how I personally am going to be able to handle the trip with the three kids, one of which is sure to have severe meltdowns. And I'm the only one who will be able to physically handle him. Not sure if I can mentally deal with that.

Sorry. Wasn't trying to say we shouldn't go because of his stroke. Was just asking about the controls because I could not remember them...it's been a couple years since I used one.

He can use a walker, which requires the use of two hands, and you're worried about an ECV? Worry not. The forward and reverse controls on an ECV can be used by either or both hands...lucky for all us stroke survivors. That way the ECV manufacturers don't have to figure out how many left-handed and how many right-handed scooters to make... Check out the controls on one at your nearby grocery store...you should do that anyway, just to make sure he is familiar with them before the trip.


Why should his stroke make any difference? You planned to be there anyway...just add more time to your schedule and it'll be the same trip.

 

[ireland_nicole]

Well, my first thought was, gosh, that's a lot to handle, maybe they could reschedule?

But then I thought, well, you sure have a lot to celebrate. Your husband is still with you, physically and mentally, and wants to enjoy your family.

It seems like you have a handle on the additional factors, needs, etc. And you're probably a bit afraid; and that makes sense. It will be different, in some ways it will be harder (especially for you.) But I honestly think if you plan ahead, and have realistic expectations, that you can have a great trip. The other advantage is that your 10 and 8 year olds can be pretty helpful at this point, no diapers to worry about, the boys can help each other for the bathroom and stuff...

i have a feeling it's not going to be as difficult as you may be fearing. I have fibromyalgia which got a lot worse before our last trip and needed to use an ECV; both of our kids have special needs, and I was trying desperately to figure out how on earth we would be able to corral them and manage- but you know what? We were fine. We had fun. It was different than previous trips, but we were together.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Geekerbell]

Well, my first thought was, gosh, that's a lot to handle, maybe they could reschedule?

But then I thought, well, you sure have a lot to celebrate. Your husband is still with you, physically and mentally, and wants to enjoy your family.

It seems like you have a handle on the additional factors, needs, etc. And you're probably a bit afraid; and that makes sense. It will be different, in some ways it will be harder (especially for you.) But I honestly think if you plan ahead, and have realistic expectations, that you can have a great trip. The other advantage is that your 10 and 8 year olds can be pretty helpful at this point, no diapers to worry about, the boys can help each other for the bathroom and stuff...

i have a feeling it's not going to be as difficult as you may be fearing. I have fibromyalgia which got a lot worse before our last trip and needed to use an ECV; both of our kids have special needs, and I was trying desperately to figure out how on earth we would be able to corral them and manage- but you know what? We were fine. We had fun. It was different than previous trips, but we were together.

Enjoy your trip!

Thank you, that makes me feel better! What I am really afraid of is my 8 year old having one of his meltdowns and it be so bad that I need to physically retrain him from hurting himself. The older he gets the stronger he is and harder for me to do this with. Thankfully my 10 year old is awesome and helps out quite a bit, so I do trust him to help keep up with the youngest, especially if something like that happens.
And I also think that knowing it is going to be so crazy busy, being the week of Thanksgiving, I'm just very nervous about the crowds.

BTW, where in Austin are you? I am in Round Rock.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I will often drive my ECV one-handed. Other than the Disney ECVs, the throttle is a single bar that when you pull one side toward you the other side moves away. Normally pulling towards you with your right hand has the ECV move forward, pulling with the left hand towards you is to back up. If I am in one-handed mode I will just push the throttle away from me if I want to go in the other direction.

The Disney ones use a selector switch for forward and reverse, and it does not matter which lever is pulled or pushed.

And Thanksgiving is not one of the busiest week of the year for WDW. However, that Sunday is the heaviest day for air travel in the country.

And, as far as the GAC for your son is concerned, a lot wil depend on his needs and what stamp(s) are place on the GAC.

 

[ireland_nicole]

Thank you, that makes me feel better! What I am really afraid of is my 8 year old having one of his meltdowns and it be so bad that I need to physically retrain him from hurting himself. The older he gets the stronger he is and harder for me to do this with. Thankfully my 10 year old is awesome and helps out quite a bit, so I do trust him to help keep up with the youngest, especially if something like that happens.
And I also think that knowing it is going to be so crazy busy, being the week of Thanksgiving, I'm just very nervous about the crowds.

BTW, where in Austin are you? I am in Round Rock.

I would strongly recommend renting a stroller from orlandostrollerrentals.com Depending on the size of your DS they have a regular jogging stroller for up to 75 lbs and a special needs stroller for up to 100 lbs. You can keep your little guy in it when your big guy is doing well and maybe have the 8y/o hold his hand or a harness and put your bigger guy in it if he's overstimmed and needs a nest or having a meltdown. It's a way to keep all of you safe and contained when necessary. There are lots of things that can help ASD kids, there are some threads and stickys here- plus a lot of parents with loads of experience- so ask us anything! The other thing is I would really recommend using a service like tourguidemike.com because that way you can have a plan to at least get to the things that are most important for you. In fact, you can make good use of your husbands ECV by making him the fastpass runner (might as well get some good mileage, right?) LOL.

ETA: OMG no way, you live in round rock? I live in Avery Ranch- we should totally have a mini meet! Nobody ever lives by me woohoo!

 

[videogal1]

ETA: OMG no way, you live in round rock? I live in Avery Ranch- we should totally have a mini meet! Nobody ever lives by me woohoo!

and I am in Cedar Park/ Leander.

 

[Schmeck]

How much is Grandma going to be able to help out? Can she keep an eye on the 4 year old, push him in his stroller? That would leave your husband to be with your 10 year old, and you could focus on your 8 year old when he needs help. If she's a trooper, then I say go for it!

ETA - I just noticed Grandma is going to be on a scooter too - is there anyone else you could bring along to help out?

 

[ireland_nicole]

and I am in Cedar Park/ Leander.

ok, seriously, we have got to do a meet. That is just too cool!

 

[Geekerbell]

ok, seriously, we have got to do a meet. That is just too cool!

Oh wow...yes, the three of us need to meet up!

ireland_nicole - I may message you in the next few days. I need some tips for my 8yr old. You said your child(ren) have ASDs? Or am I just imagining I read that? That could be, because I certainly haven't had much sleep in the last week!

Will message soon, I would love some tips and pointers.

Thanks everyone!!

 

[ireland_nicole]

Oh wow...yes, the three of us need to meet up!

ireland_nicole - I may message you in the next few days. I need some tips for my 8yr old. You said your child(ren) have ASDs? Or am I just imagining I read that? That could be, because I certainly haven't had much sleep in the last week!

Will message soon, I would love some tips and pointers.

Thanks everyone!!

Message away! I certainly don't know everything, but am learning a lot as I muddle through. Yes, I have two kids with multiple disabilities, including DD's ASD. Happy to help in any way I can.

 

[prncess674]

Do you know a responsible high school student that you could bring on vacation with you to help with the kids. The added expense could really help out.