A question for all you experts

[jazzielady]

I have severe back issues. I had back surgery, fusion, back in '07. I can't walk the distance of 2 houses without pain. I also had neck fusion in '09, but that doesn't bother me much except when I sleep.

My question is, I was taken off of vicoden for other reason shortly after the new year. However, I have a refill left.

As experienced people with disabilities, what should I do for our trip coming up in less than 1 month?

 

[jazzielady]

ok, somehow screwed up and thought I was posting a poll.

The options are:

Get the Vicoden

Get an ECV

Get both

Get neither; get off your @$$ and get in shape

Sorry for the mishap

 

[Tony NY]

one no knows your body strengths and weakens as you do.with that said I would defiantly take the vicoden and the ECV.

I know how hard it is to walk with spinal cord injuries.
I hope you are fell better jazzielady.

" It is always better to play it safe than to to have to pay for it later " take it form supperman how does not take his own adivice and winds up paing for it for weeks.

I wish you a magical day and a awesome trip ...

 

[peemagg]

I don't have spinal issues, but more in the legs and feet. When I travel, the vicodin and ECV go with me. The different activity than you are used to (at least with me) tends to flair the pain issues more. I would do both for sure.

 

[minnie mum]

I too would encourage you to use the ECV. You can still get enough walking in to keep you from stiffening up, but the parks just require too much time standing, let alone walking, for someone with your back issues.

And of course you have already checked out which rides you will need to avoid because of both your back and neck issues.

As for the Vicodin: your doctor obviously had a reason for taking you off it. While you will obviously need to take some type of pain reliever with you, I think it would be most prudent to check with your doctor for his recommendation.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I have the same back issues, and I would most definitely speak with your doctor re: what he wants you to do for pain relief. If he/she is not a Disney person, you need to explain all the walking/standing/shifting that you will be subject to while there along with the heat.

After he/she decides your pain management, I would do what feel the best for you while there. I choose to walk, but very slowly, and I have come to terms that I will not see as much as I would normally. IF I get to the point where I am really bad, I am lucky that my DH will push me in a wheelchair. I am not an ECV person. I have tried before, but do to my movement limitations and lack of response time due to both the back injury and the meds it was not a great choice for me, but may be the best decision for you.

Have you tried using the EVC's at the grocery store or the local Target/Walmart. This will give you an idea how comfortable you will be riding around on one. We did this also with my mother, and we ended up with a wheelchair for her also.

Whatever you choose, hope your vacation is wonderful.