A week at Disney... with mono!

[autumnpalm]

So I've recently been diagnosed with mono (yuck) and we are heading to Disney in a month.

Because mono is not easily contagious and I will hopefully be over the bad stuff by then, we are still planning on making the trip but taking it easy. I do have an enlarged spleen and am unfortunately going to have to skip the roller coasters and jerky attractions. I am bummed about that because I LOVE things like Expedition Everest, BTMRR, Dinosaur, Mission Space, etc. But I would rather not chance it and end up in the ER!

So as not to wear myself out I am thinking of renting a wheelchair or possibly ECV. From what I've read it is cheaper to rent from an outside company but then I would have to deal with it on the buses so I'm not entirely sure. We are staying at the Boardwalk so we will only really need to bus to AK (we walk through Epcot and monorail to MK) but I'm not sure if the boats that go to DHS would work with a wheelchair/ECV?

To be honest I am kind of nervous about renting a wheelchair or ECV. I am a university student and ballet dancer and don't "look" like I would need one. I know I shouldn't worry about what others think but I am a little afraid they would wonder why I was using one? I am considering just walking and doing the best I can with lots of resting and naps and such but I think I would rather just suck it up and use an wheelchair/ECV and be able to do more and get more out of the vacation. I'm stressed out about little things like taking up wheelchair seating at shows and stuff... I don't want to take the place of someone who needs it more than I do!

I am thinking as positively as I can about this trip! We are planning on slowing down, there are a lot of rides I CAN do, and I know I'm incredibly blessed to be going on this trip no matter what! I am thinking of it as a new experience and with slowing down I am sure we will experience many new things we have missed out on before.

I would love any advice or encouragement, however! I know these aren't ideal circumstances for a Disney trip, but I'm still incredibly excited (if not a little overwhelmed!)

Thanks!

 

[connie1042]

Go for it and don't let people make you feel bad. If you need an ECV to get around, by all means get one. We only rented on from Disney many years back for my Husband who had hurt his back, and Epcot was just to much walking for him. Now one said anything. He would get up and look at things, but we really did not hear any negative remarks. Have a great trip!

 

[bitohoney]

I don't think you have anything to worry about. Just take it slow, take breaks and relax as much as you can. If you need the wheelchair, get it. Better safe than sorry!
I have ulcerative colitis (UC)and 2 weeks before my last trip it flared up. I had fever, severe abdominal pain, nausea, weakness and urgent needs to go to the bathroom.
I didn't think I would make it but knew I had to. A few of the first nights of the trip we had to return to the resort because of my weakness and fever/chills. I was so sick one day that I couldn't eat my meal at Coral Reef...my favorite restaurant. But the waiter was nice and didn't charge me for my meal.
You're right you will be over your mono by then, thank goodness.
Sorry I don't have any information about renting an EVC or wheelchair but just wanted to let you know that if I made it and had an awesome time, I know you can! Be happy, you're going in a month! I have to wait 3 more months!
Enjoy, be healthy and have a magical time!!!!

 

[Jasperann]

You will be over Mono by then and it shouldn't effect how you are feeling a month from now. My daughter had Mono last year and was sick for about a week and a half. She had an enlarged spleen as well. Her spleen went back to normal after she was not sick anymore. She was running in cross country at the time and was back to running with in three weeks, with a Doctors approval. If you are still feeling weak then just take it easy.

You are right about Mono not being easy to spread. They do call it the kissing disease for a reason you know... But I did find out that once you have it you are a carrier for the rest of your life. You can pass it to others without even knowing you are doing it, because you won't feel sick. That is how we think my daughter got it from her Nana (drinking after her). Since she didn't have a boyfriend to blame it on.

Good luck and have a great vacation!

 

[sueandkent]

To answer your question about the boats from BW to DHS, yes, they will accommodate a wheelchair, EVC or whatever. We saw people us them on the boats when we were there in November. Sorry to hear about your mono.

 

[weewuvvdisney]

I had mono quite a while ago.

Go with the EVC. It takes a while for most people to get over mono. I was in my late 20's when I had it. My doctor asked me to stop taking my aerobics class for at least 6 months to see how I was doing. It is very draining. He told me not to over-do myself, to take things very easy.

I would think that if you tried to do all the walking, you will be exhausted and not enjoy yourself.

I wouldn't worry about people. If they think that you spent all your money to "be lazy" or whatever it is they would be thinking, that is their problem.

Can't help you on where to rent it just think that it is a good idea to have one!



Jan

 

[larryz]

Go early, leave early, take the nap, stay hydrated, and don't push it. Go back in the evening if you feel up to it, but by all means, enjoy as much as you can.

 

[tiki23]

Use an ECV if you need one. I think your trip might be very interesting - think of all the things you might see that you had never noticed before!

Look in the dis-ABILITIES forum here for info about renting an ECV. When my Mom came with us we rented an ECV for her for a week and it was really easy and not too expensive. It made all the difference in the world for her!

Have fun!

 

[mariepapa]

Good luck. I had mono when I was 14 and slept for a month. Don't really remember much about that month. You will likely need the ECV, don't worry about looking healthy! Even though you are young it does take time to recover from it. Nasty illness...

 

[autumnpalm]

Thanks so much, everyone!

I think I might go with the ECV because I would feel a bit like a burden if my mom was having to push me around all day. I think she would need her own wheelchair by the end of it, she's over 50.

I'm still spending most of the day in bed although I have been dragging myself to classes. I just can't wait to feel a little bit better. Planning for Disney does help quite a bit though!

I'm going to make a list of attractions I CAN do and maybe make a few more ADRs since we're slowing things down. I'll also check out info on ECV rentals on the disABILITIES board.

 

[kymom99]

I had mono in college. I thought I would die for the first week. The second week I felt better. Afetr a full 2 weks, I felt fine and went back to work, etc.

 

[Hannathy]

If as a young person you aren't feeling up to going to Disney in a month without an ECV then you better be going back to the DR. You should be up to Disney in a month. I doubt the DR has given you an excuse form school for over a month, most kids go back once the fever is gone.

If you have to use an ECV for distances, why in the world would you need to take it into attractions or onto a ride? You certainly can park it and walk into a show or onto a ride.

I think you are getting worried about nothing and in over a month you will be ok to go to Disney. You may get tired quicker but really don't think you are going to be as debilitated as you think,

 

[scooby9932]

Hey, Meg! I'm so sorry to hear you have Mono & the enlarged spleen!

By all means, if you still feel like you'll need the ECV while there, please do me a favor & get one! I would hate for you to miss out on the best vacation possible. No matter if there are negative views about us on scooters, they don't know you or what issues you might have that they can't see. Most people are very nice & the CM's are great!

You CAN ride the Friendship boats using an ECV. You just pull right on - there will be a 1st mate there to hold the boat to the dock & insure your safe boarding.

Also, the monorails are great with ECV's - you only need to make sure your Mom gets off & waves at the attendants once you get to your destination just to be sure they bring the ramp over. It's a simple pull on & drive off method! Easy Peasy Lemon Squeazy!

As for boarding the bus, it is a bit intimidating your first time. My advice? If you can, go to your local supermarket or "box" store like target & drive their big, cumbersome carts around. Practice backing up, turning, etc. This will give you an idea of what to expect in regards to braking, turning, & field of view. The good news? The rental ECV's are 3 wheeled & MUCH easier to handle!

Once you're at the bus stop, make sure to park where you can signal the driver that you'll need to board. He'll assist you in any way possible. It's rare for the older, back up "cage" design lifts to come around - these are the ones that take a bit more finessing to load onto. Most are ramp based & you just drive on.

If you still feel like you can't or just don't want the stress of it, you can flip the switch in the back of the scooter to allow it to be steered without you on it & it can be loaded that way. Though technically the drivers are not supposed to help you do this, I've seen many do it & it's super easy. Just hit the switch back to drive.

Your mom will be asked to come onboard with you & take a seat. Once boarded & in place, the driver will secure your ECV with tie down straps & you will take a seat with your mom. Then begin letting the other guests load onto the bus from the front doors.

Please feel free to PM with any questions - I'll be pleased to help!

Whatever you decide, just be sure to enjoy your vacation! It's hard to have a bad time at Disney World!

 

[lauralong81]

oh man, I feel for you! 1/2 way thru our first trip (april 09) I got sick, when we got home it turned out to be Mono!!! My Dr. told me it can last 6 weeks, another one told me 4 weeks, and the ER doc told me you can feel the effects for 6 months! Yikes... not to scare you... the first two-three weeks were the worst, after that I really started to feel better. Go for the ECV, I wish I would have! I actually remember seeing a few people using them that seemed young and relatively healthy, but I just assumed it was a back problem or something you couldn't see... I think most people dont pay much attention!

Good luck, feel better soon - take it slow as you need to. I would get a check up right before you leave, just to make sure everything is progressing and your spleen is not over-enlarged (they checked mine every few weeks). Sounds like you have a good outlook, I'm sure you will be just fine!

 

[autumnpalm]

If as a young person you aren't feeling up to going to Disney in a month without an ECV then you better be going back to the DR. You should be up to Disney in a month. I doubt the DR has given you an excuse form school for over a month, most kids go back once the fever is gone.

If you have to use an ECV for distances, why in the world would you need to take it into attractions or onto a ride? You certainly can park it and walk into a show or onto a ride.

I think you are getting worried about nothing and in over a month you will be ok to go to Disney. You may get tired quicker but really don't think you are going to be as debilitated as you think,

Oh, I would not be taking the ECV or WC onto attractions. I am definitely planning on parking it and walking (if I do rent it at all!)

I have a weakened immune system due to previous health problems and I am planning ahead "just in case". I would rather have a plan in place before the trip than get down there and spend thousands of dollars and feel completely wiped out!

And I actually have been attending as many school classes as I can, but I am also careful to take care of myself.

Dawn, thank you so much for your reply! Thanks for taking the time to detail all that out, that is so sweet of you. I'm hoping I'll be feeling a lot better by the time the trip rolls around... but I am looking forward to it no matter what!

 

[art010606]

if they have you on valtrex you should be better by then. i have had it twice (college+cancun=fun times but very bad for your health). both times, after about 2 weeks on the meds, i was good. im sorry for what you have though, it is a pain for real.

 

[smokeyblue]

I don't know your situation; what I'm going to say is based on our personal experience. My BF had a complicated case of mono a couple of Christmases ago. He's a brittle diabetic and he spent four days in the hospital. He was back to work three days out of the hospital, kinda laid low for the next two weeks and he was up and running before four weeks.

That said, I wouldn't be so worried about a wc or EVC unless you have other underlying conditions that you didn't mention. I just say this to show some optimism, it's likely you'll be feeling pretty good by the time you go.

If you do feel you need an ECV or wc please do so. If your trip can be improved by something so simple go for it. There's no reason to suffer needlessly.

Wishes for a speedy recovery.

 

[autumnpalm]

if they have you on valtrex you should be better by then. i have had it twice (college+cancun=fun times but very bad for your health). both times, after about 2 weeks on the meds, i was good. im sorry for what you have though, it is a pain for real.

I have not heard of this? The only treatment I've had are some IV fluids for dehydration, ibuprofen for fever and lots of rest! Is Valtrex a common medication used for mono? I'll check with my doctor about it. Thanks!

Smokeyblue that is good to hear. I do have some underlying health conditions but it still does give me hope!

Thanks everyone!

 

[MareSINY]

Isn't Valtrex for genital herpes? Not mono? You must have had a really good time in Cancun.

Like the other posters have said, if you aren't feeling up to it than definitely rent an ECV. I know the apprehension of not wanting people to say things (or even think things) because you're in an ECV. I did the same thing a few years back after having surgery, I would go to a supermarket just to get out of the house for a little bit and refuse to use the ECV because I didn't want people to think I was fat and lazy. LOL

We rented an ECV for my dad a few years back from Randys Mobility, it was waiting for us when we arrived and we just left it at the front desk when we left. It worked out perfectly, didn't have to worry about him tiring out on walks around the resorts, etc. You might want to check the cancellation policies these companies have and this way you can place the order for the ECV and cancel it if you end up feeling better than you thought you would.

Good luck, feel better and have a great trip!

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

My son got mono the week before the trip so you should be fine in a month.
He was not contageous so we went. Bascially he was tired so we just relaxed and lucky for us we were at the BW that summer. We did some character meals. Went to the main parks 2 out of the 9 days and went to BB for 2 1/2 hours of the 9 days. I know it's not much touring but it was the best we could do.

Hope things turn out well for you.