Advice and suggestions Mobility plus medical issues

[poprouge]

okay I am looking for suggestions and advice on how to do Disney. I have been many times and in the past simply using a scooter worked well. When I was younger my main problem was resolved with that accommodation. As I have aged, I've developed a host of other conditions that when paired with the need for a scooter makes exiting the que dangerous. I do plan on seeking a DAS and figure I have a decent chance, but I'm looking for advice if that should fail. Here are my needs as I see them.

I have mobility limitations, I'm not wheel chair bound and choose to only utilize scooters when necessary. IE I avoid taking one on the bus so prefer to rent at the parks. I'd rather leave the two spaces for those wheel chair bound or with more severe mobility impairments. I know ultimately I'll end up in one. I do have a few other medical conditions that require me to exit the line immediately (reactive hypoglycemia-very similar to a diabetic having a crash, and just as dangerous, bladder control, heart problems, and asthma). I do try to avoid having an episode, but anyone with these or similar conditions realizes that isn't always possible. I take two different medications and already wear poise pads for my bladder control issues and always go to the bathroom before any ride. Reducing the time I am physically in line does help reduce the risk of this being a problem, but it's still typically doable if I can exit quickly should the need arise. Honestly, I am most concerned with the reactive hypoglycemia and needing to make a quick exit from the lines. I don't want to be forced to abandon the scooter in line, but if I have to I will. I do carry tablets and small food items, but it's not like I can pop a candy and keep going.

My current game plan is to rent a scooter for my mobility issues, request a DAS card, and wait outside. I'll be able to go to the bath room just before getting in the fp line, and take a bite of a small food item before walking through the fp line. I plan to leave the scooter outside and only utilize it as my legs from location to location. I'd never make it 50+ minutes in line standing without the scooter. If I'm unable to obtain the DAS card, I understand why they are so strict with them now, what are some suggestions, please.

The blood sugar, and heart conditions are relatively new and I'm interested in what diabetics might do. And although the bladder issue has been a part of my life since age 2, I'm interested in suggestions from those in that camp as well. Finally, please don't take an opportunity to bash me because you do not feel I'm "worthy" of an accommodation. I am a totally and permanently disabled veteran, I've chosen to share only those conditions that I feel would most likely cause a problem. I am really seeking coping strategies just in case. Thanks in advance.

 

[mamabunny]

Welcome - and don't worry. No one around here will bash you. Lots of folks here have hidden disabilities, so no need for any explanations. If you need assistance with something, or have questions, just share what you are comfortable with.

I don't have much advice for your specific conditions but just wanted to say Hi!

 

[lanejudy]

I'm interested in what diabetics might do

We have never used DAS for diabetes. I've read mixed reports as to whether or not it may be granted, probably based on the specific needs of the individual. DH tests more frequently and carries plenty of his quick-sugar to treat a low in addition to carrying snacks for throughout the day. While he prefers not to test in line, it can be done, and he will snack in queues if necessary as well. If your lows come on very rapidly, you may want to have the ECV in line so you can sit and treat with glucose tablets while a member of your party helps you exit if necessary.

And although the bladder issue has been a part of my life since age 2, I'm interested in suggestions from those in that camp as well.

DD has bladder issues and it sounds like you already do the things I would suggest -- frequent restroom breaks, go before joining a line, use back-up protection. We always carry a change of clothes as well, just in case.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[aaarcher86]

I'd agree with it being hit or miss for similar symptoms that diabetics might experience.

If you don't get a DAS card I think you'll still have success schedule FP+ for the things with typical higher queue times and utilizing the app in park to find the shorter lines to head into. Early morning will have shorter lines than midday. Maybe you can take a midday break and head back in the evening as well.

 

[Bete]

Although there is no sure fire answers I will chime in with some suggestions. While in the park doing rides I would do more testing of my blood sugars. Take your meter and strips and so forth with you. If the wait is long for the ride even with fast pass then I would do a test of my blood sugar ahead of time. Depending on the reading you will have to decide whether you can go on the ride or you need to eat. Also, I would snack on the hour to make sure you won't have an occurrence. Keep your metabolism steady. There are special bars you can get that are designed for Glucose control, not just a snack. Having a meal at the park mid day would help, too.

For your bladder I would stay light on drinking until you do some rides. Of course, you don't want to be dehydrated; so, you need to be careful here. Stay away from coffee or tea; those drinks dehydrate you more. Perhaps do three hours of rides and then drink and do some shows until your bladder is under control again and then do rides again after a rest with the shows. You can exit a show more easily if you need to do it. There are medicines to help with bladder control and I would talk with my doctor for help here. It sounds like you already may be taking medicine, but find out if a newer medicine might help more. Poise has come out with a new product to help bladder control. It's not a pad. Investigate this product. It may not be a full answer, but used with a pad this could really help. Furthermore, you could wear an adult diaper with a pad for even better protection.

Using a scooter more may help. I always feel in better control sitting rather than standing or walking with my bladder. Obviously, your heart condition may not make this possible. You know what you should do, here.

Have shorter days at the park and stay longer on vacation if you want to see more.

 

[poprouge]

Although there is no sure fire answers I will chime in with some suggestions. While in the park doing rides I would do more testing of my blood sugars. Take your meter and strips and so forth with you. If the wait is long for the ride even with fast pass then I would do a test of my blood sugar ahead of time. Depending on the reading you will have to decide whether you can go on the ride or you need to eat. Also, I would snack on the hour to make sure you won't have an occurrence. Keep your metabolism steady. There are special bars you can get that are designed for Glucose control, not just a snack. Having a meal at the park mid day would help, too.

For your bladder I would stay light on drinking until you do some rides. Of course, you don't want to be dehydrated; so, you need to be careful here. Stay away from coffee or tea; those drinks dehydrate you more. Perhaps do three hours of rides and then drink and do some shows until your bladder is under control again and then do rides again after a rest with the shows. You can exit a show more easily if you need to do it. There are medicines to help with bladder control and I would talk with my doctor for help here. It sounds like you already may be taking medicine, but find out if a newer medicine might help more. Poise has come out with a new product to help bladder control. It's not a pad. Investigate this product. It may not be a full answer, but used with a pad this could really help. Furthermore, you could wear an adult diaper with a pad for even better protection.

Using a scooter more may help. I always feel in better control sitting rather than standing or walking with my bladder. Obviously, your heart condition may not make this possible. You know what you should do, here.

Have shorter days at the park and stay longer on vacation if you want to see more.

Alas, reactive hypoglycemia is not something that can be tested for like a diabetic. Treatment includes dietary methods and reactive treatment. Basically, it happens 1 to 4 hours after a meal. The other alternative is surgery to remove part of my pancreas, and that's not happening. Not anytime soon.

As far as bladder control medications, I'm on two separate medications that work differently and after surgical remedies have been applied. The rides then hydrate suggestion is really great thank you. I'll try to block the rides into timeframes and shows into others. Exactly what I was looking for other perspectives I hadn't considered.

 

[poprouge]

I'd agree with it being hit or miss for similar symptoms that diabetics might experience.

If you don't get a DAS card I think you'll still have success schedule FP+ for the things with typical higher queue times and utilizing the app in park to find the shorter lines to head into. Early morning will have shorter lines than midday. Maybe you can take a midday break and head back in the evening as well.

lol thank you. So doing the mid day break. Been doing that one for years. Absolutely the key to enjoyment and just way too much. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[poprouge]

We have never used DAS for diabetes. I've read mixed reports as to whether or not it may be granted, probably based on the specific needs of the individual. DH tests more frequently and carries plenty of his quick-sugar to treat a low in addition to carrying snacks for throughout the day. While he prefers not to test in line, it can be done, and he will snack in queues if necessary as well. If your lows come on very rapidly, you may want to have the ECV in line so you can sit and treat with glucose tablets while a member of your party helps you exit if necessary.



DD has bladder issues and it sounds like you already do the things I would suggest -- frequent restroom breaks, go before joining a line, use back-up protection. We always carry a change of clothes as well, just in case.

Enjoy your vacation!

I don't have the capability of testing. Unlike a diabetic, it's not something we can test for. As explained by my doctor. My pancreas works too well and some (rare population), it reacts to aggressively to a meal especially if carb based. So I avoid a carb heavy meal, but I'm being realistic and understand that my diet might not be perfect in the parks. This is actually quite helpful. It's showing me how I need to be much more specific with my capabilities and limitations. Thank YOU!

 

[poprouge]

Welcome - and don't worry. No one around here will bash you. Lots of folks here have hidden disabilities, so no need for any explanations. If you need assistance with something, or have questions, just share what you are comfortable with.

I don't have much advice for your specific conditions but just wanted to say Hi!

Awe thanks. I am sure we will. Although, as I age (bummer i know), my conditions change, we have always enjoyed Disney. It's just nerve wracking to worry about will I ruin some of the magic for my family. Thank you so much for the kind words.

 

[Bete]

Alas, reactive hypoglycemia is not something that can be tested for like a diabetic. Treatment includes dietary methods and reactive treatment. Basically, it happens 1 to 4 hours after a meal. The other alternative is surgery to remove part of my pancreas, and that's not happening. Not anytime soon.

From what I was reading about this many in your shoes test their blood sugars quite often. Some do it more than 10 times a day. The idea being they can catch any bad blood sugars in time to compensate to a degree.

Straight from the Mayo clinic their helpful hints are:

• Eat several small meals and snacks throughout the day, no more than three hours apart during the waking hours.
• Eat a well-balanced diet, including lean and nonmeat sources of protein, and high-fiber foods, including whole grains, fruit and vegetables.
• Avoid or limit sugary foods, especially on an empty stomach.
• Be sure to eat food if you're consuming alcohol and avoid using sugary soft drinks as mixers.

Everyone has special circumstances and one shoe doesn't fit all. If you know your triggers just be very careful of them. Also, in my readings stress seemed to be a factor, too.

 

[poprouge]

Thank you!

 

[DisneyOma]

lol thank you. So doing the mid day break. Been doing that one for years. Absolutely the key to enjoyment and just way too much. Thanks for the suggestions.

If you are doing a mid afternoon break, rent a scooter offsite as there will be no guarantee that one will be available later on at the parks.

There's no need to worry about using a spot on the bus - no one is judged more worthy of a spot over someone else. There are enough spots for everyone, just might take an extra bus wait.

If you don't want to take the ECV in the queue, how about using a rollator for the queue? That will give you a quick seat, something to help with balance if you get dizzy, etc.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

If you are doing a mid afternoon break, rent a scooter offsite as there will be no guarantee that one will be available later on at the parks.

There's no need to worry about using a spot on the bus - no one is judged more worthy of a spot over someone else. There are enough spots for everyone, just might take an extra bus wait.

If you don't want to take the ECV in the queue, how about using a rollator for the queue? That will give you a quick seat, something to help with balance if you get dizzy, etc.

And you can leave the roolator when you rent the scooter.

 

[dja14]

My son is diabetic and he has lows that seem to come from nowhere. He does test more often when we go somewhere (6-10 times a day is already his norm). In addition to that we carry tablets (at least 2 people) and a quick carb snack (granola bar type thing). When we go to Universal this next year I plan on us carrying a protein type thing too. We never go anywhere w/o food because his lows come so quick I can't depend on being able to buy something.

My other advice would be for you to either use your scooter in line (we have had a wheelchair user in the past that stayed in it in line and then got out at the ride) or just sit down and let people go around if you felt dizzy or low. If my son felt like that in line he would have to sit down. I would just make him sit as close to the side as possible and apologize, until we could walk out. Not the best (which is why I would use your scooter) but it is better than falling down. Even with a DAS I think the potential is there that you could get stuck in a long fastpass line

I think having a plan in place is the best idea. Stress seems to make everything worse, so just knowing what to do helps I think. Your idea of snacking is probably a good one. We have also had good results with having a touring plan keeping our waits low. I also always carry a card with restaurants and snack places that will be nearby where we plan on being.

 

[JATampa]

I used to have hypoglycemia problems, then I had a medication reaction that made me diabetic. Go figure. Anyway, one thing I always did when I was tending toward hypoglycemia was to carry packets of sugar in my pocket. For me it was a much faster hit of sugar than just a snack or drink. Plus it was easily portable, and almost every restaurant has them available free for the taking (so you can easily restock!). For me, I reacted to smells more than what I had eaten, so Disney with it's ever present “Scent-Emitting Systems" was a regular trigger.

For the mobility, I would rent a scooter from off site and bring it with you. Try to get one of the small, travel variety, if that is an option for you. Then ride the scooter all the way to the boarding castmember who will ask you how far you can walk, can you transfer, etc. Then follow their directions. Most of the lines are large enough that people can get by you if you need to pull over and "medicate" so I wouldn't worry too much about holding up others.

Good Luck and have fun.

 

[gap2368]

okay I am looking for suggestions and advice on how to do Disney. I have been many times and in the past simply using a scooter worked well. When I was younger my main problem was resolved with that accommodation. As I have aged, I've developed a host of other conditions that when paired with the need for a scooter makes exiting the que dangerous. I do plan on seeking a DAS and figure I have a decent chance, but I'm looking for advice if that should fail. Here are my needs as I see them.

I have mobility limitations, I'm not wheel chair bound and choose to only utilize scooters when necessary. IE I avoid taking one on the bus so prefer to rent at the parks. I'd rather leave the two spaces for those wheel chair bound or with more severe mobility impairments. I know ultimately I'll end up in one. I do have a few other medical conditions that require me to exit the line immediately (reactive hypoglycemia-very similar to a diabetic having a crash, and just as dangerous, bladder control, heart problems, and asthma). I do try to avoid having an episode, but anyone with these or similar conditions realizes that isn't always possible. I take two different medications and already wear poise pads for my bladder control issues and always go to the bathroom before any ride. Reducing the time I am physically in line does help reduce the risk of this being a problem, but it's still typically doable if I can exit quickly should the need arise. Honestly, I am most concerned with the reactive hypoglycemia and needing to make a quick exit from the lines. I don't want to be forced to abandon the scooter in line, but if I have to I will. I do carry tablets and small food items, but it's not like I can pop a candy and keep going.

My current game plan is to rent a scooter for my mobility issues, request a DAS card, and wait outside. I'll be able to go to the bath room just before getting in the fp line, and take a bite of a small food item before walking through the fp line. I plan to leave the scooter outside and only utilize it as my legs from location to location. I'd never make it 50+ minutes in line standing without the scooter. If I'm unable to obtain the DAS card, I understand why they are so strict with them now, what are some suggestions, please.

The blood sugar, and heart conditions are relatively new and I'm interested in what diabetics might do. And although the bladder issue has been a part of my life since age 2, I'm interested in suggestions from those in that camp as well. Finally, please don't take an opportunity to bash me because you do not feel I'm "worthy" of an accommodation. I am a totally and permanently disabled veteran, I've chosen to share only those conditions that I feel would most likely cause a problem. I am really seeking coping strategies just in case. Thanks in advance.

I hope this is not too hard to read of confusing but here is some thoughts

I have never used my DAS card for my diabetes or my asthma. in fact because I do use a DAS card for other reason I think it make me have more lows then I would other wise. I would make sure you eat and a good balanced meal. I would also test ( I know you do not have diabetes) but you can go to walmart and get a meter for $25 and 50 test strips for $15 ( it might be cheeper) it is Rolion I would test a few hours after you eat this may help you catch some lows before they happen. have you had any test like a glucose tolerance test ( this is a test where you fast over night drink a drink and have your BG tested every hour or half for a few hours). you can also have a C peptide tested ( this test how much insulin you body is making) with this with will give you and your dr a lot of information also if you are having hypos then it can be a sign for type 2 diabetes latter in life ( not saying it is 100% )

I can not say that you will or will not get DAS card but I would defiantly have a plane B I would get FP for your top 3 must do longest wait times If you can not get all 3 or like at EPCOT you can not do two rides because of the tiaring system them do one and get there at RD and do the other then so like FP for TT rope drop mission space.

I would use a shooter as it sounds like you need one and who cares about the busses most of the people that use them at disney do not need them at home I think most of the time I am there if there is a scooter it is just one I think out of the 50 days I was there I can remember 2 times there was 2 scooters on the bus and 1 time 3 people waiting for one buss ( and I do park hope a lot)

as fair as heat you are better in lines for the most part they are inside or in the shade if you have a scooter this may give you a little more room but some other things you can do

have a fain with a mister
a small umbrella ( I know some do not like them but a hat can trap heat in you. but only use it when people are not around or maybe in line if you need shade this will also give you a little more space )
I like the O2cool cloths I think they really work
I like the omni freeze cloths