Am I kidding myself? Broken foot and WDW

[toodycat]

Hi, everyone. I broke my foot (fifth metatarsal) 5/6/10 and have been in a hard cast for a month. Now I am in a soft cast and a huge, Frankenstein-esque "walking boot," but hardly walking. It still hurts too much if I put pressure on it. I am using a walker and essentially hobbling. Dr. says I can remove the cast in 10 days and just stick with the boot after that.

However, we have plans to stay at AKL beginning 7/24. I hope to be out of the boot by then, but is it really OK to go walk around the parks. At that point, it will be 11 weeks since the fracture. For anyone who has had a broken foot, will I be pretty much healed? I plan on wearing sneakers and orthotics whenever we go to the parks. We will have a car, so I won't have to wait for buses. I am wondering if I should see about changing my reservation to a later date, though it would cost me some $ to change the airfare. When I ask my doctor if I'll be able to go, he says that I'll be fine by then. However, he also told me I would be walking at this point and I'm not, so I think he may be overly optimistic.

Please don't advise me to get a wheelchair or an ECV. I've been using a wheelchair and I don't like it at all. I have a bad back and the chair makes it worse, even with the special support pillows from my doctor. Since this is a second honeymoon trip, I want to go with my DH and be able to really enjoy each other's company without being restricted by my stupid foot. DH has been acting as my caregiver for a month now and I don't want him to go on vacation that week and have to continue in that role if waiting a few weeks will make it easier on both of us.

Any advice? Thanks.

 

[peemagg]

If you aren't willing to use a wheelchair or ECV, I don't see how you are going to be able to do the trip and enjoy yourself. I broke my foot and it was over a year before I was able to walk any real distance without being miserable. Remember most people walk 3-5 miles a day there, most figure it to be more.

If you did use a wheelchair or ECV (at least part of the time), then you would be able to handle it. Without one no. Your foot is going to swell more too in the heat of Florida, even if you are off of it. On it, double the swelling.

I don't mean to sound negative, but I just don't think it is a reallity without some sort of aid. You might even be able to go if you used a rollalator walker. One of those with a seat, but it is still a lot to ask of a fresh broken hoof.

 

[toodycat]

Thanks. I appreciate your candor. All I've been hearing so far are the absolute best case scenarios and I am trying to be realistic.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Please ask yourself the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[toodycat]

Thanks. I understand what you are saying. It's not about what other think. It's about what I think. I don't like the wheelchair. It hurts my back a lot. This is supposed to be a second honeymoon and I think it will be more romantic if my DH doesn't have to wait on me hand and foot and worry about me. If I had a permanent disability, I would just have to deal with those feelings and get over them, but since this is temporary, I am considering: 1. changing my destination or 2. changing the dates of my trip. My DS will be at summer camp, so it's not like I'll be disappointing a child.

 

[PatT240]

last July I broke two toes and it was a least 3 months before I could walk any distance without pain. I had planned on WDW in August and postponed until the end of October and was still bothered with some pain by the end of the day.

I am also very uncomfortable with having someone push me around in a wheelchair. I hate to feel like I am a burden. I know my family would have been happy to do it but I thought it was better to wait a little while longer until the foot was feeling better and I'm glad I did. I know it's disappointing but I would either change my dates for Disney or pick more of a resort destination. It will be very crowded and hot that time of year and with heat I still had swelling and was constantly watching that someone didn't step on my toes. I know how painful those two toes where I can't imagine how painful it would be to have the foot broken. Best of Luck. I hope everything works out for you.

 

[Bete]

or be realistic. First, a scooter (ECV) is not a wheelchair. The better scooters have nicer padded seats. Go try one for a while free at the grocery store or similar place. Ride it for a while to really give your back a chance to hurt or not. It would give hubby more or less freedom, too. It costs more for a scooter, but you would be able to go on the trip and avoid extra costs postponing, but that would have to be compared to the extra cost of a scooter.

If you have back pain using a wheelchair or a scooter, then get pain pills for the back while you are there. If OTC pain relievers work then that's great. If not, then ask doc for a stronger prescription for back pain. I wouldn't get a narcotic, but there may be something out there that will relieve any back pain while you are using a wheelchair or scooter. Try again with the free scooters at the store using the pain meds and see how it works. If it still hurts, you need to postpone.

As you stated yourself, you can go somewhere else that's less demanding.

If you go to Disney, I would stick to more shows, parades, fireworks, etc. than rides. If you insist on rides you will have to probably get on a wheelchair for some rides temporarily, anyway. Getting in and out of rides could be a tremondous strain on your foot and it could give you long term problems. Your hubby could do some rides solo, too, but then it's not such a honeymoon. Temporary happiness is not worth long term hardship.

 

[tinkerbelletreasure]

I broke my ankle almost 2 years ago, and I still have a limp when I get tired or over exerted. I went to Disney World right at about 18 months. I did not rent an ECV, but I probably should have. The only thing that saved me was that we left the park mid day for about 3-4 hours and I put my leg up and iced it during those times.
I can understand not wanting to use a wheelchair where you have to be pushed or really exert your arms, but EVC's are really not too bad. If you think it's going to hurt your back, bring some sort of pillow or something that you can sit on or wedge into the small of your back.
Remember too that the muscle in your leg has been atrophying all this time that it has been in a cast and boot. You will probably not have the stamina you had pre accident for a while.

 

[toodycat]

PatT420 [I]last July I broke two toes and it was a least 3 months before I could walk any distance without pain. I had planned on WDW in August and postponed until the end of October and was still bothered with some pain by the end of the day.

I am also very uncomfortable with having someone push me around in a wheelchair. I hate to feel like I am a burden. I know my family would have been happy to do it but I thought it was better to wait a little while longer until the foot was feeling better and I'm glad I did. I know it's disappointing but I would either change my dates for Disney or pick more of a resort destination. It will be very crowded and hot that time of year and with heat I still had swelling and was constantly watching that someone didn't step on my toes. I know how painful those two toes where I can't imagine how painful it would be to have the foot broken. Best of Luck. I hope everything works out for you. I had sort of forgotten that it would be more crowded in July than it would be when we usually go at the end of August when half the schools are already back in session. That would make this more of an issue.

BeteIf you go to Disney, I would stick to more shows, parades, fireworks, etc. than rides. If you insist on rides you will have to probably get on a wheelchair for some rides temporarily, anyway. Getting in and out of rides could be a tremondous strain on your foot and it could give you long term problems. Your hubby could do some rides solo, too, but then it's not such a honeymoon. Temporary happiness is not worth long term hardship.

I hadn't even considered that getting in and out of rides would be an issue, but of course it would. We've always gone to WDW with our son who is on the autism spectrum. We love him more than words can say, but traveling to WDW with him means skipping certain attractions because they are too scary or loud or fast-moving for him. Our plan for this trip was to go to WDW by ourselves and do all the stuff we've missed over the last ten years. DS was fine with this plan because he will be at camp and told me he didn't want to "interrupt it." If we have to limit the attractions to the less thrilling ones, it will probably defeat the purpose of the trip. As for pain killers, the doctor won't give me anything stronger than Advil. Last year, he gave me some pain killers that negated the effects of another drug I take and I wound up passing out!

 

[TARAMEOW]

I know how you are feeling I broke my leg on 05/20 and I am in a hard cast until June 21.

All I know s that all people heal differently and I hope for myself that I will be ok by then, and who knows you may feel better then you think you will

If not I will still go and take it easy as much as possible.

Good luck and hope you recover quick !!!

 

[Joyfulsnuff]

I can really relate to what you are going through! In February I fell on ice and dislocated my ankle and fractured the fibia and tibia. When I started physical therapy I thought I'd be instantly healed its been 8 weeks of therapy and I have graduated from the walker to a cane and I have come a long way but I have major soreness and swelling and I struggle to walk a long distance. We leave for Disney in early July and I have finally realized that I will be taking my wheelchair or renting one. I will say that my doctor made me feel bad a couple of months ago when he made it sound as if I should be walking better than I was! My family has been great and assure me that they don't mind pushing me but I do feel bad for them. I just wanted to let you know I know where your coming from. Good luck!

 

[toodycat]

[I]We leave for Disney in early July and I have finally realized that I will be taking my wheelchair or renting one. I will say that my doctor made me feel bad a couple of months ago when he made it sound as if I should be walking better than I was! My family has been great and assure me that they don't mind pushing me but I do feel bad for them. I just wanted to let you know I know where your coming from. Good luck!
[/I]

Thanks. I appreciate it. The doctor makes it sound like the easiest thing in the world, but I was practically in tears yesterday, trying to walk without the walker. Then, it kind of dawned me; he's just wrong. I'm not ready yet. My husband keeps saying it's no problem to push me or rent me a scooter, but I feel like it's a problem!

 

[peemagg]

I guess you have to weigh it one of two ways:

1. Do I really want to go to Disney and have a good time? If yes then you will probably have to swallow your pride and do what you know (not what you want) is best for your foot

2. Either go to Disney and be miserable or go elsewhere ( but like you said, it kind of negates the real reason for going. To ride and do things you can't when your son is with you)

If it were me I would swallow my pride (trust me I know how hard it is) and rent a scooter or wheelchair. If you at least rented a wheelchair, then you could push it when you wanted to walk, or sit in it when necessary. Just because you rent one (same goes true with a scooter), doesn't mean that you are confined to it fully. With a scooter no one has to push you and when you need to walk your husband could ride. Or you could park it in an area that is close to many things, park it in stroller parking and walk to the rides, but I think you will find standing as painful as walking.

 

[toodycat]

Peemagguess you have to weigh it one of two ways:

1. Do I really want to go to Disney and have a good time? If yes then you will probably have to swallow your pride and do what you know (not what you want) is best for your foot

2. Either go to Disney and be miserable or go elsewhere ( but like you said, it kind of negates the real reason for going. To ride and do things you can't when your son is with you)

If it were me I would swallow my pride (trust me I know how hard it is) and rent a scooter or wheelchair. If you at least rented a wheelchair, then you could push it when you wanted to walk, or sit in it when necessary. Just because you rent one (same goes true with a scooter), doesn't mean that you are confined to it fully. With a scooter no one has to push you and when you need to walk your husband could ride. Or you could park it in an area that is close to many things, park it in stroller parking and walk to the rides, but I think you will find standing as painful as walking.


From the feedback, I've gotten so far, it seems pretty clear that I am not going to be at my best by the time our trip begins. The scooter thing is not a pride issue. It's more about the intent of the trip. DS and I wanted to go to WDW on our own,something we haven't done since I was 19 and he was 21,we are 47 and 50 now and just have a romantic time being "big kids." We were going to go to the water parks, Fantasmic, the Sunrise Safari, play mini-golf, get milkshakes on the Boardwalk, go on Splash Mountain and Soarin', do Victoria and Albert's for dinner, go to the parade at AKL which i've never seen, eat at Narcoosee's and then watch the fireworks. I'm not going to feel romantic or playful if he has to shlep me around in a wheelchair or follow me by foot while I'm on an ECV. I just don't think I would have as much fun.

In spite of that being my gut instinct, I checked out how much it is to rent an ECV and found that it would cost precisely the same amount as the charges for re-ticketing us to the Caribbean. I think it might be smarter for both of us to kick back beachside on some lounge chairs overlooking the ocean instead of trying to keep up with WDW this summer. I will still have the 6 days left on my park hopper for next time.

Thanks for all the feedback. I appreciate it!

 

[gamomof2]

I broke my 5th metatarsal on my right foot on March 2. I had an external fixator placed March 5 and by March 12 it was out because I couldn't deal with the pain. So after my foot doctor grumbled he agreed to follow me still and removed it. He took xrays and it showed it was still coming together. I was in a boot until May 5. Then I went to flip flops. It was the middle of May before I could put my foot in a regular shoe. THis past weekend was the first time I wore heels to church. My foot has some neuropathy in it when it is in a shoe too long. plus it swells over the side of the shoe. this is worse than walking on it in just a flip flop.

these are the pictures from our trip in the Spring while I was in my boot. We had fun making fun of my foot and my transport chair.

http://picasaweb.google.com/uahollem/18thAnniversaryTrip?feat=directlink

also here is my break and my fixator

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UZ0rVSmfYnxs1w7HO5uC2w?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3Oq8AbzNKaMyCJztnc7DvQ?feat=directlink

This trip was for our 18th Anniversary and with my DH working overtime alot lately I felt like I needed to still go. Just wanted to show you that it can be done and that I very much relate to the decision you're having to make.

 

[toodycat]

gamomof2---Thanks for the photos. It looks like you two enjoyed yourselves very much. What is an external fixator? It looks harsh!

At this point, I'm pretty sure we're going to Negril instead. Don't rush those high heels. You don't want to re-injure yourself.

 

[Debbie Jean]

From the feedback, I've gotten so far, it seems pretty clear that I am not going to be at my best by the time our trip begins. The scooter thing is not a pride issue. It's more about the intent of the trip. DS and I wanted to go to WDW on our own,something we haven't done since I was 19 and he was 21,we are 47 and 50 now and just have a romantic time being "big kids." We were going to go to the water parks, Fantasmic, the Sunrise Safari, play mini-golf, get milkshakes on the Boardwalk, go on Splash Mountain and Soarin', do Victoria and Albert's for dinner, go to the parade at AKL which i've never seen, eat at Narcoosee's and then watch the fireworks. I'm not going to feel romantic or playful if he has to shlep me around in a wheelchair or follow me by foot while I'm on an ECV. I just don't think I would have as much fun.

Your Disney plans sound soooooo romantic

Timing is everything, though, and the Caribbean will make a much more relaxed and enjoyable trip for you both... but definitely keep those WDW plans for the future!

 

[toodycat]

Your Disney plans sound soooooo romantic

Timing is everything, though, and the Caribbean will make a much more relaxed and enjoyable trip for you both... but definitely keep those WDW plans for the future!

Thanks! I'm sure we'll get to go back as we planned some time. We wound up booking a trip to Cancun instead. It's not WDW, but it will be some time together and there won't be much walking involved.

 

[SueM in MN]

Peemagguess you have to weigh it one of two ways:

1. Do I really want to go to Disney and have a good time? If yes then you will probably have to swallow your pride and do what you know (not what you want) is best for your foot

2. Either go to Disney and be miserable or go elsewhere ( but like you said, it kind of negates the real reason for going. To ride and do things you can't when your son is with you)

If it were me I would swallow my pride (trust me I know how hard it is) and rent a scooter or wheelchair. If you at least rented a wheelchair, then you could push it when you wanted to walk, or sit in it when necessary. Just because you rent one (same goes true with a scooter), doesn't mean that you are confined to it fully. With a scooter no one has to push you and when you need to walk your husband could ride. Or you could park it in an area that is close to many things, park it in stroller parking and walk to the rides, but I think you will find standing as painful as walking.


From the feedback, I've gotten so far, it seems pretty clear that I am not going to be at my best by the time our trip begins. The scooter thing is not a pride issue. It's more about the intent of the trip. DS and I wanted to go to WDW on our own,something we haven't done since I was 19 and he was 21,we are 47 and 50 now and just have a romantic time being "big kids." We were going to go to the water parks, Fantasmic, the Sunrise Safari, play mini-golf, get milkshakes on the Boardwalk, go on Splash Mountain and Soarin', do Victoria and Albert's for dinner, go to the parade at AKL which i've never seen, eat at Narcoosee's and then watch the fireworks. I'm not going to feel romantic or playful if he has to shlep me around in a wheelchair or follow me by foot while I'm on an ECV. I just don't think I would have as much fun.

In spite of that being my gut instinct, I checked out how much it is to rent an ECV and found that it would cost precisely the same amount as the charges for re-ticketing us to the Caribbean. I think it might be smarter for both of us to kick back beachside on some lounge chairs overlooking the ocean instead of trying to keep up with WDW this summer. I will still have the 6 days left on my park hopper for next time.

Thanks for all the feedback. I appreciate it!

Given the reasons you posted for your trip, I can certainly understand why you would want to wait and I think you would be happier if you postpone the trip.
It's a different trip with an ECV or wheelchair. When we take DD along with us, we don't have the freedom that we have if we go by ourselves. Even if it was just DH and I and one of us was using a wheelchair or ECV, we would still have to be thinking things through much more than if we are just walking.

Have fun, whatever you do.

 

[toodycat]

Thanks everyone for their input. I think the prudent plan is to wait a while.
We still have 6 days worth of park hoppers left for our next visit, whenever that will be. As of now, we'll be going to Cancun; I managed to book a deal with club lounge meals and transfers included, so I won't have to walk around very much at all. Although it's not the same, I probably just saved us close to $1000 and a lot of wear and tear on my foot.

Disney will have to wait. But, now i'm already thinking: wouldn't spring be a nice time to stay at the Beach Club? Hmmm...