Ankylosing Spondylitis

[_Tizzy_]

Anyone have experience with ankylosing spondylitis? It's an arthritis that affects my SI joints, hips and lower back (for now). The thing about this disease is the longer I sit, stand or lie around, the worse it gets. Sleep is my enemy and my mornings are always agony, however as I move around the better it gets and as long as I am not still for too long it's a better day for me. At work I can't sit for longer than 30-45 mins at a time, I have to move, walk around and stretch. That being said I am not looking forward to standing around for long periods of time.

We are going last few days of August, first week of September, so I don't anticipate having to stand around too much in lines hopefully. I guess my question is, how easy is it to jump in and out of line, so if my family is waiting but I need to step away and walk/stretch for a few minutes, how difficult is it to do that? Will I be annoying people? If I start doing stretches in line, I'm sure people would think I'm nuts, no? If it were peak times where wait times were hours long, I have doctor's certificates (for work) and I would consider getting the card so I could stay mobile while we wait. However, seeing as I *think* the wait times won't be awful, I'd rather leave the card to someone who needs it. I just need to be able to move if I need to. Any advice, thoughts?

 

[mamabunny]

I have Degenerative Disc Disease & Spinal Stenosis. (among other issues) Not the same as Ankylosing Spondylitis, but I can certainly try to understand the pain.

Some of the lines for attractions will snake back and forth - once you are in the middle of the queue, it won't really be easy to just pop out of line and walk around.

BUT REALLY you just need to learn how to use the FastPass+ system to your advantage. This means that you will have to plan your time at the parks a bit more carefully, but it can be done. The FastPass+ (or FP+) will let you basically make a "reservation" for a return time to a ride, attraction or show - you can have up to 3 per person at a time. The FP+ lines (in my experience) typically move really nicely, and so you don't have to worry about standing in line. There's TONS of information, both here on the DISboards and all over the Internet, about how to really use the FP+ system to your advantage.

I really believe that if you set up your FP+ return times, and learn how to most effectively use that system, you'll find that you have no problems with lines at WDW!

Have an awesome trip!

 

[_Tizzy_]

We do have our FP's set up, we used the info I've found to make what I *think* are the best choices/times. So, maybe with the FP's this will work out just fine.

Thank You!

 

[Gracie09]

Most lines generally don't just stop. There is always a slow creep. You can use others in your party to create a buffer so that you have room to walk or stretch a bit. People also have been known to pace in a small circle or across the line as need be.

 

[gap2368]

I have a problem with rocking back and forth in lines and I have not had a problem ( beside 1 time) doing this as other have said the lines do move for the most part slow but they do move if you have a few people in your group then they can give you more room to move. I do not know about your condition but would something like a roller help you if you find your self were you just meet to sit that way some one could push you some if need be. ( I am sorry if that would not help you out)

 

[beckydisneyb]

Also, dont creep up on the person in front of you in line. This will give you a bigger bubble, so can do what you need to in order to stay comfortable. Ps. I wouldnt think bad of you for stretching. I'd be envious of your energy!

 

[_Tizzy_]

Thank you guys for all the tips, I am starting to think I will be good. I was feeling nervous, worried about holding my kids back, but not so much these last couple days. I've also been in a bit of a lull with the pain, fingers crossed. I've been watching my diet (big trigger for me) and the other thing that is good is having a pool so accessible, it's very good for my condition as it is low impact. I'm feeling positive!!

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Tizzy, when you get back I'd like to hear your thoughts. My best friend is going to Disney and has AS and Fibromyalgia and will push herself to the limit to be normal even if she's in crippling pain. I'd like to be able to give her some tips.

 

[_Tizzy_]

Absoloutely! Anything to help out a fellow ASer!

 

[KPeveler]

I've definitely done stretches in line before. If you have a little extra room, then go for it!