Any other MS sufferers?

[tinkerfan1]

In trips past, I've only taken a cane to the parks. I generally walk ok but after walking for a little while my leg starts to drag. I REALLY don't want to use a wheelchair. I've thought about bringing one of those snazzy walkers you can sit on if need be. I've never noticed people using those in the park but I've never really thought about using one myself until recently. I have one I can borrow. Any thoughts?

 

[locolala]

I too have MS. I was just diagnosed over the summer, so I haven't been back since my official dx. I'm going in December though, this should be interesting. The way I see it with having to get a wheelchair is that yeah, I might feel self concious but at the same time, I'll be able to do more because I'm not draining my energy all over the place. I would recommend you get the GAC, might be a good idea

 

[christymarie]

When I had the rollator it was because my balance was bad enough that a cane was not sturdy enough for me. I did try a wheelchair at one point but I found the rollator much more flexible for me to get around on my own. I just had a hard time propelling the wheelchair and wanted more independence. Make sure you practice before you go as the first time I used a rollator it went flying and I ended up on my tooshie. I was upgrading from a standard waker so that played a part in it, I was not hurt but very humiliated, lol.

Also, make sure you have the hand strength to handle the hand brakes. I found that at times when I was going down a hill and needed braking that if my hands were having any kind of weakness it was hard to keep the brakes held firmly. Just things to practice with before you go. I'm sure you'll have tons of fun.

 

[tinkerfan1]

Good luck with your Dx. I hope you have fun in December. My concern with a wheelchair is really more of it being a hassle for those having to push me (I'm not coordinated enough to drive!). I had to use one once before I knew I had MS. Ironically, I fell on that trip, got hurt, and ended up in a wheelchair. I thought about the GAC but I'm not sure what they could really do to help me. It is worth a thought, though. I hope you have fun with your trip and that your MS stays under control. It is such an unpredictable disease!

 

[tinkerfan1]

When I had the rollator it was because my balance was bad enough that a cane was not sturdy enough for me. I did try a wheelchair at one point but I found the rollator much more flexible for me to get around on my own. I just had a hard time propelling the wheelchair and wanted more independence. Make sure you practice before you go as the first time I used a rollator it went flying and I ended up on my tooshie. I was upgrading from a standard waker so that played a part in it, I was not hurt but very humiliated, lol.

Also, make sure you have the hand strength to handle the hand brakes. I found that at times when I was going down a hill and needed braking that if my hands were having any kind of weakness it was hard to keep the brakes held firmly. Just things to practice with before you go. I'm sure you'll have tons of fun.

Thank you so much for telling me about the rollator. I didn't know what it was called. Ironically, I just had ulnar nerve surgery and do not have a lot of hand strength in my left hand. My right hand is the side that is more weak from MS, so I don't usually have as much strength on that side! So, before I use one of those, I would definitely need to make some test runs. Also, I fall on flat surfaces without the help of wheels!

 

[Capt. Barbosa]

DW has MS and her first trip down after her diagnosis she "toughed" it out and just used her cane, ever since she has used a ECV and she and we have both enjoyed our trips to the world much more. She is able to save her stamina for getting on and off rides and isn't burnt out when we get back to the room. I know you were asking about the rollator but combining the heat,fatigue and MS just are not a good mix so I was just giving you anothe option.

 

[Tiggerish]

I got my MS dx amost two years ago. I use my rollator any time I need to walk more than a block or if I am going to have to stand for more than 5 minutes. But for WDW I rent an ECV. I have right hand weakness and lots of time my right hand just forgets it is supposed to be holding on to something (means I am always picking stuff up from the floor). My left hand has the continual tingles. Yet I had no problem with the hand controls on the ECV.

By the way, I have the draggy leg thing also and the heat intolerance plus any kind of extertion cause me to over heat (means after 15 minutes of grocery shopping sweat is rolling down my neck and my hair is soaked) so a cooling vest and hat were a big help.

 

[SueM in MN]

Good luck with your Dx. I hope you have fun in December. My concern with a wheelchair is really more of it being a hassle for those having to push me (I'm not coordinated enough to drive!). I had to use one once before I knew I had MS. Ironically, I fell on that trip, got hurt, and ended up in a wheelchair. I thought about the GAC but I'm not sure what they could really do to help me. It is worth a thought, though. I hope you have fun with your trip and that your MS stays under control. It is such an unpredictable disease!

If you have a rollator, wheelchair or ECV, you would not need a GAC to use the accessible entrances; the CMs can see those things and know that you need to use the accessible entrance or boarding area.
GACs are more for invisible needs; some people have invisible needs in addition to visible needs. Some people have only invisible needs. If someone is concerned about the walking distance, a GAC won't really help with that since the distances walked will be the same with or without the GAC.
There is more information about GACs in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

As far as using the rollator, I have seen many people using them at WDW and you may want to bring yours along for use at the resort and for a change in position. But, keep in mind that if you are not using a wheelchair or ECV, you will be walking between 3 and 9 miles per day (people's estimates of how far they walked). Just to go around World Showcase at Epcot is 1.1 miles.

 

[tinkerfan1]

Thank you so much everybody for your quick responses! You've been a lot of help!

 

[TiggerCate]

It looks like I am in the process of getting dx'ed. I am not sure I am ready for that step, yet, although I most likely will be going on some kinds of shots, soon. We usually get a GAC for my son (ASD), so I don't know if I feel comfortable asking for two at the same time.

 

[tinkerfan1]

Good luck with your Dx and Tx. WDW will help you through for sure!