Anyone visited WDW wearing a SI LOC Belt?

[chell]

Because of a recent (very stubborn and slow to heal) injury I have to wear a SI LOC belt to keep my sacroiliac and pelvis from slipping. We will be at WDW in 2 months and I am not sure if I will be out of this thing by then. Has anyone been there wearing one of these? Did you have any problems on any of the rides? If this is still so sensitive then I will be terrified to ride anything that might jar me. Thanks for your help!

 

[nativetxn]

I think that you will receive more replies if I move this to our disABILITIES board.

Katholyn

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't recall anyone mentioning one of those before, but we do have people who visit this board that have had back injuries.
The park maps are marked with a small redd triangle next to rides that are not recommended for people who are pregnant or have neck or back injuries. There are also warning signs at the entrance to these rides and before boarding.
You might want to pcik up a Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities. There is one for each park and you get them from Guest Services. They don't have a lot of information, but the ride descriptions might be useful to you. You can also always ask the CM at the ride entrance about the ride.

 

[teri]

I wore an SI brace for a few years after my back injury, I sure hope they have improved since then. I had a very slight SI subluxation with inflammation in the ligaments, it took a very long time to heal. You are going to want to stay off of any rides that have warnings, as Sue described. You also need to be careful about body mechanics when you enter and exit rides. I suggest that you get a GAC, and let CMs know as you approach each ride if you may need a little extra time or assistance at the wrist or elbow in getting in or out of the car without stressing your hip and back.

 

[chell]

Thanks for the help!

Teri: How long did it take you to heal? They told me that it should take 6-8 weeks. Apparently 6-8 weeks is the timeframe for someone who does not have fibromyalgia and some of the worst luck in the world when it comes to healing. Next time you hear a doctor say that something will only happen to less than 1% of the population you know he is talking about me! Anyway, it has been 8 weeks and last weekend my SI got out of place and stuck again. I am so thankful that it was not as painful as the first time! I have to wear the belt because for one reason or another my pelvis keeps getting out of alignment. My friend jokes with me that I have to go in for a rear-end alignment on a regular basis! Too bad I'm not a car. My husband thinks I should consider a wheelchair or ECV since I sometimes can't handle walking too long. I don't know. It is just too depressing. And since sometimes they are in demand I would hate to be using one when someone else needs it much more than me. I suggested that we cancel this trip, but my husband insists that we can make it work. I've already made my list of rides to avoid.

Sorry this was so long!

 

[mamajoan]

Ok I am going to be straight up with you and you might not like what you are going to read.

An SI Loc belt was NOT designed to help your SI to ride TOT, RnR, Star Tours, Safaris etc. Sorry. It works for normal every day activities.. most of the time
So if the ride has ANY warning on it regarding precautions for BACK safety.. do not ride it.
Also, if you are tired and in pain your gait and posture will be affected therefore use of an ECV/wc as needed is necessary to prevent your SI going "out of whack" thus causing you increased pain, decreasing the enjoyment of your trip. (also your families enjoyment).
It is hard to give up independence but this use of a wc in this circumstance will prevent further loss of independence allowing the area to heal without disruption.
Sorry if this sounded gruff, it was the PTA coming out in me.
I wish you speed in you recovery. Also have a fabulous time on your vacation!

Joan

 

[tink2dw]

I got Whip lash and threw my back out on an ECV in the grocery store the thing got stuck in reverse and crashed hard into the shelving unit.

I would suggest a wheel chair there is more control. People don't see EVC at WDW they walk in front of you,cause in you to stop short! EVC's are a very jerky ride. Just ask my neck a week later and still aching.

 

[chell]

mamajoan - Thanks, but I wasn't planning on riding any of those. I have already made my list of rides that I will not even think about. I probably will not even ride IASW or PoC since the boats always seem to bump each other.

Has anyone who has worn one of these to WDW has been uncomfortable or anything like that? Does the heat make the belt more irritating? Thanks for all of your help.

 

[mamajoan]

Hi, I am so glad to hear that you are planning ahead, that is very wise. I don't know if this will help but I used to suggest that people wear a long cotton t-shirt under their back braces during the summer time. It seemed to help the heat discomfort. Also if you can carry a itty bitty baby powder to lightly dust yourself that may help also. I hope you have an excellent trip and hope that you will be healed up so that you can enjoy all the wonders of the world!
Joan

 

[lisapooh]

ECVs and power wheelcahir are not jerky to ride if operated properly. I have been using one for over 5 years now and have not had trouble with them. The problem is that people don't take the time to learn how to operate one before they go off to the parks. Because of that controllers have been put on the ones at Disney and this makes them harder to control. I always recommend that ECVs be rented offsite as they have not had there systems messed with and are far easier to control and use.
The ones in the grocery are far too bulky and make it harder to control but if you are experienced you can do it. Just take someone else to push the cart. Actually using the basket for groceries also makes them harder to control.

 

[teri]

My SI problems were the result of a very hard fall, and the situation was complicated by arthritis and chondromalacia, so my case wasn't typical. So don't panic at what I am about to say.... It lasted until I had a baby, that was about 12 years after the accident. The hormones of pregnancy cause changes in the joints and ligaments, things stretch.... after I had my baby, things seemed to go back into place just fine. I haven't had mcuh problem with my lower back at all since then. My neck is another story, though.

Don't stress your hips and back, and take care of yourself.

Typical wheelchairs are very bumpy, I would think an ECV with springs and suspension would be less jarring in normal use.