AVN-Anyone with a limp, using a cane at home?

[sherrie]

Hi everyone, I am new on this board and have been diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis. A dead pc. of hip bone. I walk with a limp and use a cane. I can go very fast as there is no pain. My question is, If you only use a cane at home, have you needed a wheelchair at Disney. I am afraid I will get even more tired than usual walking with a limp.TIA

 

[Talking Hands]

I use a cane at home and need to use a wheelchair at Disney World. I would end up in too much pain to go without one. I can hobble around the house but use the cane when I am out if I have the slightest indication I may have a problem or in unfamiliar territory. Have no desire to fall and break my leg again.

 

[sherrie]

TY, last year before I had this condition my legs were sooo tired. I figured dragging a limp would make that side really weak. I guess I should plan a WC. Thanks again.

 

[SueM in MN]

Hi. I wanted to welcome you to disABILITIES.
I don't have any personal experience with your problem, but just wanted to point out that each park at WDW is incredibly BIG. Just to walk around World Showcase at Epcot is one mile. A lot of people who don't have mobility problems find that walking at WDW really tires them out. So, I think you would be really wise to get a wheelchair or an ecv (eletric scooter).
You can rent either at the parks, but scooters at limited availability. A lot of people prefer to rent one from one of the off-site companies. Here are the ones that DIS posters report renting from most:
Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

 

[sherrie]

Thank You, I was hoping on not needing a WC or EVC as we are bringing my GD and there will be so many extras to carry on the bus. But I have faced the fact that I should consider using one. Thanks for the links.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest an ECV over a wc for several reasons.

The most important of all is that it will give you more freedom than a wc. If not used to a wc there will be lots of exertion on your arms, which are not used to it. Also it is difficult for people not used to pushing, especially where there are hills or rough streets which would otherwise not be noticed.

Also, there is a pretty large amount of storage available; At least the ones from Walker have a pouch on the back of the seat as well as a basket in front. The floorboard is quite large and depending on how you can move your legs you can keep a few bags on the floor, and it is also possible to hang bags from the handlebars (but be VERY CAREFUL that you do not interfere with the controls).

From you latest post it seems there will be others besides you and your GD; let them worry about the stroller and her.

Two other things -- when using the bus, it may be easier when once on the bus if you sit in a regular seat. Also, if you are the only ECV on the bus you should have enough room to turn the ECV around so you can go off to the front.

Most important for safety. Do not allow your GD to ride on your lap and "help drive". If she jams the control you can run into people or things, which is very hazardous for all concerned.

 

[sherrie]

Does an EVC fold up?

 

[Talking Hands]

No an ECV will not fold up. You drive it onto the lift or up the ramp to get it on and off. Buses are equipped for this.

 

[CdnDisneyNut]

If you are driving, the ECV comes apart in 5 pieces to be placed in the trunk. The heaviest piece weighing 39 lbs. You might be able to obtain handicap hang tag for your car from your state department of transport for prking at the parks.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you go to Walker's websitethey have a page that shows step by step how easy it is to fold up.

 

[Piper]

Just another vote for the ecv. I use 1 crutch at home, but do have a wc for the malls, etc. The ecv is a wonderful tool to have at WDW. It does give you a lot of freedom and makes a lot of difference to my endurance! Go for it!

 

[sherrie]

I am worried about getting on the bus, what if I am able to limp on. can the chair be put on without me in it. can we fold it and carry it on. Thanks everyone you are making me much more comfortable about using an evc

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The ECVs do not fold up; they weigh somewhere about 100 pounds. They will come apart (into five pieces) with the heaviest piece at 39 pounds.

I have done the buses with lifts in an ECV, they are designed for you to be in the EVC when the lift goes up and down and there is no problem with capacity.

Many wheelchairs will fold; if you have someone with you thay would be able to take the folding chair on and off the bus