Back injury--a couple of questions

[MedCruise07]

I am recovering from a herniated disc, and am wondering two things about how to deal with this at WDW. First, how complete are the "don't ride this ride if you have back problems" warnings--in other words, are there any rides that Disney doesn't flag that I should be careful about? Also, I sometimes cannot sit for long periods (sometimes even 15 or 20 minutes is too long). At the shows (e.g., Fantasmic, Beauty and the Beast) will I be able to stand in the back? Or will I have to leave?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

As far as I'm aware, Disney are fairly good at flagging rides with warnings. If you have any concerns about a 'borderline' ride (e.g. not It's a Small World), there should be a Cast Member at the entrance to the ride that you can ask specific questions of.

If you ask a CM when entering a show, you should be able to get yourself positioned somewhere out of the way. I don't know whether the GAC covers these kind of needs, but you might want to ask at Guest Relations to see whether it would be (for more information on GACs, see the disability FAQ thread at the top of this board). I think, though, that most of the shows are fairly short, and it's the live action shows that tend to be the longest (rather than those using film and / or animatronics).

Does your back problem cause you any difficulties walking, or is it only sitting that is affected? If you do have mobility problems as well, you could look into getting a mobility device (whether a wheelchair or an ECV) to use for getting between places, breaking up the periods of standing and walking with a bit of sitting. (I hope that made sense, I'm in a brain fog right now.)

Goodluck and I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[Cheryl592000]

As far as what I had experienced in 2005 with 2 herniated discs I did not do many "thrill rides" but I did do Splash Mtn, Thunder Mtn (suprisingly not bad), ToT, the hardest thing I thought was getting up and down from the ride vehicles. And the roughest ride IMHO was Kilamanjaro Safari. I didn't do Space Mtn, Dinosaur, Rockn' Roller Coaster, I thought they were way too jerky.

 

[MedCruise07]

Thanks for the replies. I will ask a CM about standing if it comes to that. As for a wheelchair, for better or worse sitting is by far the most painful position, so I am afraid that would not help (although for the posters who have been afraid to use a wheelchair because of what other people might think, my two cents is to worry about your health first and what other people think last--if at all). As for the rides, holy cow Cheryl! There is no way I will be on either Splash Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain--but I am on the fence about Tower of Terror. I really like that ride and I don't remember it as being very jerky.

 

[n2mm]

I went to WDW last year 6 weeks after my surgery for a herniated disc. I had a successful disectomy and the doctor agreed that I could go on my trip even though I was still post-op. I could only go if I flew (no problem, less than 2 hours). I refused to use a chair or ecv and I was fine. I couldn't pick up my 2 year old grand daughter. I did have issues getting in and out of the pool as I avoided the ladder and stuck to the stairs. I avoided all rollercoasters, but did do splash mountain, no problem other than being nervous (and getting out). The ride I accidently went on and regretted was the safari....OUCH!! I had forgotten how bumpy it was and paid the price. Did have to pop a pain pill after than one. I avoided ToT and dinosaur too. Other than that I did everything. Getting in and out was a little slow (no bending or pulling or twisting), and did avoid long shows. Not sure if the OP has had the surgery or is just suffering from the pain of the herniated disc. I did PT for 2 years and did the steroid injections and finally opted for the surgery. I found walking to be the best exercise possible and do 4 miles everyday for exercise now. Good luck!