Back surgery and "intense" attractions

[cohoe]

My 16 year old daughter had back surgery in the end of January 2003 to correct her scoliosis (spinal fusion with intrumentation). We are now planning a trip August 14-21. She wanted WDW to be one of our last family trips before her senior year and she goes to college, but understands that she may not be able to go on some of her favorite rides (doctor advised no "intense" rides). After looking through some of our old WDW maps, I have found that there are many rides that advise caution for people with back problems, but during prior trips I do not remember them being intense...because I would not have ridden them if they were ...such as: Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids, Dinosaur, Big Thunder Mountian Railroad, Body Wars, Star Tours, and Test Track. I am also wondering about the family raft ride at BB. Although I remember it as being a little bit bumpy, I am not sure whether it is too "intense" for my daughter. My family and I do not remember these rides as being too "intense" but we are looking for someone elses opinion or possibly the opinion of someone who has had this surgery. We are also going to be consulting her doctor about these issues on our next visit...but not sure if he has been to WDW . Hope someone can help! Thanks!

 

[snuggles]

I know someone can answer your question. I'd get an idea of what your dr calls intense too. Have a great time.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I am on the phone with my sister now, as she has had the same surgery as your daughter. Hers was almost 20 yrs ago though, so I'm not sure how your daughter will be feeling at the time of your vacation. My sister went on all of the attractions you mentioned without any problems, as well as all of the big coasters (Rock-n-Roller Coaster is her favorite)...She also did all of the slides at both water parks, including Humunga Cowabunga at Typhoon Lagoon...she did say that that one hurt, but it hurt me too!!! She also went on some pretty intense rides at US/IOA with no problems....She is asking me to ask what kind of cast your daughter had after surgery....? She had a body cast, and isn't sure that they do that anymore....She thinks that all of the big rides have those advisories just to protect the park from any liability should someone get hurt, although all of the rides are taken at your own risk....Any more questions, just ask and I will call her again!!! Have a great vacation!

 

[cohoe]

Thanks for calling your sister ! My daughter didn't have to have a body cast, but she did have a corset brace that she had to wear for the first 3 months and during that time was in a great deal of pain. Now, almost 6 months later, she is doing better. She is still sore after a lot of activity, her back is very sensitive to touch, and still has restrictions on lifting. She thinks that she will be able to do most of the attractions, with the exceptions of Rockin' Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Splash Mountian, and Space Mountian. Another concern we have is the jarring movements of some of the other rides. We just want to make sure we are remembering the intensity of the rides correctly so we don't hinder her recovery.

 

[Patio]

My daughter had the same surgery in June 2002. When we were in Disney in December 2002, we rode Space Mountain. I never realized how much you get knocked around on this ride and couldn't wait for the ride to end. My daughter said the ride didn't affect her at all, but as a parent, I thought I should have not allowed her on. I think you'll be fine as long as you avoid the mentioned rides.
I hope your daughter is feeling better.

 

[cohoe]

Patio--
I was just wondering if your daughter rode any of the other rides that disney thinks should be avoided by people with back problems. Also, did she go on the family raft ride at BB? How was she feeling after all of this??
Thanks for your help!

 

[iluvpiglet]

Hi. I am the sister in the above mentioned post by Kirstinsmommy. I had my surgery when I was 12 and I was very resiliant. I recovered quickly. When I got my cast cut off, my doctor gave me three things that I would never be able to do. They were diving off a high diving board, horseback riding and jumping on a trampoline. Since then, I have been horseback riding (just the trail ride @ WDW) much to the horror of my mother. The only thing that hurt afterwards were my legs and ankle. Side to side or jerking movements shouldn't be a problem. Bouncing or jumping is painful. Rockin Roll-a-coaster is a smooth ride and does not jerk at all. I think she should consult her doctor. I think she should base it also on how she feels and her comfort level of her situation. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

 

[KNWVIKING]

I'm a 44 yr old male,had back surgery 18 months ago. The rides that bother my back are the ones that want to compress my spine - G force coasters, the bottom of ToT drops,etc. Side to side shaking doesn't bother me. A little trick I found I can do is basically keep my butt off the seat by putting my hands palm down on the seat and pushing upwards.This works very well for me and most rides don't last long enough to fatigue my arms.

My best advice though is that if you have any doubts about the ride- don't do it,it just isn't worth the consequences.