Back Troubles

[princess_grace]

What suggestions do you have for making the most out of a trip for someone with back troubles. My husband is really looking forward to going to Disney next week but has had 2 back surgeries in the past 3 years and has just been able to really break free from pain medications. He really does not want to resort to taking pain med's (because we all know what a battle that can be) and so any suggestions on good resting spots and what rides to absolutely avoid would be much helpful! Weird question I know, but are all the walkways pavement - walking on pavement and concrete really flair up his pains.
And just in case he winds up in the hotel all week ... what suggestions do you have for doing Disney solo with my four year old?????

 

[Metro West]

You might want to get him a motorized wheel chair buggy..they look kinda fun anyway. As far as rides go, you'll want to avoid all of the coaster type rides like Space Mountain, BTMR, etc. I've had some back issues in the past too..nothing that needed surgery though. Just take it easy and he should be fine.

 

[Sorcerer Figment]

I must point out the obvious... Those with back troubles, please don't ride Dinosaur, Body Wars, Star Tours, and perhaps Kilimanjaro Safaris.

All the walkways are paved, but I've never found them to be as 'uncomfortable' as most pavement is for walking. This could be a problem for your DH though. I would suggest taking advantage of benches when you need to. And they are all over the place. I know as I've sat on most of them with my darling mother. And there are always great attractions to rest in: Hall of Presidents, Ellen's Energy Adventure, Festival of the Lion King, and many stage shows at MGM. I would also suggest you look into renting a wheelchair or ECV to reduce the walking required.

As for Disney solo with a four year old? One word: Fantasyland . And actually, the whole of the Magic Kingdom would be your best focus.

 

[princess_grace]

Thanks for the advice!
I guess I should point out also that he is determined to enjoy Disney with our daughter and will do whatever she asks him too. I guess its a good thing that she will not want to ride the roller coaster type rides. Thanks for pointing out the other attractions to avoid. We went to Dollywood last year and the first thing we did was ride one of the motion simulator / movie type rides and he was in pain the rest of the day. He is a good sport though and usually just sucks up the pain until he falls out at night in the hotel room.
Thanks again for the advice on rides...there are some that I questioned since I am not that familiar with Disney rides ( I haven't been since I was 7).

 

[bairdbeth]

I second the suggestion of a scooter. Last summer I strained my back before we went to WDW. I rented a scooter from Walker Mobility. I used it for the long distances, then parked it and stood in line for the attractions in that area. No pain and it made for a wonderful trip!

 

[disneyaggie]

Get a note from his doctor saying that standing and walking for long periods of time is a taxing effort on his back. I understand that with that note, you can take it to (I believe) the City Hall at Magic Kingdom and get a medical fast pass that will let him and those he is with in the fast pass lines. Much shorter time to stand so his trip will be more enjoyable.

You can call 1-407-939-6244 and ask how to get one of these medical passes. The sad thing is, some people take advantage of it. But for your hubby, this is just the key. Hope it helps!

 

[SueM in MN]

Get a note from his doctor saying that standing and walking for long periods of time is a taxing effort on his back. I understand that with that note, you can take it to (I believe) the City Hall at Magic Kingdom and get a medical fast pass that will let him and those he is with in the fast pass lines. Much shorter time to stand so his trip will be more enjoyable.

You can call 1-407-939-6244 and ask how to get one of these medical passes. The sad thing is, some people take advantage of it. But for your hubby, this is just the key. Hope it helps!

I'm sorry, but that is not totally correct information.
The card you are talking about is a Guest Assistance Card (we call it GAC to avoid typing so much). It says right on it that it is not a pass and is not meant to shorten or eliminate waits in line. What it is meant to be is a tool to let CMs know what sorts of accomidation/assistance people with invisible disabilities need. The sorts of accomidation it can provide are based on the needs of the person with a disability and include things like a shaded place to wait when the line is in the sun for a substantial period of time. It can also provide a place to sit, (but be aware that most attractions don't have any seating unless you bring a wheelchair or ecv), or allow someone with a child with a disability to bring a stroller into line if they don't have a wheelchair.
In the case of someone with difficulty standing or walking in line, the official WDW Guidebook for Guests with disabilities suggests using a wheelchair or scooter (ecv) because the distance and time spent going between attractions is much greater than that spent in line.
If you decide to inquire about a GAC, you can ask at Guest Relations in any of the parks. GACs are issued for the person with a disability and up to 5 other members of their party (although there are times when you will be asked to limit to the person with a disability plus one other person). You don't need to get a GAC for each park; it will be valid in all the parks, except the water parks.
If you follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES Board, you can ask all sorts of questions.

 

[buzzriders]

I say go for a scooter!! It will be much easer and he will be sitting at all times!! If he feels he needs to walk you can use it for a while! This will make your trip alot easier!!!

 

[MrsToad]

My DH had neck surgery about 9 years ago but he still has neck pain and lower back pain. He has not historically been a pool person (due to having to choose between wearing his glasses in the pool or not being able to see well) but on our last visit he did try the pool, followed by the hot tub. He actually felt better after these sessions so we made them a part of each day for the rest of the trip. I don't know whether the cold water of the pool or the hot water of the hot tub is the ticket but either way, I'm happy he felt a bit better after. Good luck on your trip...I hope your DH does well.

 

[disneyaggie]

My DH had neck surgery about 9 years ago but he still has neck pain and lower back pain. He has not historically been a pool person (due to having to choose between wearing his glasses in the pool or not being able to see well) but on our last visit he did try the pool, followed by the hot tub. He actually felt better after these sessions so we made them a part of each day for the rest of the trip. I don't know whether the cold water of the pool or the hot water of the hot tub is the ticket but either way, I'm happy he felt a bit better after. Good luck on your trip...I hope your DH does well.

If I remember correctly, he could have felt better because of both: the heat and the cool. I am glad to hear it worked for him!

 

[bytheblood]

JMO -

Use an ECV, take plenty of Advil, Doans or some type of pain reliever and take some of those heat packs with you. I think 3 of them are around $5 - $6 and those can easily be carried into the parks.

Avoid BTMRR and anything else that will "jerk" him around.

Have a great time.