Best Way To Help DH?

[momof1princess]

Hi, Everyone. We have a trip to WDW scheduled for Thanksgiving week, and my DH has developed bursitis in both hips, and his right shoulder, so I'm wondering what would be the best way for me to help him enjoy our trip. I know it's going to be VERY crowded, and lines can get really long; we usually go in May or September, so I've got no experience with holiday crowds.

DH is VERY stubborn, and won't use a wheelchair or ECV, although he has a great deal of trouble with long periods of walking and standing (this is what he does at work 8-10 hours per day ). So, my question is, what would be the best way(s) to make this trip enjoyable for him? He's mentioned buying a folding hiking/camping stool, which he would keep in a backpack and get out to sit on when we're in a long line, and I've got no problem with that; but, is there a better way? Would a GAC help? His rheumatologist's office would have no problem helping me accomplish that; but, what is involved? Is this something we can take care of before we get to WDW? I know, I sound stupid, but we've never had to deal with this before, and we all need this vacation desperately (his diagnosis, plus the death of my DGM and 2 close neighbors), so I just want it to be as pleasant as possible for him. TIA!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

You can't bring folding/camp chairs into the parks, so that's out.

The GAC is no more; see the sticky for the DAS. He probably won't be eligible for a DAS if a wheelchair or ECV will solve his issue.

If he won't use a wheelchair or an ECV, you need a good touring plan with lots of breaks and take advantage of FP+.

 

[momof1princess]

You can't bring folding/camp chairs into the parks, so that's out.

The GAC is no more; see the sticky for the DAS.

I just read that in another thread. I think he was counting on that. It may be a deal breaker, but I hope not. I've been reading the DAS sticky, and it's pretty overwhelming-a LOT of info. We didn't expect to be in a position to need any sort of health accommodations at disney for many years, so this has really thrown me for a loop.

 

[Michigan]

Thanksgiving week is not a crowded week, and the weather is good.

GAC is gone replaced with DAS and based on what you said he would be denied and told his needs are met by using a wheelchair or ECV. Stools are not allowed but a rollator walker with a seat on it would solve the sitting if he isn't going to use a wheelchair.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I just read that in another thread. I think he was counting on that. It may be a deal breaker, but I hope not. I've been reading the DAS sticky, and it's pretty overwhelming-a LOT of info. We didn't expect to be in a position to need any sort of health accommodations at disney for many years, so this has really thrown me for a loop.

Don't get overwhelmed! Just accept the fact that you'll have to go at a slower pace and again, make a good touring plan. If you can convince your husband to use an ECV, your trip will be a lot easier.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Thanksgiving week is not a crowded week, and the weather is good.

GAC is gone replaced with DAS and based on what you said he would be denied and told his needs are met by using a wheelchair or ECV. Stools are not allowed but a rollator walker with a seat on it would solve the sitting if he isn't going to use a wheelchair.

Thanksgiving week is very crowded. Who knows if the weather will be good that week or not?

 

[Michigan]

Thanksgiving week is very crowded. Who knows if the weather will be good that week or not?

I live 8 miles from there from Oct-April and we don't find it to be crowded. We also use a planning website and visit parks that are most recommended for the day. As for the weather it is the dry season and temps are in upper 70's low 80's during the day.

 

[Hannathy]

If he is on his feet at work all day and walks a lot you will be able to do it! think positive.

Disney is not a marathon. Yes there is a lot of walking but there is also a lot of sitting. a lot of shows and rides are long. Just plan your day and intersperse the walking with sitting.

Walk to space mountain -good hike and long line, come out and go on COP nice long (at least half an hour) of sitting in air conditioning, rinse and repeat.
on the way across the park if you don't go by way of fantasy land and the sit down rides there then hit hall of presidents another long sit down in the air conditioning.
If you just think a bit and he handles it like he does work then I think you can have a good trip.

 

[Goofy14sure]

You can't use camp chair, but you could use a cane with a folding stool

 

[momof1princess]

He said if he had to use a wheelchair or ecv, he'd just never go to WDW again. I did mention a cane with folding seat, and he was open to that, thank goodness!

 

[Toffeewoffy]

Just got to add my four pennoth and say that if he has shoulder problems, a scooter could exacerbate the pain anyway - a lot of the ground is textured and spending a lot of time trundling over cobbles and the like doesn't half shake you about!!

 

[KathyRN137]

Yes, I'm in the "stubborn hubby" club, so I feel your pain!

If he absolutely, positively refuses to use an ECV then the best thing to do is plan to take the parks in bite-sized chunks and schedule your FP+ reservations wisely (no criss-crossing the parks) and with frequent rest breaks in between. I would also suggest discussing your trip and options for pain management with his healthcare provider.

Unfortunately, as mentioned above, he is ineligible for the DAS because he has a mobility/endurance issue.

Sending pixie dust -- Good Luck!

Kathy

 

[ttintagel]

You can't use camp chair, but you could use a cane with a folding stool

You can try, and I've seen them go through, but I've also seen them disallowed. It depends on who's working the gate whether they're considered a folding chair or not. So it's absolutely worth taking one, but I'd hate to have anybody go in thinking it was a guarantee and have an unpleasant surprise.

I have psoriatic arthritis, and have gone without a wheelchair.

I think the best plan is to just take the parks at your own pace. I know that 20-30 minutes is about my limit for standing in line, so I don't get in a line with a posted wait time of over 30 minutes. I only get in one with over 20 if it's something I really want to do right then.

WDW doesn't have the number of benches and seats it used to, but there are still places to relax. There's nothing wrong with just flopping down on the pavement if you're out of the way of traffic. I like to make reservations for table-servce lunch and make that the big sit-down meal of the day; it makes for a nice, long, cool rest. (Especially if it's a restaurant that serves alcohol.)

He should make a plan with his doctor before he goes for pain and antiinflammatory medication and stick to the schedule without waiting for pain to flare up first. That's something I learned the hard way. Set an alarm on your phone if it helps. The doc may even write a temporary prescription for extra medication or give an injection before the trip. He may advise ice (available at quick service restaurants) or wraps or other things to stave off pain and swelling, which your husband should also stick to before it becomes a problem.

Lines are a great place for stretching. So is the Peoplemover. Second-string rides with a short line can be your best friend.

If he works on his feet, he already knows the importance of good shoes, and probably has a routine for dealing with pain at the end of the day that you can replicate in your hotel room. You can absolutely request a room on the ground floor or close to the bus stop/parking lot.