Can I do a 50/50 "split"?

[disneyfool_1202]

Our trip is 3 weeks away and while every day I get more and more excited, every day I get more and more nervous! I have bilateral osteoarthritis - so severe that the MD said at the age of 46 I have 96 year old cartilage and they are "possibly some of the worst knees he's ever seen". Let me tell you how encouraging THAT was! I am scheduled for a total knee replacement on the right side in December as that is the worst of the two, and the second knee will most likely be done some time in the summer months.
Anyway, I have rented an apple scooter for our LOS. I'm not immobile- on an average day I can actually get around quite well, but when I over-do it I can really end up in pretty significant pain and then my knees start locking, grating more, and popping - not to mention my right knee fills so much with fluid that I can't bend it. About 6 months ago before they got "this bad" I went for a 3 mild walk - I couldn't bend them byt he time we got back to the starting point and had trouble driving home. So I know that what is a good day at home will not suffice as a good day at the World so I got the scooter.
That being said, I don't want to spend the entire day IN the scooter. I need to walk around some. I want to stand in some line if they aren't too long and don't have too many stairs or steep inclines.
Are there area's in each park in the differnt "areas" where I can park for a while and walk around- and use the scooter when I need it???
I have a stability brace for additional support and some days my knee feels so good I can go without it - IF I don't over do the activity. Once I do one thing to many I'm in trouble!!!!
I totally appreciate your expertise as this is a whole new area for me!!!!! I need the ECV just to keep up with my 7 and 9 year old kids!!!!!!

 

[jdb in AZ]

Our trip is 3 weeks away and while every day I get more and more excited, every day I get more and more nervous! I have bilateral osteoarthritis - so severe that the MD said at the age of 46 I have 96 year old cartilage and they are "possibly some of the worst knees he's ever seen". Let me tell you how encouraging THAT was! I am scheduled for a total knee replacement on the right side in December as that is the worst of the two, and the second knee will most likely be done some time in the summer months.
Anyway, I have rented an apple scooter for our LOS. I'm not immobile- on an average day I can actually get around quite well, but when I over-do it I can really end up in pretty significant pain and then my knees start locking, grating more, and popping - not to mention my right knee fills so much with fluid that I can't bend it. About 6 months ago before they got "this bad" I went for a 3 mild walk - I couldn't bend them byt he time we got back to the starting point and had trouble driving home. So I know that what is a good day at home will not suffice as a good day at the World so I got the scooter.
That being said, I don't want to spend the entire day IN the scooter. I need to walk around some. I want to stand in some line if they aren't too long and don't have too many stairs or steep inclines.
Are there area's in each park in the differnt "areas" where I can park for a while and walk around- and use the scooter when I need it???
I have a stability brace for additional support and some days my knee feels so good I can go without it - IF I don't over do the activity. Once I do one thing to many I'm in trouble!!!!
I totally appreciate your expertise as this is a whole new area for me!!!!! I need the ECV just to keep up with my 7 and 9 year old kids!!!!!!

When you feel like walking you can park the ECV in any stroller parking area and take the ECV key with you. Then when you get tired, come back to the ECV and ride.

 

[Bete]

but you need to stay clear of heavier traffic patterns. You can't be in the way with a scooter; the CMs could manually move your scooter if you are in the way for a parade or whatever. Without the ropes up you can forget and put your scooter in the wrong place for parking it.

My best advice if you want to walk some is to alternate your activities with shows, eating, parades, fireworks and rides. Don't be a commando and do ride after ride. Get a rest and alternate your activities. Also, try to stay away from backtracking in the parks. You can cover anywhere from 6 to 12 miles a day at the parks depending on your schedule.

 

[jodeeee4]

I have a similar situation, but it's my ankles. I have been to WDW with and without a wheel chair. When I tried to go without, I was miserable. And I felt bad that my kids couldn't do as much because I needed to rest so often. I did not realize the amount of walking involved! I know that sounds silly and naive, but hey that's me The next time I used a wheel chair when I needed it and it was like a whole new experience. I was able to do so much more! So, listen to your body and use it when you need it. That will make for a much more enjoyable trip.

 

[disneyfool_1202]

Thanks everyone. I've been having so many good days that I was even questioning my need for the scooter - but out of nowhere the last two days have been horrible and I'm taking pain meds daily it's gotten so bad. So now I am SO glad I rented the scooter ahead of time and I will make good use of it!! I think for the most part I'll stay in it unless it's a ride that doesn't accomodate or I'm going into a store to go shopping / or a restaurant. If I get too daring I may end up making my knees worse!

 

[Glittercat]

Don't worry too much about the kids, while a mobility device might slow the pace every once in awhile, it probably will end up making very little difference to how much fun you all will have! I've only used an ECV on a few occasions and never at WDW, but for the most part the staff are quite friendly, and are very used to ECV's (and to a lesser extent chairs) there. Best wishes for your replacement! I get both of mine in 15 years and am very eager for them until then at least I've a wheelchair. Your kids will get used to your vehicle and soon won't even notice it. Truly hope your vacation is wonderful! ~Rebecca

 

[peemagg]

Something that I do when I need to walk is that I switch off with someone in my party. As long as another person who is over 18 is with you, they can drive the scooter while you walk. Heck, they will even probably enjoy a place to sit and ride for a bit too!

 

[disneyfool_1202]

I get both of mine in 15 years and am very eager for them until then at least I've a wheelchair.

Rebecca you have to wait 15 MORE years???????????? OMG why????? That seems so unfair!!
I'm only 46 but when the MD saw my xrays and examined my knees he said "I'll never tell you you are you young to have a knee replacement - you may be 46 but your knees are 96".

 

[Glittercat]

Rebecca you have to wait 15 MORE years???????????? OMG why????? That seems so unfair!!
I'm only 46 but when the MD saw my xrays and examined my knees he said "I'll never tell you you are you young to have a knee replacement - you may be 46 but your knees are 96".

Hello Denise. When I was 8 Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children took me in. They studied my legs for 2 weeks. My shoulders & hips dislocate which makes my bones tough to fix. My knees have no cup to hold the patellas in, so they performed many reconstructive surgeries. I was able to walk for years, and will be grateful forever. The arthritis has built up on the bones now and the combination of screws, hamstrings threaded through knees, and no cartilage has made for a no win situation. If they replace them now because of my loose jointedness and bone issues they made need to do revision surgery in as little as 10 years. 3 specialists last year and they said 15 years (now 14), I'm 37 now. I was angry for a few months, now i just try to remember gratitude for all of the other blessings in life. though am getting a pair of forearm crutches to hopefully walk more!

My dear you can do Disney in a Scooter/wheelchair, and I think you'll be so glad you did it! I won't lie there are some challenges to having them there, but with a good attitude, patient companions, and a smidgen of luck (and fairy dust) it should be well worth it! I got to go to Disney one time without the chair 13 years ago on my honeymoon, and it was a dream come true, but I suffered a lot of bone damage for it.
Oh! carry a book, sketchbook/journal, pen or pencil, a pair of panties (my Gramma calls them "unmentionables", & a light pretty no wrinkling dress in a small knapsack. If you get wet on a ride or sudden rainstorm the last thing you'll want is to sit in soaking clothes. Also great for ADR's, if you like to like to dress for dinner. Ive done Disney twice in a chair once at 17 once at 36 so if you need to know any specifics I'll try and help or just need to vent I've always got an ear.
Your new knees will carry you forward into so many new adventures, just be careful with them, and kind to yourself. The pace may feel slower sometimes, but it gives one a chance to really notice the beauty that surrounds us and to stop and smell the flowers. *hugs*~Rebecca

 

[QueenElinor]

Thanks everyone. I've been having so many good days that I was even questioning my need for the scooter - but out of nowhere the last two days have been horrible and I'm taking pain meds daily it's gotten so bad. So now I am SO glad I rented the scooter ahead of time and I will make good use of it!! I think for the most part I'll stay in it unless it's a ride that doesn't accomodate or I'm going into a store to go shopping / or a restaurant. If I get too daring I may end up making my knees worse!

Just remind yourself that renting the scooter is only part of the plan- you must actually TAKE IT- don't leave it in the room, or in the trunk of the car, thinking "I'll be fine today". Sure, you start out feeling great, and a little guilty scootering around. Just remember what will happen if you ditch it! I can't tell you how many times I've tried to get by, and couldn't.

 

[disneyfool_1202]

Thanks everyone. I actually managed to get myself an appointment on Thurs to see if I can get some pain meds (I'm all out and surgery is in December- I'm not worried about after Disney- I'm worried about IN Disney), a temp handicapped parking (do they even have such a thing??) and a shot in my good knee which is quickly becomming a "very bad knee" because it's compensating for the really bad knee....
If I get a shot THIS WEEK then by the time we go it should kick in if it's going to work - even a little help will / can be a LOT of help......

I will certainly make sure I BRING the scooter daily - even if I am having a good morning. So far that hasn't been the case this week- I wish I had the scooter NOW!!! Work may frown on that though! I'm a nurse educator at a hospital and thus far the only ones who know how bad my knees are are my immediate team and my immediate boss but occupational health hasn't gotten wind...yet.

All of your advice has been SO valuable! I don't want my current disability (no matter how temporary) to ruin this trip for my husband or kids. It may slow me down but it will....not...stop....me (MUCH!) And when all else fails I WILL FIND A WAY (EPCOT sells alcohol right??? Does the MK have adult drinks anywhere???). Just kidding- that's all I need- drunk scooter driving!

 

[Glittercat]

A few more things sweetie... pain will probably be a fact of your visit, even with scooter. A hot bath at night when it is really bad may ease some of the swelling & pain. Also, and yes this can be a pain to find pillows and such, elevating your knees above your heart level will also aid in bringing down swelling. If all else fails get you and your family down to the pool! They will have great fun splashing about and you can have a swim or much needed break. Alcohol at your resort or in room is a good idea too... just sayin'...