das card - insulin pump

[mackay_j]

Has anyone received a DAS pass for using an insulin pump (as they can only be disconnect for about 45mins - but have to be as pumps cannot go on some types of rides (magnetic disturbance problems)).

Mods I assume its ok to ask this as noone can pretend to be connected to a pump .

I am asking here as any time a questions is asked over on the disability section chaos breaks out and people seem over keen to say why/why not someone should get a DAS.

I just want to know if anyone has. - Knowing this would help plan our days (Its going to be a pretty tough trip as I have Lupus and MS and used to get a GAC but now think I may not get one. So between me getting exhausted and having to stay out of the sun due to a chemo med I am on to suppress the MS and Lupus and my eldest daughter having hypos (heat causes them), I am not sure how much we will get done each day. The Das may help us fit in one more ride before we have to retreat for the day. It would be good to know if this was possible in advance.


Thanks if anyone can help

 

[chmurf]

It would be good to know if this was possible in advance.

you're not going to know in advance, because, in the end, it's all down to the CM you'll explain your needs to

one thing is for sure, an insulin pump does not prevent its user to stand in lines. The whole disconnecting thing can be done at the ride itself.

I don't know if you are the pump user, but I would not ask for DAS for this, because it doesn't sound like a qualifying condition (as previously said)
But I would apply for the DAS for yourself and your chemo/lupus/and so on condition.

Such conditions can make it very painful to stand in lines for a long time, and this qualifies for DAS.
Just explain that you have a condition (don't even need to tell which one) that makes it difficult for you to stand in lines for a long time, you don't mind waiting, but you would prefer to spend your wait time elsewhere, sitiing for example. (Don't make it a stamina issue, or you'll be told to use a wheelchair, it's the standing in line that's painful)
That's exactly what DAS is made for = waiting in line, but not in THE line.

It doesn't hurt to ask and I honestly think that you're entitled to get that card, especially if you used to get GAC (mention this to the CM when making the request and don't hesitate to ask about that insulin pump)

Plan as if you won't get it, and if you do get it, then it's even better.

 

[mackay_j]

thanks churmf, I am actually in a wheelchair (or ECV - just bought one for the trip ). The problem with the pump is it has to go in a locker before we get on the ride- the cm will not hold it we have tried before and there is no way we can just leave it at the side as all hell would break loose for us if if goes missing (considering the cost about £5000 and not all in the US can get them - it might go). They only way we can stay in the line is to split int 2 groups at the end so someone stays behind on the first ride and holds the pump. - we then never get to ride as a family.

My struggle at the parks is more to do with heat (especially wrt to the sun itself skin cancer is the number one side effect of my drug and it also cause my lupus to flair up)- Also in long lines I may need to leave due to urgent requirement to need to be elsewhere lol this can even happens in the fast pass lines if they too long but at least I have a fighting chance of making it.

 

[chmurf]

The problem with the pump is it has to go in a locker before we get on the ride

The problem is that there are very few lockers in the parks

at MK the lockers are under the train station.
even if you get a DAS (and even for FP+) storing the pump, going to a ride, waiting a short wait at the FP+ line, riding and making it back to the locker will often take more than the 45 minutes the user can remain disconnected


I'm sure you're aware of that already, but since we're into "think tank mode" I thought I'd mention

 

[mackay_j]

Luckily my DH has got running to and from lockers down to a fine art- we only got caught out once - in universal studios when a locker jammed - It took nearly 21/2hrs to get it open (universals handling of the situation was woeful) -luckily we were staying in hotel on site so went back for emergency insulin - but by that time she was really ill and no able to make our xmas diner we had booked.

Do you know were the lockers are in HS and AK (for everest & rapids )- I can't remember if we just took turns on rides here last time.

 

[chmurf]

Do you know were the lockers are in HS and AK (for everest & rapids )- I can't remember if we just took turns on rides here last time.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/tips_for_touring/lockers.htm

I also think there are lockers for Kali just in front of the ride's entrance.

 

[mackay_j]

thanks again chmurf

 

[darthtatty]

Another suggestion is First aid.
Im not sure if you've tried before but they do store medical supplies for people. They also have a couple of fridges to store medical supplies. Sometimes theyre happy to help, other times theyre know to be a bit grumpy It doesn't hurt to ask though
Its just that sometimes theyre more centrally located.