DAS for colostomy needs?

[staceyeileen]

My brother was recently diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and is recovering from surgery which resulted in him having a temporary colostomy. He is still getting used to living life with the colostomy and all that it entails. He really wants to take his 2 young sons to Disney before he has to start chemo next month, so he is planning on coming up this weekend for a quick trip. I have already rented an ECV for him since he is still recovering from the surgery and we feel all the walking will be too much for him to handle. My question is regarding the colostomy and if a DAS may be issued to him due to his need to make frequent trips to the restroom and not wanting to be confined to a line for long periods of time if he has a sudden and urgent need. I don't want him to feel anxiety about this or opt to not go on rides with his sons just because he is uncomfortable waiting in the lines. At the same time, I also don't want to suggest that he explain his needs at Guest Relations and risk potential embarrassment (he is still very self-conscious about the colostomy) if this is not the type of situation for which a DAS is typically issued. If anyone else has obtained a DAS for this type of situation, I'd love to hear your experience.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I would write a short note, bullet statements and hand it to the CM at Guest Services. No diagnosis, but along the lines of "I'm happy to wait, but waiting in the standby line will be very difficult because x, y, z."

He should list his needs as they relate to waiting in the line (must have quick access to a restroom on very short notice, etc).

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

 

[kim_d]

I had a temporary ileostomy due to rectal cancer. In my personal experience, I wouldn't have needed a DAS, but everyone's experience is different. Yes, he might have to use the restroom more frequently(but not out of the realm of a non-ostomate) to empty bag but there typically is no urgency. And my understanding that colostomies require less attention than ileostomy.

 

[kim_d]

Now I will say I would've definitely bring extra supplies and change of clothes to park everyday. Just in case.

 

[staceyeileen]

I had a temporary ileostomy due to rectal cancer. In my personal experience, I wouldn't have needed a DAS, but everyone's experience is different. Yes, he might have to use the restroom more frequently(but not out of the realm of a non-ostomate) to empty bag but there typically is no urgency. And my understanding that colostomies require less attention than ileostomy.

Thanks for this insight. You're probably right on this but it seems like since he is still getting used to it not having immediate access to a restroom would cause him a lot of anxiety right now. He just had the surgery in early March.

 

[seashoreCM]

... a need to go to the rest room once or twice while waiting in line and then coming back to that spot in line ... would a DAS card help me?

 

[MakiraMarlena]

A DAS card will enable you to wait somewhere else - not get in line, get out, and rejoin the line.

 

[staceyeileen]

A DAS card will enable you to wait somewhere else - not get in line, get out, and rejoin the line.

By "somewhere else" do you mean there is a designated spot to wait? I was under the impression you could leave and go elsewhere in the park and come back at a designated time.

 

[lanejudy]

I was under the impression you could leave and go elsewhere in the park and come back at a designated time.

That's correct. You may wait where you choose, even back at the resort for a mid-day break.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Pamlur]

My adult son had a temporary colostomy several years ago. I can't give any advice for the Disney parks, but can give a little practical advice from experience. Tell your brother to eat as lightly as possible, and avoid really spicy foods while he's at the parks. Since there is absolutely no "control", he can lessen the "quantity".

 

[SueM in MN]

... a need to go to the rest room once or twice while waiting in line and then coming back to that spot in line ... would a DAS card help me?

That is not how it works

That's correct. You may wait where you choose, even back at the resort for a mid-day break.

Enjoy your vacation!

It works the way lanejudy mentioned.
You come to the attraction and get a DAS Return Time issued. Then you are free to wait wherever you want (even leave the park if you need to).
After the Return Time, you enter thru the Fastpass line.

 

[Ktwirls]

Thank you for posting this question. I have a new colostomy due to cancer and it been very hard on me. I still have problems with getting the pouch to work correctly and need quick access to a bathroom to fix leaking problems before it is a huge mess. My fear is being in a line and stuck with no way to get out of it if I need to. I want to minimize the time I am "stuck" somewhere. I have thought about asking for a DAS but too scared/embarrassed and hate trying to explain something so very personal and that they may not understand. I will be trying the not eating too much thing but we have bought the dining plan and it feels like a waste to not eat. Typically in my everyday life I would not eat the whole day if I will be somewhere that I do not want any problems to happen, but we will be there 7 days. The other issue for me is I am traveling with my 4 kids (and husband) and having to leave them inline while I leave and no way to get back to them especially since I am on a scooter. Not sure what I will do yet. I want this magical trip so bad for my kids and since I am on a "chemo break" right now but scared about what I will do.

 

[Ktwirls]

Reading through past threads there was a post about the disability being listed on the DAS card. Is that correct? And what would mine say?? "colostomy" or "bathroom issues"? I would hate for that to be listed on there! And every CM I encounter to read that!

 

[aaarcher86]

Reading through past threads there was a post about the disability being listed on the DAS card. Is that correct? And what would mine say?? "colostomy" or "bathroom issues"? I would hate for that to be listed on there! And every CM I encounter to read that!

No, it says "Disability Access Service" on the card and it will have your picture. It will not list your disability or need.

 

[Ktwirls]

Thank you for posting, so relieved to see it would not be listed!

 

[allie_to_you]

My DH has a colostomy and we have done Disney World many times. He has never once had or needed a DAS card. I don't think it would help him in being able to get in or out of line quicker since it doesn't really act like a fastpass. If he gets out of line, most likely he would have to just get back in line again, but not from where he left off as dealing with a colostomy can potentially be time-consuming and they aren't going to "hold his place"

 

[staceyeileen]

Just wanted to update this post. We had a great time at MK. My brother did get a DAS at City Hall right after we entered the park. I wasn't with him at the time, but he said he wasn't questioned on it. We used it twice during the day, in combination with regular FP+.

My DH has a colostomy and we have done Disney World many times. He has never once had or needed a DAS card. I don't think it would help him in being able to get in or out of line quicker since it doesn't really act like a fastpass. If he gets out of line, most likely he would have to just get back in line again, but not from where he left off as dealing with a colostomy can potentially be time-consuming and they aren't going to "hold his place"

I'm not sure what you mean here. In our experience it did act basically the same as a fastpass. They gave us a return time, and when we returned at the designated time (or after) we went through the FP line. Time waiting in line was minimal.

 

[SueM in MN]

Reading through past threads there was a post about the disability being listed on the DAS card. Is that correct? And what would mine say?? "colostomy" or "bathroom issues"? I would hate for that to be listed on there! And every CM I encounter to read that!

I'm not sure where you have read that, but I have never seen a post on the Disboards that says that.

The OLD system, called Guest Assistance Card (GAC) had different stamps and that might be what you were thinking of. Those stamps were very general and told what was needed (like a place to wait out of the sun, or front row seating). They did t say why, or give any information about the disability.

GAC was discontinued in October 2013 and replaced with the present DAS program, which aaarcher posted a picture of.

Just wanted to update this post. We had a great time at MK. My brother did get a DAS at City Hall right after we entered the park. I wasn't with him at the time, but he said he wasn't questioned on it. We used it twice during the day, in combination with regular FP+.
I'm not sure what you mean here. In our experience it did act basically the same as a fastpass. They gave us a return time, and when we returned at the designated time (or after) we went through the FP line. Time waiting in line was minimal.

I think what that poster meant was that you don't just show the DAS and enter into the Fastpass line - you need to get a Return Time.

 

[staceyeileen]

I think what that poster meant was that you don't just show the DAS and enter into the Fastpass line - you need to get a Return Time.

Oh, okay. Well, the return time did help out my brother immensely. He doesn't mind waiting, but didn't want to be trapped in a line while doing so.

 

[BlueStarryHat]

Thank you for posting this question. I have a new colostomy due to cancer and it been very hard on me. I still have problems with getting the pouch to work correctly and need quick access to a bathroom to fix leaking problems before it is a huge mess.

My Mom had a colostomy due to colon cancer and had an awful problem with the pouch leaking at the top, until we discovered barrier rings made partially from apple pectin. They stretched to fit around her stoma and the pouch fit over that. It created a nice seal, and she never had another leakage problem. You might want to inquire about these wherever you get your supplies. These rings saved my Mom lots of embarrassment and gave her more confidence to go out in the world again. Good luck!