DAS For Neurocardiogenic Syncope

[StilAPrincessAtHeart]

Hello, I was just recently diagnosed with Neurocardiogenic Syncope (fainting due to a drop in Blood Pressure and Heart Rate when standing.) When walking, I am fine as my heart rate and BP actually rise. But standing still for even 5 min can cause me to begin to faint as my BP drops. I am wondering if anyone here suffers from this disorder and if so, have you been able to obtain a DAS card at WDW?

I am planning a trip in Dec. and beginning to realize how I will need to adapt this time around. I would prefer not to have to use a wheelchair or rollator.

Thanks!

 

[gap2368]

I am almost sure you will need a wheel chair or some other mobility device even with a DAS card you will be standing for 15 to 20 minutes in the return line and also just walking around the park and the DAS card dose nothing out side the parks or for other things like lines to get food or bathrooms

 

[redberyl]

No, Disney will just tell you to use a rollator or wheelchair. I have it to, but mine passes quickly as soon as I sit. I don't bother with devices, when I feel faint I just sit (on the ground if need be), I instantly feel better and can get up and go again quickly. If the line is moving I don't faint, if it is stopped I can sit without bothering anyone.

 

[StilAPrincessAtHeart]

No, Disney will just tell you to use a rollator or wheelchair. I have it to, but mine passes quickly as soon as I sit. I don't bother with devices, when I feel faint I just sit (on the ground if need be), I instantly feel better and can get up and go again quickly. If the line is moving I don't faint, if it is stopped I can sit without bothering anyone.

So, did you attempt to get a DAS card and we're denied? Just wondering.

I wouldn't mind sitting on the ground, but if the line is going to be moving every 6 min. that could make it worse for me with all of the up and down so quickly. Also, I know that at six flags parks you get "yelled" at for trying to sit on railings in the lines, etc... lol.

Just trying to figure out what a new way of touring will now look like for me.

 

[gap2368]

they will not give you a DAS card if your need are to be able to sit a DAS card will not help you at all. I know it is hard to need assistance and no one like it but you will not get one, unless you get a CM that is not doing there job.

 

[StilAPrincessAtHeart]

I am almost sure you will need a wheel chair or some other mobility device even with a DAS card you will be standing for 15 to 20 minutes in the return line and also just walking around the park and the DAS card dose nothing out side the parks or for other things like lines to get food or bathrooms

Well, I will have family with me, so I'm sure I will have to utilize their help for food lines, etc... The walking is not the problem so much as after a certain length of time standing I start to drop. I'm sure there will be very few times that I would need it. But even if there are 2 or 3 instances it'd be helpful for me.

 

[redberyl]

Really most of the lines move at a slow but steady pace, so it doesn't bother me too much. Shows are hard because they involve standing still for a long period until you get let in, but I can usually maneuver against a wall and sitout of the way. Only time I've ever fainted at the park was standing in a line for food. Never asked for a das (or gac) because I am certain it would be denied and I don't really need it. I have more trouble at work or in line at the grocery store than I do at the parks.

 

[StilAPrincessAtHeart]

they will not give you a DAS card if your need are to be able to sit a DAS card will not help you at all. I know it is hard to need assistance and no one like it but you will not get one, unless you get a CM that is not doing there job.

I guess maybe I am not understanding what the Card is for? The explanation on Disney's site is kind of vague, but it says that it is meant to assist those whose with a disability who are "unable to wait in a traditional qeue." And that they will work with people's "unique circumstances." Seems very subjective.

 

[gap2368]

Well, I will have family with me, so I'm sure I will have to utilize their help for food lines, etc... The walking is not the problem so much as after a certain length of time standing I start to drop. I'm sure there will be very few times that I would need it. But even if there are 2 or 3 instances it'd be helpful for me.

what are you doing about waiting for the buss of trams or other transportation what about lines for the bathroom. what if you want to meet one of the charters most of them you can not use a DAS card for( I have been trying to meet peter pan for a long time)
I have been in a FP line and stood still for over 10 minutes ( ride broke down and one time there was a medical problem and had to stop the ride) you are ore then welcome to ask for a DAS card but I see like a .1% chance of you getting one I would go in with this and you have a year to plane but what are you going to do when they tell you no and what you will need to do to have a good vacation and even with a DAS card I can see you needed some type of mobility device.

if you are really that against a mobility device maybe have your family form a bubble around you in line so you can move back and forth some so that way you are not standing still

 

[gap2368]

I guess maybe I am not understanding what the Card is for? The explanation on Disney's site is kind of vague, but it says that it is meant to assist those whose with a disability who are "unable to wait in a traditional qeue." And that they will work with people's "unique circumstances." Seems very subjective.

a DAS card is for people how can not wait in a normal line not because they need to have some where to sit or some thing to lean on. it is for ( and I do not know how to explane this with out give you what to say to get one. but it is for people that can not in lines and a mobility device will not work for them. is the easy way for to to explain it

 

[redberyl]

It's if you can't wait in the line, you get acard to come back later through the fast pass line. Technically we can wait in line, as long as we're sitting. This may mean a wheelchair or rollator, and as far as Disney is concerned it won't matter if you don't want to use one, that is the option they will give you. You can also use a cane with a fold out chair. You are right, it is very subjective, and very possible for two people with the same needs to get two different answers. But I would be very surprised if they gave you a DAS.

 

[StilAPrincessAtHeart]

Really most of the lines move at a slow but steady pace, so it doesn't bother me too much. Shows are hard because they involve standing still for a long period until you get let in, but I can usually maneuver against a wall and sitout of the way. Only time I've ever fainted at the park was standing in a line for food. Never asked for a das (or gac) because I am certain it would be denied and I don't really need it. I have more trouble at work or in line at the grocery store than I do at the parks.

Thanks so much for your input!! I really appreciate you sharing your experience. Since I am new to the diagnosis (although I have been dealing with it for a while now.) I am hoping that new meds and coping mechanisms will help me improve by the time our trip rolls around. But, I just like to be prepared.

 

[StilAPrincessAtHeart]

It's if you can't wait in the line, you get acard to come back later through the fast pass line. Technically we can wait in line, as long as we're sitting. This may mean a wheelchair or rollator, and as far as Disney is concerned it won't matter if you don't want to use one, that is the option they will give you. You can also use a cane with a fold out chair. You are right, it is very subjective, and very possible for two people with the same needs to get two different answers. But I would be very surprised if they gave you a DAS.

Aww, I see what you are saying now. Thanks.

 

[gap2368]

It's if you can't wait in the line, you get acard to come back later through the fast pass line. Technically we can wait in line, as long as we're sitting. This may mean a wheelchair or rollator, and as far as Disney is concerned it won't matter if you don't want to use one, that is the option they will give you. You can also use a cane with a fold out chair. You are right, it is very subjective, and very possible for two people with the same needs to get two different answers. But I would be very surprised if they gave you a DAS.

I have seen CM tell people with that are sitting in them to not use them for chairs I have also seen someone fall out of one and break there arm so you can use it for a cain but not a set

 

[redberyl]

I carry pretzels or saltines and a bottle of water everywhere. A bit of salt and extra hydration helps keep my blood pressure up, which decreases the amount of times I feel woozy. Be warnedthat heat will make it worse. Mine can be very unpredictable, one time I can stand 15 minutes before I feel faint, another I faint after only a minute. Usually I can tell a few minutes before it actually happens, so there's time to get to a chair, and I've learned iit's best to sit a moment as soon as it starts or it will be worse later.if I have to sit somewhere embarrassing, I just say "I have to sit or I'm going to faint", then when people stare and fuss I just say I have low blood pressure, pull out my pretzels and water, and say "this will help." Low blood pressure sounds boring, so people lose interest very quickly. It might sound bad to just sit wherever, but since it only happens in places we have to stand still, it's not like I'm blocking a busy sidewalk or anything. And for me I only need a few seconds to recover. People can be rude on buses, if it's standing room only and no one wants to give up a seat, so I try to avoid them, I've found it's better to wait and be first for the next bus. Counter servicerestaraunts are a problem, often move slowly and sometimes outside in the heat. Usually get someone else to get my food while I find a table. Again, try to get against a wall when waiting for shows, so you'll be out of the way if you need to sit or pace

 

[piccolopat]

Have you tried marching in place to see if it is enough to keep your heart rate up? That might be all you need to stay upright while waiting in a line if you don't want a mobility device.

 

[StilAPrincessAtHeart]

Thanks again redberyl for all of your advice. I really appreciate it! Can I ask if you've worn compression stockings at the parks? My Dr. has stressed that I need to wear thigh high ones everyday. I'm really hoping that by my trip I will have improved. It just sounds like such an uncomfortable scenario to be wearing them at the parks!! I am still getting used to the salt and water thing! I always thought I drank plenty of water, but now I know I need to drink so much more. So many things I need to now make habit!

 

[StilAPrincessAtHeart]

I was starting to think that the cane with the chair sounded like a good idea, but if they won't let me use it...

Maybe I'll carry around a little neck pillow and use it as a donut to sit on the ground with.

 

[StilAPrincessAtHeart]

Have you tried marching in place to see if it is enough to keep your heart rate up? That might be all you need to stay upright while waiting in a line if you don't want a mobility device.

Yes, I'm thinking I'm going to have to learn to start implementing those techniques in my daily life anyway.

 

[StilAPrincessAtHeart]

what are you doing about waiting for the buss of trams or other transportation what about lines for the bathroom. what if you want to meet one of the charters most of them you can not use a DAS card for( I have been trying to meet peter pan for a long time)
I have been in a FP line and stood still for over 10 minutes ( ride broke down and one time there was a medical problem and had to stop the ride) you are ore then welcome to ask for a DAS card but I see like a .1% chance of you getting one I would go in with this and you have a year to plane but what are you going to do when they tell you no and what you will need to do to have a good vacation and even with a DAS card I can see you needed some type of mobility device.

if you are really that against a mobility device maybe have your family form a bubble around you in line so you can move back and forth some so that way you are not standing still

Oh, I was not planning on being dependant on getting a card. I was just wondering about it. I've been to WDW several times and grew up going to DLR but never paid attention to what the process or requirements would be for someone who needs assistance. Im sure I will not be asking for the card now that I've learned more about it and gotten so much great advice.

Also, I never thought about lines for buses! Urgh...I still will not want to use a mobility device though. I just can't forsee enjoying trying to maneuver it through crowds! Gonna just come up with some different techniques to try. Thanks.