Daughter with arthritis going to DL??

[LUVCINDERELLY]

We are going to Disneyland May 11th...our middle daughter who will be 12 has Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. She's doing fine right now, but occasionaly the arthritis flares up and she has pain in her ankles and knees. Should we look into getting a wheelchair or stroller for her?? She's not too sure about the idea because she is very much a go-getter (plays basketball, has rock-climbed, rides her bike, roller-blades) but I'm just worried that it is going to be a 'shock' to her system with all the walking that we will be doing. I'd hate for her to not be able to enjoy her vacation due to the pain she may have. Any thoughts?

 

[Peter Pirate]

We've gone to DL & WDW (many times)with our daughter (now 15) who was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis three years ago, and like your daughter she too tries to be very active, but the strain of all day has sometimes caused problems. IMO, you should let her make the decision and if she chooses to go without the chair initially (she probably will, I'd bet) just keep in mind that the chair can always be rented at any point during the day should the flare up start.

Have fun.

 

[disneychrista]

Since your DD seems to be pretty active at home, I would not force the issue of a wheel chair. If the need arises then get one. Just take it easy. Limit the amout of walking you do by doing rides in the same area before moving on to the next area. Work in mid-day breaks even if it is just sitting on a bench watching the parade or eating ice cream.

 

[LUVCINDERELLY]

Thanks for your replies. I think we'll just plan to do without unless the need arises. Everything I seem to read about doing DL has you hopping from one area to another...I think we'll just do like disneychrista suggests and stick to one area before moving onto the next. It may require more waiting and less rides but at least she'll be able to keep up! Thanks so much! We're looking forward to our trip!

 

[scroot]

My wife has JRA. We always use a wheelchair in the parks now (it is really necessary). When she was 12 she wouldn't have dreamed of it though. The amount of physical activity and walking required for a day in the parks might be do able but the price we would pay on the days after would be very great indeed. The chair saves us lots of pain. If your daughter is anything like my wife in the strong willed department, she will make up her own mind. It might be helpful to note that there are some ques at DL that are not accessible and a wheelchair can make for shorter wait times. While this in itself should not be a reason to use a chair, it might be incentive for one who really would bennefit from one.