Dealing with chronic pain in the parks

[Noemie]

I was planning a solo trip for next year, but now a friend would like to come me. Problem is she has major chronic pain issues as a side effect she got for her leukemia treatment as a kid. At home she deals with it with massages from her physical therapist and medical marihuana but she can't take either with her. Though she could use morphine patches as they help pretty well, and she keeps that option for special occasions.

I know that if I take her with me, I need to take care not to overdo it as she's not one to complain. And that's why I need some advice on how to best deal with her health issues. Here are my ideas:

-we wanted 2 weeks in Florida 1 Disney, one sightseeing Miami, Key west and so on. Maybe do 3-4 days of Disney at the beginning and 3-4 days at the end, so she can rest a bit while we're sightseeing.

- stay on-site for easy midday breaks, at least a moderate resort as the hot tubs help with the pain.

- DAS card for alternative waiting areas as standing in one spot is particularly painful.

Do you have any ideas what else I could do to help her? I considered booking her a massage but not sure if they would be helpful or not if not performed by her PT.
Do you have any other ideas about how I could her enjoy this trip to the fullest? I would suggest an ECV or wheelchair, but as I know her she won't want it.


Thanks for your help.

 

[lanejudy]

You have some good plans in mind and very considerate of your friend's needs.

One thing I'll mention is that if her request for DAS is based on stamina/mobility ("standing in one spot is particularly painful") she likely would be denied the DAS. The accommodation for stamina/mobility is to use a mobility device -- an ECV, wheelchair, rollator, etc. She doesn't need to remain seated at all times throughout the day, it can be parked while she walks for a bit or a wheelchair can be pushed. Most queues are simply very slow moving, rather than standing still; you could hang back from the party ahead and allow her a little space to keep moving. If that would still be painful for her, she really should consider using some form of mobility device so she can sit when needed. WDW is much different than everyday life.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[mukorasirish]

I have RA (chronic pain in feet and hands mostly) and go to the parks every year. This is what I have learned:

Early is best. I get up early and hit the parks. By lunch I'm done and ready to go back to the pool to relax and get off my feet.
Touring plan is huge. Decide what you really want to see and plan it. Use your FP + wisely.
Sleep is HUGE. Chronic pain is exhausting. Make sure she brings something that will help her sleep.

As stated she will not get a DAS for mobility issues. I don't like to use a wheel chair or scooter but typically rent a scooter for the week from an outside vendor. It is much cheaper and nice to know it's there just in case.

Have fun.

 

[Noemie]

Thanks for your replies. I will try to convince her to get a scooter, but I really doubt she'll get one. Does the scooter mean we need an accessible for room or is a normal room ok too since she won't use it in the room?

 

[ttintagel]

We've fit TWO scooters in one standard room, so it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[yoopermom]

As another chronic pain sufferer, I would ask her to really think about what she is going to need to ensure she gets a good night's sleep. Assuming you'll be sharing a room, is she used to having someone else in the same room when she sleeps? How important is sticking to her usual sleep hours? Does she like it warmer/colder when she sleeps? What will she do if she absolutely can't sleep? (Especially if you are.)

Many people find hotel rooms very difficult to sleep in, especially if they have to be meticulous about good sleep hygiene. If I were her I would talk to my dr ahead of time about something (whether scrip or ??) to take with to ensure a good night's sleep. She also may want to consider a white noise machine, earplugs, sleepmask, etc. I tend to also bring heating pad, ice packs, icy hot, my own pillowcase (or pillow, if we're driving), etc.

She is REALLY going to want a scooter, most likely, but if you absolutely can't convince her of it, at least take a list of the offsite providers with you, so you can call them from a park if need be to have one delivered. The amount of walking, standing, creeping along in lines, etc, can't be believed until you're there!

Terri

 

[Bete]

I'm for renting a scooter. When your tired it's readily available. You can always park the scooter and walk some and then go back to it. We have used it to go to a section of the park and park it and walk for the rides there and then use it again and move on to another section of the park and do the same again. You get a lot more out of your day and the park ticket value is increased because you can last longer in the parks. Park tickets aren't free. Your increased park time really makes up for a cost of a scooter. I would even go as far as renting a scooter with her even if you don't need one. This will make her feel better. I did this with a cousin and it really helped to make her feel more comfortable and to go ahead and rent one. We rented from an outside vendor. You can basically get 2 scooters from an outside vendor for the cost of one at the Disney park. You can fit two scooters in a room if your savvy about it. You can get the resort to remove a table from your room if you want more room for the scooters. It's not hard to learn how to drive one and it's not hard to know how to charge one up each day.

Another strategy is to alternate activities at the parks. Do one or two rides and then do a show. Continue this pattern through the day. Fireworks and parades provide a rest time, too. Meals are a rest time. I agree with going early to the parks. You get more accomplished because there are less crowds and it's cooler. Early magic hour is a bonus if you can get up early to go to the designated park. Take an afternoon nap and then return for the evening. Break the day up if you have to give her more rest. If it's really bad for her then you may want to suggest that she go back to the room for a bigger rest while you enjoy some alone time in the parks and then meet up again with her.

Definitely get the advice of her doctor and what other medicines she could have and take while on vacation. If you snore yourself I would make sure your roommate has ear plugs.

 

[Noemie]

Thanks for your replies. I will keep everything you have said in mind and discuss it with here. I do believe she already has some kind of sleeping aids, but I'm not sure.

As we're from Europe and I'm an annual passholder at DLRP we're going to do a one day test run there. As I go there quite often I don't mind doing only what she can do and if she needs it I can get her a free wheelchair on-site. Maybe this will convince her to get a scooter for WDW.

 

[ammag]

I have chronic pia and the first trip I managed OK made sure I had good shoes for my issues, had pain killers and sleep meds. Got slightly stronger meds for the trip. I wouldn't get a scooter I didint feel it was necessary but in hind sight I wish I had it the last two days especially, as it ended uo crying on a bench in Epcot. There's no crying at Epcot!!! . Second time we had two park days, the second I was anhillated my mom had a scooter but she ended up giving it to me because I couldn't walk by mid day. Huge difference.....it wasn't easy but it kept me from having to leave my family and go to the resort alone. It's strange to use help like that if you don't usually need it but tell her this info, share people's experiences and see what she thinks. I was happy wiht apple scooters.
My next trip is this fall 10 days total I am renting a scooter, not going to let it ruin the trip. I admit I feel a little annoyed I have to do it and hope it doesn't complicate thigns for the kids (upsets my daughter we will work on that) but it will be worth it!!! Everyone deserves to have the most pleasurable trip it is so sweet you are being this considerate for her what a great friend!!!