Dealing with knee surgery

[ajksmom]

I'm not sure if this is the proper place to post - moderator, please move if needed.

I just found out that I am facing knee surgery to repair my ACL and MCL in 2-3 weeks. With a trip to WDW in about 8 weeks.

In looking through the FAQ's and various threads I don't see much about using crutches. My DR has told me that I would be using them if at home, but with the trip he is suggesting renting a wheelchair or ECV.

At this point I'm just trying to gather some info on choices and restrictions that I may have. Can anyone offer some tips or ideas to me to deal with my injury and not spoil the fun for those traveling with me?

TIA

 

[Lou-Ann]

I have used Walker Mobility several times and am very pleased with them. Just look them up on the internet and call. They will deliver to your resort and you do not have to be able to meet them for delivery as you do for Randy's. I hate having to be available for someone. Especially if you have others with you it would be handy to just have it waiting for you when you get there.

 

[Lou-Ann]

I tried to edit my post but could not. Just wanted to add that many have used Randy's as well and are pleased. Whoever you choose, you need a scooter following any knee surgery. It will make your trip so much easier on you. Wishing you well on your surgery.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

You do not want to use crutches!

Most people walk in the 8 to 10 mile per day range while at WDW. Once around the World Showcase Promenade is over 1¼ miles!

You really are probably best off renting an ECV from offsite. If you are still using crutches, you can get teh outside vendors to attach a crutch holder to the ECV so if it is necessary for you to walk you have them with you.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree that you are not going to be ready to walk as much as most people walk at WDW, so a wheelchair or ECV is a definite need for you.

The disABILITIES FAQs thread has information about the different places that DIS posters recommend for renting ECVs and wheelchairs. The information is in post #2 of that thread.

The crutches will be helpful to provide support for you when getting in and out of ride cars.

There are some links in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread that should be helpful - about boarding rides.

 

[HarbinsMom]

Boy, do I feel your pain. Last May/June, I attempted WDW about 8 weeks out from my 3rd knee surgery. The first and second were ACL repair, then ACL revision. The 3rd, to move cartilage from non-weight bearing side of knee to weight-bearing. I was on crutches with no weight bearing for 8 weeks, then we left for Disney. I had just started to walk with the aid of crutches. My doctor and physical therapist said I would not be able to go without using an ECV. I brought my crutches and crutched my way to the rides, but did ride the ECV and even with all that it was the hardest trip I've ever taken and I've been cane dependent for almost 20 years. (I'm only 45). Take lots of breaks and if you can, bring a ziploc or ice bag that you can fill and wrap around your knee periodically. Elevate and ice when you are back in your room. It looks ridiculous, but it will help, I promise.
Good luck and have loads of fun.

 

[ajksmom]

Thanks for all the responses and suggestions.

Thankfully I've been to WDW a few times (as has my surgeon) so it won't be too bad, I hope!! Hey, it's introduced me to a whole new realm to research about a trip to the WORLD!! Just trying to stay positive, ya know?

Another ? if you don't mind-

With our trip dates of 8/12-8/21, will there be a problem waiting to rent until mid to late July? My doctor thought it was best to wait to suggest whether I'd be better off with a wheelchair or an ECV until after surgery/follow-up. I don't know what kind of volume these companies handle and what inventories they have.

TIA

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I've never heard of the off-site companies running out of ECVs. If they get really busy they can always convert sale inventory to rental.

Also, most of them will not charge the credit card until the business day prior to the rental.

 

[ajksmom]

Just wanted to thank all of you again. My appt. today went so much better cuz I was already armed with info for the DR, to assure him I was taking this seriously.
There is also damage to the miniscus(sp?). So what I did know about my recovery has changed. Surgery is on the 15th, no weight bearing at all for 4-6 weeks. At this point they feel that a wheelchair is the way to go, it will allow elevation when necessary. The only issue is whether I'll be able to start some physical therapy before my trip, or whether it'll have to be prolonged til I get home.
I'm off to read post #3 of FAQ's now. See if there are any rides that I can go on. If I'm not able to ride - well I can wait for the kids to tell me all about it through their eyes!!!

Thanks again all, your help is greatly appreciated!!
kristy

 

[SueM in MN]

even if you can't go on any rides, there are still lots of shows.

If you will be able to do some transfers to get on some rides, my suggestion is to pace yourself.
= Research into which things you will need to transfer and which you will be able to stay in the wheelchair for.

= Alternate attractions so you are not doing all the transfer ones together.

= Do the hardest transfer ones early in the day (or whenever in the day you are best).

= If you can see the boarding area while you wait, watch other people boarding so you can plan your 'entry'

= Don't be afraid to leave an attraction without boarding if it looks like it would be too difficult.

= Remember that getting out is likely to be as difficult as getting in was.

= Keep in mind that most of the MK rides are very short - like less than 2 minutes. That may not be enough time for you to get settled before you have to get out.

 

[*Valdez*]

I had knee surgery in March of 2008 and still have problems in Disney. I have been to WDW three times since the surgery.
* Use a chair! Very important- if you don't want to use an EVC (scooter) at least use a push chair. Make sure you elevate you knee in your room and don't forget to alternate between ice and heat packs.

 

[ajksmom]

Well within the week we'll be off and thanks to all of you it should be a great trip!! From the bottom of my heart I am so grateful for the info and encouragement that you've all displayed.
My surgery on the 15th went well. On the 30th my doctor released me to begin PT early to accomodate my travel dates. My PT is a Disney freak like the rest of us (which helps alot) who thinks I'll do just fine.
So my wheelchair is rented, I've got my exercises from PT, and I'm just now getting around to packing. All should done in time to hop onto that plane next Tuesday!!!

One more question - Walker's can't attach a crutch holder to the wheelchair. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do with the crutches, ya know somehow attach them ourselves, or stow them some way?

TIA
kristy

 

[ajksmom]

Bumping in case anyone has any ideas -

Walker's can't attach a crutch holder to the wheelchair. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do with the crutches, ya know somehow attach them ourselves, or stow them some way?

 

[SueM in MN]

Bumping in case anyone has any ideas -

Walker's can't attach a crutch holder to the wheelchair. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do with the crutches, ya know somehow attach them ourselves, or stow them some way?

Are you going to be propelling the wheelchair yourself or will someone be pushing it?

I have seen people place the crutches next to them in the wheelchair with the tips of the crutches on the footrests and the top of the crutches up by their shoulder/head.
You may be able to arrange something using velcro cable ties. They will stick together and you can use them to attach the crutches to part of the wheelchair frame. You may only be able to find small cable ties in stores, but you can connect them together to make them longer or even make your own by sticking the sticky sides of self-adhesive velcro to each other like the article mentions.

 

[ajksmom]

For the most part either my DH or oldest DS will be pushing me.

Thanks for the ideas, over this weekend we're going to pack up some supplies so hopefully we can make something. Otherwise I will just stow them beside me and hang on tight.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

For the most part either my DH or oldest DS will be pushing me.

Thanks for the ideas, over this weekend we're going to pack up some supplies so hopefully we can make something. Otherwise I will just stow them beside me and hang on tight.

Are you in an ACL brace? If you are, you may want to take an ace bandage or two in case your brace starts to rub your leg, especially if you're not used to the Florida humidity. I had a long sock-like thing that covered my entire leg almost that I used to help with the irritation.

First aid at WDW is wonderful with providing ice should you need some while you're in the park. My sister (who had her ACL reconstructed on Wed) got ice from there several times during our trip last week.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[ajksmom]

Thank you.
Yes I am in an ACL brace and I do have the long sock like thingy. I had given up wearing it once I started physical therapy and my exercises. Now I'm off to throw it into the suitcase along with an ace bandage or two in case any of them get sweaty and/or gross!!
Great to know about first aid and the ice. I've been trying to think about ways to ice it if necessary during park time.

Hope your sister is doing well.

Thanks again

 

[SueM in MN]

Great to know about first aid and the ice. I've been trying to think about ways to ice it if necessary during park time.

Hope your sister is doing well.

Thanks again

If you pick up one of the old fashioned type ice bags, you can get ice from any of the counter service restaurants too .
(The old fashioned ice bags are cloth things that look a little like a beret cap with a screw on top. You can find them in most drug stores.)

 

[Iggipolka]

Oh man. I so feel for you. I've had seven knee surgeries to fix a torn ACL and torn everything else in my knee after a skiing accident. The ACL repair was the longest recovery time.

I'm glad that you've decided to rent a wheelchair. Crutching around WDW would be way too much.

My wife is having knee surgery, 4 weeks from our upcoming trip in October. I just rented a scooter for her through Buena Visa Scooters. We've used them before and had wonderful service. They do have crutch holders for rent on the scooters, not sure about the wheelchairs.

In addition to the advice you've already gotten, I also want to recommend that if you're flying to WDW, to bring a ziplock bag, or one of those rubber ice bags with a screw top, on the plane with you so you can ice as needed. Those long flights can really increase swelling and pain.

I hope you have fun too!

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Thank you.
Yes I am in an ACL brace and I do have the long sock like thingy. I had given up wearing it once I started physical therapy and my exercises. Now I'm off to throw it into the suitcase along with an ace bandage or two in case any of them get sweaty and/or gross!!
Great to know about first aid and the ice. I've been trying to think about ways to ice it if necessary during park time.

Hope your sister is doing well.

Thanks again

My sister is doing much better. She's getting better every day...too bad I know I'm going to have this same surgery in a few months. Oh well.

Did you get the sock-like thingy at physical therapy? That is where I always got mine...anyway, you may want to ask for a couple of them for the trip so you won't have to reuse them especially if they get sweaty.

Ice at first aid is great...and the best part of all is if it melts, you can just go back and get more.

Have a wonderful trip!