DH needs knee surgery-help with ECV

[disnut1149]

Hi,
My DH is having knee surgery on 12/20 and we'll be in DW on 12/10 to 12/14. He can walk ok (with pain), and the doctor gave him a big heavy brace to wear on his knee. I think it's going to be too much walking for him, so I'm looking into renting an ECV. When you enter a line for a ride, do you park it first and then get in line with everyone else or do ride up in the regular line and then the CM shows you wear to go. Thanks for any information.
Joan

 

[Shorty82]

Most rides have mainstreamed queues, in other words can accomodate WCs and ECVs. For these he will stay in the ECV most of the way up the queue where he will be pulled to the handicapped boarding area.

For the lines that can't accomodate WCs and ECVs for some reason the CM at the entrance will direct him to the handicapped entrance.

More information can be found in the disABILITES FAQ sticked at the top of the board.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Also, since each attraction is different, you should simply approach the Greeter (CM at the entrance to the line) for instructions/directions.

 

[mechurchlady]

Would elevating his leg give him relief? Wheelchairs can have elevated leg rests but ECVs do not. Some people find the elevated leg rest a comfort but other wise go with the ECV.

FAQs has lots of great links and one is the WDW handicapped guide book. If in doubt ask a cast member about the entrance to a show or ride if you are not sure. There are some good threads on types of ECVs and recommendations on where to rent.

A day in the park is an accumulation of small stresses, emotional stuff, and physical exertion. 5 minutes times 10 rides or shows is 50 minutes of standing. For this reason it is best to use the ECV as much as is possible including lines. Sometimes it is easier and faster to park the ECV and hobble to a restaurant or show. In that case park the ECV in the stroller parking area, make sure the chair is unique, and take the key. An item is less likely to be taken if people see some sort of clear identification.

 

[disnut1149]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

What did he do to his knee? Depending what he did, I maybe able to offer some advice for doing Disney with a bum knee!

 

[disnut1149]

What did he do to his knee? Depending what he did, I maybe able to offer some advice for doing Disney with a bum knee!

I'd love some advice. He tore the miniscus (spelling?). Thanks for any help.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I'd love some advice. He tore the miniscus (spelling?). Thanks for any help.

He should be fine to walk around as long as he doesn't have too much pain. I'm going to WDW in 2 weeks and I tore my ACL back in October (third tear in 4 years) and I'm not the least bit worried about walking on it. I've had my miniscus repaired about 2 or 3 times too, (once by itself and the other times when I had my ACL reconstructed.

I would say as long as he's not having too much pain, to walk on it because if he sits too long, it may get stiff and be more difficult to get around. If there is swelling, I would suggest icing the knee at the hotel at night.


Good luck! Feel free to PM me with any questions.

 

[HarbinsMom]

He should be fine to walk around as long as he doesn't have too much pain. I'm going to WDW in 2 weeks and I tore my ACL back in October (third tear in 4 years) and I'm not the least bit worried about walking on it. I've had my miniscus repaired about 2 or 3 times too, (once by itself and the other times when I had my ACL reconstructed.

I would say as long as he's not having too much pain, to walk on it because if he sits too long, it may get stiff and be more difficult to get around. If there is swelling, I would suggest icing the knee at the hotel at night.


Good luck! Feel free to PM me with any questions.

Boy, can I relate!!! I had my 2nd ACL revision in January, then a procedure where the surgeon took a part of bone from one side of my knee and placed it on the other side to hopefully grow and repair a deficit. I was non-weight bearing for 8 LOOOONG weeks. I had just started putting a bit of weight on it when we took our trip at the end of May. I wish now, I had postponed our trip. I had an ECV and my crutches, because I still couldn't walk far without them when transferring to a ride. I was in so much pain. We had fun, but I felt horrible.

You are so brave to have had an ACL revision 3 times. My physical therapist has advised me to do a total knee. A year ago he said no, I was too young and I'd have to have at least 2 more. Now, he thinks I should go ahead and do it. I started using a new drug in my knee last week. It's a series of 3 injections and hopefully it will help with the pain. If not, I go to the surgeon again. I'm not complaining, though. At least something can be done for me!!

 

[5 for WDW]

Boy, can I relate!!! I had my 2nd ACL revision in January, then a procedure where the surgeon took a part of bone from one side of my knee and placed it on the other side to hopefully grow and repair a deficit. I was non-weight bearing for 8 LOOOONG weeks. I had just started putting a bit of weight on it when we took our trip at the end of May. I wish now, I had postponed our trip. I had an ECV and my crutches, because I still couldn't walk far without them when transferring to a ride. I was in so much pain. We had fun, but I felt horrible.

Boy, I can totally relate to you!! I had the OATS surgery last year. (The bone graft procedure it sounds like you are talking about). Not fun at all. I just went in again on November 6th for microfracture (instead of grafting they drill small holes in the area and hope that cartilidge will fill in and act like bone) on the same knee in the same area. The grafted portion from last year is now the strongest part of my knee and the area all around the graft is really damaged. They did the microfracture to hopefully stimulate growth.

I have been NWB since and I am going to WDW for a quick three day trip on 12/17. Now I am debating if I should get a wheelchair or ECV. I know my surgeon is going to think I should.

I am only 32 so, a replacement is out for now. The Dr keeps telling me I have the knee of a 60 year old. Part of me wishes they would just replace it. Three surgeries in three years is no fun. Especially NWB for 6 weeks at a time with three kids.

I so wear a large Bledsoe brace that goes from my mid thigh to calf. That helps a lot.

Any tips you have for me about my upcoming mini trip would be much appreciated!!