Disabled Veteran- limited mobility

[DISboardser]

Am going to Disney for the first time since being injured.... disc protrusion and spinal hemangioma (or something like that), bone degeneration - having surgery in the fall.

Years ago I was immoble and in a wheelchair. Now I can free walk but use a walker from time to time.

Today just walking into Walmart...my back popped and I was frozen (went in for 1 item and went alone-so I just stood there until I could move it again)

Anyways...I'm so dreading this trip to Disney when I should be excited. I can stand forever- if I don't have to move or shift my weight...but walking or standing in line....I'm gonna be a gonner!

I've read about this card and have concerns...of course.

I could request a wheelchair from the VA- but my dignity...I can walk now...I don't want to go back to a wheelchair.

I'm 39, female and never married.

Thanks for any tips/advice and assistance. I'd like to get to the beginning of the line so I won't have to move but don't mind waiting 'my turn'...just can't do the line shuffle with my bones the way they are.

 

[mechurchlady]

You were in Wal-Mart this time and had lots of people to call 911 and places to crash. What are you going to do when your back goes out and you are stuck on a bus, train track, or in the rain? You just got to put your pride away and get an ECV or wheelchair. You should be able to take the walker with you and attach it to your wheelchair. If you are going alone then get the ECv.

Sue and Cheshire will be around as well as others. In the mean time read the following link for lots of disabled traveller tips.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

The official Disney policy regarding mobility and/or stamina problems is that the person rent a wheelchair or ECV.

I do not use my ECV in my daily living, but if I am doing something where I will have to walk more than a few hundred yards I will use my ECV. At WDW most people tend to do 7-12 miles per day of walking. Once around the Epcot Woprld Showcase Lagoon Promenade alone is over 1¼ miles.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Post #2 and #6 might be the nbest places to start reading.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

And finally, please ask yourself the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[Mrsjvb]

use a WC/ecv. you will not regret it. to hell with your dignity around people you will NEVER see again if it means NOT ending up in a WC full time in six months.

I Fully intend to get a WC for my trip in Sept. I am just debating renting at each park and hoofing it in between there and SoG and DTD, or renting off site so I can have it the whole time.

 

[locolala]

I know how it goes with the pride and dignity problems. I broke my back when I was 16 and have chronic pain, plus now they're looking at a diagnosis of MS or periphial neuropathy. You really should look into getting the ECV, I know it's hard on the pride, but you're not gonna be able to have a good time if you're in pain and unable to go do stuff! We only had to get a chair for one day while there, but had I needed it, I would have gotten one again. Please consider it, and thank you for your service. I hope the VA is being good about covering your treatments. I've been fortunate that Tricare is taking good care of me, at least for now.