Disney 2 1/2 Weeks Before Surgery

[theatermouse]

This is my first time posting in here & I hope someone will be able to help.

My family is going to WDW May 2-6. I am scheduled to have a total hysterectomy May 21. I am living with a lot of pain leading up to this surgery. The trip was scheduled & paid for (non-refundable) before the surgery was scheduled. Walking very far bothers me a lot, standing in one place bothers me, heck even sitting does sometimes! Today at work, I had to stop twice during the short walk to the restroom due to pain. We are seriously considering taking a wheelchair with us since a few hours at a shopping mall about did me in.

My question is, will I be able to stay in the wheelchair in line? I feel I can do most rides, except the roller coasters sad1. I know standing won't always be an option for me. I'll do it when I can, but when the pain is present, I'd rather not.

Also, my 8 y/o son LOVES RnR. My husband doesn't ride coasters AT ALL. Since I'm pretty sure that coaster will not work for me this trip, will we be able to wait with him in line, let him ride, but the adult use the "chicken exit?"

Thanks for any help. This isn't how I wanted to spend this upcoming trip, but I'm thankful that we're able to go & gives me something to think about other than the surgery.

 

[Smile&Nod]

not sure about the RnR question, but IMHO you might want to consider renting a scooter!

Scooters/wheelchairs can go through most of the lines - where you can't go through the mainstream line there is a separate entrance you can use. You can stay in the chair/scooter until you board the ride vehicle.

If you are staying at an on-site hotel seriously consider renting a scooter - I rented from Apple Scooter a couple times and have been very happy with them. Even if you just want to use a wheelchair think about renting offsite - that way you don't have to walk from your room to the bus stops or to the wheelchair rental. Renting a scooter offsite is about 40% of the cost of renting one in the parks.

Good luck!

 

[theatermouse]

I probably should have mentioned that we're staying offsite & renting a car, more than likely a compact.

I'd prefer a scooter, but not sure it'll fit into the car or our costs to rent one on property for 4 days.

 

[lanejudy]

Check out the disABIILITIES FAQ sticky near the top of this forum, post #2 has info about ECV rentals. I suggest you call a couple of the vendors and see what they can offer for a "portable" ECV. Some can be broken down into parts to fit into a car. Tell them the size/type car you plan to rent. In reality, your husband will likely be exhausted from pushing you around for just one day, a whole trip could be a struggle for all of you in that case. An in-park rental will cost $50 per day (plus refundable deposit of $20) and they run out by mid-morning; an off-site vendor will be less expensive, plus you'll have it to use at your resort or anywhere else you go.

As for RnR -- as long as your son is find riding by himself and is tall enough for the ride, WDW will allow it. At 7 yrs old WDW allows children to ride unaccompanied. Yes, you may stay in line with him and use the "chicken" exit.

Best of wishes to you for an easy surgery and quick recovery. Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Tink575]

I spent some time in a wheelchair last year after breaking my ankle. The seat was not comfortable, even though we bought the wheelchair and a memory foam cushion, I had a big boot and my leg hurt from dragging it around.

An ECV might be better for that reason, especially over a park wheelchair, no cushion etc. and less "bumping around". I do know pushing is exhausting, especially up and down hills, and it would leave your dh free to watch your child and give you a little more freedom. You might want to sit out some rides and rest etc.

 

[SashaFarce]

Up until recently, my partner drove a Saturn Ion - one of the real compact ones that looked sporty and had hidden back doors. It was tiny. We could fit not one but TWO ECVs in there. We rent from Apple and we could break them down and fit 75% of both in the trunk. If your husband can do some lifting, I recommend the scooter.

If you do go with the wheelchair, try and bring a cushion with you because those seats are not comfortable and if you hit the slightest bump you're going to feel jostled.

Hope all turns out well for you. I had a hysterectomy in two parts last year and I feel much better after.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I would get the ECV. With a regular wheelchair the person pushing with get tired and if you are going when the weather is warm that person will become hot and tired. Investigate you options for a ECV. Plus it will give you freedom to go where ever you want without having someone push you.

Plus maneuvering a ECV is a lot easier since all the wheels pivot so going through doorways and around corners is much easer.

 

[ttintagel]

Almost all lines are wheelchair and/or ECV accessible - I believe there's a list somewhere in the FAQ's. There are some lines, like Pirates of the Caribbean, where you'd have to transfer from an ECV into a manual wheelchair.

I know that in the past, I've seen younger kids who meet the height requirement riding coasters by themselves, but I'm not sure what the official policy is.

 

[ttintagel]

Also, if you're taking any kind of medication for the pain, I'd recommend sticking to a pre-emptive medication schedule instead of waiting for the pain to hit before taking anything.

It's so easy to get distracted in the parks and not even realize you're in pain until it's gotten bad enough that the medication can't do its job the way it's supposed to.

N.B. I am not a doctor, so of course your doctor's advice trumps mine if it contradicts it.

 

[JennyDrake]

Ditto what others have said--RENT AN ECV from offsite vendor. I've had excellent results with both Walker Mobility and Apple Scooter. Talk to them and they can tell you about models that break down easily in the car. It is a HIKE from parking to park entrance and you cannot depend upon WDW to have ECVs available.

 

[theatermouse]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I discussed it with my husband & it looks like we're going to shop around the local off-site vendors. He's leaving it up to me, but I'm pretty sure we'll all be happier for it.

 

[camper06]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I discussed it with my husband & it looks like we're going to shop around the local off-site vendors. He's leaving it up to me, but I'm pretty sure we'll all be happier for it.

While inquiring of the vendors about the ECV, I would ask if you can go to the facility to pick it up (with your rental car) when you arrive. This way, they can show your DH how to break it down and also make sure the one you are renting will fit in the vehicle. Would be easier to switch it out there if it doesn't fit. Just a thought.

Hope you have a wonderful, pain-free trip! And good luck with your surgery.