Disney after heart surgery?????

[amyrenek]

My mother and I have reservations to go to Disney from Oct. 19-23 with my 3 children. The kids and I are going for a taekwondo tournament and she offered to go and help with the kids because my husband will not be able to take off work(and the idea of going alone with 3 kids was kind of scary). Well anyhow to get to the point my mother suffered a heart attack on Aug. 22nd and had quadruple bypass on the 26th. I was able to make it up there for the surgery but had to fly back home shortly there after(we live in seperate states and way to far to drive). Through this whole ordeal she kept bringing up Disney and how she "simply must get well enough to make the trip". I ofcourse told her not to even worry about that now we'll just wait things out and concentrate on her recovery(and it's just killing me to be so far away). I'm just wondering what others experiences may have been that have gone through this type of surgery. Obviously her health is my number one concern just wondering with the trip only 6 weeks away I'm I being overly optimistic thinking she still may be able to go. It's mostly the whole travel/walking thing I'm worried about. As for the rides she doesn't really like anything stronger than dumbo anyhow. Sorry so long.
amy

 

[grinningghost]

Well, first off, I do hope she fully recovers soon.

And I think a WDW trip is just the medicine. If you're concerned about the walking, rent a wheelchair. She'll get to enjoy the parks without ever walking a step.

And if she's only into the mild rides anyway, she's all set. Just be sure to take frequent breaks to grab a snack or a drink and enjoy the people watching.

I think Disney is just what she needs now.

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

As far as the walking goes, you can always get her a wheel chair, but that would just be one more thing to deal with along with the children. It seems like 6 weeks is awfully quick to be fully recovered from such a major surgery especially for a trip with 3 grandchildren to a place like Disney. My father had quadruple by pass, but that was 10 years ago and I don't really remember his exact recovery time. I do know he overdid it when he first came home from the hospital and ended up back in.

I do hope she recovers quickly and hugs to you for having to deal with it from a distance.

 

[sunny04]

Dh's father had a heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery in mid-March of this year and went to WDW with us June 4. I think it depends on her own health, but if she's doing everything the doctor's tell her to (take it easy, don't lift or do anything too strenuous, walk a little more everday, etc.) she should be fine. FIL LOVED going in June...there are so many places in WDW that she can rest if she needs to...just make sure she feels able to rest at any time, and not feel pressured to rush around and push herself. FIL and MIL split from us for most of the day and took their time, and when we were with them, we did the same. The most important thing is not to overdo it while you're there. Otherwise, I can't think of any reason she can't go. It's about the same time frame from her surgery as my FIL's was. I'm sure it will all work out. OH...and by the way, FIL's doctor even said it would be fine for him to go...the only thing he had to watch was rides with harnesses that went over his chest...so he couldn't do Test Track or roller coaster type rides. Test Track was the only one he hated missing, but we made him follow orders! Other than that, doctor approved good time!

 

[HaleyB]

From my own experiance with my father I think 6 weeks will be ok. The doctors will not let her go if they think it will be too much.

Best wishes to her, I hope she is one of those bypass people that comes out feeling 10 years younger! From what I have seen that is how most people feel within weeks of surgery. I bet the trip will be great therapy for her!

 

[paladin]

6 weeks is the usual recovery - as far as going back to work, driving, etc. though most people feel better much sooner. Walking is recommended very early on (very, very short walks at first of course). All that said, it does depend on the individual and how she is doing. Also, assuming flying is involved, she would want to check with her doctor to see if there would be an restrictions on that. (And a wheel chair might be a good idea as a back-up since there is so much walking at WDW)

My 80 year old father had quintuple by-pass a couple of years ago and he was up and at 'em in 6 weeks.

I personally had quadruple by-pass 5 years ago and was back riding my bike in 6 weeks (as well as back to work). I could have gone back to work sooner, but there is a restriction on driving for 6 weeks (air bags while your chest heals).

Hope she's doing real well!

 

[jann1033]

i'm sure her Dr could give you a good idea. since you live a distance away could you call him/her and explain the situation and see his/her opinion. i think a scooter type thing might be needed( then all the anti scooter police can complain about one more fraud )
just a side thought
i have heard depression can be a problem after heart attacks due to facing the "mortality" issue so if she feels up to it and dr say ok, i'd go..i have a chronic illness and the worst thing is feeling like you can't do what you want to /used to do.she obviously has been looking forward to it, just maybe try to take it a little slower

 

[Tinkbellfan]

As you can see from my signature, we will be celebrating my fathers 2nd Birthday in November. As the previous people stated, it really depends on how she is healing. We went on a family vacation in January after my dad's surgery and it did wonders for his mental health. It also gave him something to look forward to and pushed him to do his daily breathing and walking exercises. As long as the Doctor okays it, then just use common sense. Your concern for your mom is wonderful. You didn't mention how old your children are. If you think you might need more help caring for them at the parks, I think the childcare services available for in-room babysitting also offer a "mothers" helper service in the parks (just a thought - not sure of $$).

Pixie dust to your mom for a speedy recover.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you need more info about either wheelchairs or scooters, follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES Board. Then, look for the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

 

[Lizzybee]

My father went with us just under a month after his open heart quadruple bypass and we had a good time. He used a wheelchair that the resort loaned him free of charge. It was hard for me to push him so maybe the ECV's might be better if you can manage that. He spent most of the vacation with us, but left MGM early to go back to the room and rest. He was able to walk, actually better than before the surgery, he had much more energy, but he just shouldn't walk as much as WDW requires.

 

[lovehoney]

My Dad had a triple bypass in April, was back to work in May (he's a plumber - supervisory role). At 6 weeks he still tired easily but felt okay. He is doing great now. Much better than before the surgery. Oh yeah, he's 71.

 

[JoyG]

We just did it!! We got back yesterday. My 5 year old son had open heart surgery on June 20 and we went to Disney with him the last week of August.

His cardiologist said he was fine to go.

We used a stroller for him everyday except one. The last day at MK he walked around the park with us.

 

[amyrenek]

Thanks so much for all the replies/sugestions and words of encouragement. For now I'll take the wait and see approach but am glad to know that there is a very good possibility she will be able to make the trip. My kids are 6/5 and almost 3 so I don't mind taking it slow. I know that this will be a short trip and we will by no means be able to see/do everything anyhow. While the wheelchair idea probably won't work(due to the fact that I'll already have a stroller to push) the scooter thingy is a good option to keep open if she just doesn't feel up to all the walking. The idea of this being something for her to look forward to also is great thinking. For now I'll be keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks again,
amy