Disney and Osteoarthritis

[scdisfan]

Does anyone have any experience with osteoarthritis and touring WDW? I have recently been diagnosed with OA of both hips. Thanksgiving will be our first trip to WDW since the diagnosis. I am really nervous that the pain will just be unbearable. Any helpful hints that anyone has would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Kelli

 

[iuki]

Does anyone have any experience with osteoarthritis and touring WDW? I have recently been diagnosed with OA of both hips. Thanksgiving will be our first trip to WDW since the diagnosis. I am really nervous that the pain will just be unbearable. Any helpful hints that anyone has would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Kelli

I have osteoarthritis and experience pain in both hips when walking for less than 10 minutes. I suggest you go to an indoor mall and try walking the whole mall. If you experience a lot of pain, I'd recommend a scooter or wheelchair. I finally purchased an ECV. It has more than paid for itself. I can't use a wheelchair because of osteoarthritis pain in both shoulders, and my DH only has one arm. He would be pushing me in circles.

 

[BeerMe]

and my DH only has one arm. He would be pushing me in circles.

You have a great sense of humor!

 

[powellrj]

I was about your age when I had my first diagnosis of OA. Depending on how you feel, you maybe find touring the parks. You will have to take more breaks than you would have before, but for the first few years I was in pretty good shape. We went to the parks yearly and I never needed a wheelchair or ECV.

Now about 16 years later, its not the case. I have to use an ECV when I vacation. I have already had both knees replaced and have been putting off having my hips done.

I would take the numbers of off-site rentals with you and then if you see you need something, you can still rent something.

Forgot to add, make sure you take your meds, they will make a huge difference.

 

[iuki]

You have a great sense of humor!

So does my husband.

 

[scdisfan]

I have osteoarthritis and experience pain in both hips when walking for less than 10 minutes. I suggest you go to an indoor mall and try walking the whole mall. If you experience a lot of pain, I'd recommend a scooter or wheelchair. I finally purchased an ECV. It has more than paid for itself. I can't use a wheelchair because of osteoarthritis pain in both shoulders, and my DH only has one arm. He would be pushing me in circles.

That is really funny...sounds like you two must have lots of fun!

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Part of my worries is related to the meds. I have not been able to tolerate the medicines to treat the OA. I do have pain meds to take but they make me sleepy. At this point, I have not had a pain free day in two and a half years. Thanks for the suggestion to bring numbers for off site ECV rentals. I am thinking that I will be okay for the first part of the trip but after about day two or so, I won't be able to stand it.

 

[BeerMe]

Part of my worries is related to the meds. I have not been able to tolerate the medicines to treat the OA. I do have pain meds to take but they make me sleepy. At this point, I have not had a pain free day in two and a half years. (

My wife had serious back surgery in 2010. She is still in constant pain but it is under control because of fentanyl patches. My suggestion is that you see a pain management specialist. There are options they can explore with you.

 

[iuki]

That is really funny...sounds like you two must have lots of fun!

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Part of my worries is related to the meds. I have not been able to tolerate the medicines to treat the OA. I do have pain meds to take but they make me sleepy. At this point, I have not had a pain free day in two and a half years. Thanks for the suggestion to bring numbers for off site ECV rentals. I am thinking that I will be okay for the first part of the trip but after about day two or so, I won't be able to stand it.

Yes, we do have lots of fun together. I took good care of him when he lost his arm due to electrical burns (he was an electrical lineman). Now, he is healthy and runs about 50 miles a week, and takes good care of me, with my pain from osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Anyway, I'm going to start a new thread regarding meds for osteoarthritis. Hope it'll help others and me.

Trust me, you'll enjoy your vacation so much better renting an ECV.

 

[sharadoc]

Mine is my knees, although I have hip and shoulder problems too. I have found that physical therapy, ibuprofen and tylenol work for me without side effects. I've been through Voltaren, Naprosyn and Celebrex.

There are plenty of nice benches that are great for people watching. Combine rest and movement in small doses each. You don't have to move at a fast pace or do everything. World Showcase is especially difficult for me, so we try to do that in small doses. I have tried to use a scooter and had more problems getting out after sitting for so long.

Good luck! It's worth the trouble and pain because you're in Disney!

 

[aml3679]

I have psoriatic arthritis which turned into osteoarthritis and I need my right hip replaced. I take Celebrex twice a day and supplement with Aleve. This upcoming vacation will be a bit of a challenge. We are staying at POFQ.

 

[iuki]

I have psoriatic arthritis which turned into osteoarthritis and I need my right hip replaced. I take Celebrex twice a day and supplement with Aleve. This upcoming vacation will be a bit of a challenge. We are staying at POFQ.

I keep praying that I won't need a hip or knee replacement in the near future.

You'll like POFQ. It's smaller, and having the boat ferry going to DTD is really nice. Before we moved to Florida, that was our favorite resort since I needed an ECV.

Have a wonderful and pain-free vacation.