Disney Fantasy Cruise in 16 Days.....Knee Just went Out!

[JLMDisneyCruise]

omg, sitting here in pain, freaking out...I've had several surgeries on both knees, and now need replacements...which I have not gotten yet! Last night at work I heard, crack crack and then knee completely gave out....in severe pain and cannot walk even with crutches! I had to call my doctor, STAT...waiting to go see him! Has anyone ever use dCrutches on a cruise??? I may have to just sit...all day long!
This trip is way to close to cancel! Any advise or stories....please?!? I need hope right now.....

I am doing WDW after cruise and have already rented an ECV for parks. I do not want to for cruise

 

[WIFamily]

Itore my MCL while on those water trampoline / water climbing toys at Playa Mia in Cozumel (my kids now call it "Breaka Knee-a") on our Western cruise last year. I hobbled around the rest of the cruise in varying degrees of mobility and pain. I had a good idea what I did and that the medical center would do nothing but charge me a huge amount for an xray or crutches - so I waited until we got home before seeing my Dr.

The Fantasy is a nice ship, but it's big - you might get very tired of crutching around. If it were me, I would think about crutches (if needed) as well as renting a wheelchair - the hallways / public areas / restaurants are capable. I would use the wheelchair to get from one part of the ship to the other, and then if in some of the more intimate areas, use the crutches or a cane if possible. I do know that the main theater is handicap accessible, they have an elevator and some non-public hallways that can get wheelchairs up to the front. The standard cabins would be a disaster with nothing but a wheelchair or electric cart.

Good luck, I hope your knee heals up enough to enjoy your cruise!

 

[JLMDisneyCruise]

I was just talking to concierge, I wanted to see f I could upgrade to a bigger suite, but it is full( so much for any upgrades!) even the grand suites taken... But I'm in the room next to it, she said I would have no problem in the room itself on crutches, but she is sending info for an ECV on ship. I am in severe pain right now, waiting to Doctor. If I can go, with a bent knee...I will. I'm used to pain. I'm more concerned with excursions etc. I don't think I can take EVC off ship.thanks for reply

 

[missyp]

I agree with PP the Fantasy is a big ship which means lots and lots of walking. I would definitely consider a wheel chair, I think you would be happier. Good luck, I hope it all works out!

 

[turtle27]

I hope the dr can fix it, or at least make the pain not so bad. Good luck. Rent a wheelchair. Crutches will wear on you after a time, especially if you are not used to them.

 

[JimGA]

Do you have travel insurance? Check to see if you can cancel and reschedule it to another date when you can walk?

 

[lanejudy]

I don't think I can take ECV off ship.

You CAN take an ECV of the ship (maybe not if tendering), but accessibility in many of the ports may not be what you find in the U.S. You may be limited in what you can do/see depending on the port excursions you have planned. I will also mention that the ramp on/off the ship in ports can be very steep to the point of needing assistance getting an ECV up. I agree with the suggestion of a wheelchair and bringing the crutches. You can rent a crutch holder along with the wheelchair, as well. Brevard Medical, Walker Mobility, and Special Needs at Sea all deliver to Port Canaveral; there may be other vendors as well.

Good luck at the doctor and enjoy your vacation!

 

[drnp]

Try to see a physical therapist while you are waiting for your doctor appointment. In many states, you can see one without getting a referral from a doctor first. (or even if you do, call your doctor and see if they will fax one to you). While you won't get X-rays or anything there, they can start getting you treatment on getting some movement back and decreasing your pain and swelling while also showing you how to use your crutches safely or recommend another device in case you just need something with more support.

Hope you get better soon.

 

[JLMDisneyCruise]

Thank you all for your words and advice... I got in touch with my ortho doctor, I have to see him first thing Friday morning. That is the fastest I can get considering he is booking into Feb. 2016! I have today off, so I had been icing etc. I don't think it will help much, my knees are bone...below..bone and in really bad condition. I already had a ECV rented for Disney, will add one for the ship...concierge will help me out. I cannot cancel...short of needing surgery, at this point, I'll go, and relax in pain till I get home then have my full knee replacement. As far as crutches, I do consider myself a pro with them...been on them off and on for 7 plus years. This is however the worst knee episode I've ever had. I've rented a Cabana for Castaway Cay, I may have to skip my excursions....and will get full use of concierge. But I will know more on Friday! Wish me luck!!

 

[funfam]

Maybe you could get a cortizone shot to help for the cruise.

 

[JLMDisneyCruise]

Maybe you could get a cortizone shot to help for the cruise.

This would be the perfect idea...if I had not had 100's of shots pior! Unfortunately they have no effect on me now what so ever. I actually have a bone that is somehow in the way, hence it being bent. It will not straighten up. They stopped shots on me over 10 years ago..... otherwise and for most people....it would be perfect!

 

[mylittlebuttercup]

I hurt my knee just before WDW last fall and was in a lot of pain; my orthopedic doc gave me a shot (cortisone I think) that helped immensely pain-wise. But considering you have ongoing knee issues, that may not be an option for you.

ETA: Just saw you said you have already had way too many of those. Whoops! I would rent a collapsible wheelchair.

 

[JLMDisneyCruise]

I suppose I can either A. Be in pain and having to sit at home...or B. Lay by the sun on a cruise in pain...use a ECV to get around.....human, no brainier! Fingers crossed the doctor will approve that!!

 

[JAM113]

And on the plus side, you won't have to worry about cooking or cleaning like you might if you stayed home! Hope it's manageable for you.

 

[funfam]

Are you on the Fantasy on the 19th?

 

[Belle1997]

I have used a scooter and also a powerchair on the cruise ship. If you have someone to push you most will take a portable wheelchair you can get one from guest services. The ports are very accessible. I am sorry you are have so a knee injury before the cruise. If you have any questions on accessibility please ask. I use a power wheelchair now so know a lot since I have cruise 14 times. Hope they can deal with you pain.

 

[timrousbeastie]

I am so sorry about your injury, but your positive outlook sure is impressive. If you are determined to go through with the cruise now, and I can understand that, I think I'd focus on relaxing on the ship and in your cabana, especially since you are paying for concierge and will have one of the most beautiful staterooms. I would avoid the stress of other port adventures and rest the knee as much as possible. A collapsible wheel chair is a great idea. I called DCL, since we need two for my family, and they recommended Brevard Medical Equipment (among other services):

http://www.brevardmedicalequip.com/rental/

For our next cruise, we are scaling back on port adventures to enjoy the ship and concierge services more. It's not even a matter of cost, but our last cruise was jam packed with all day port adventures and all of us felt like we didn't have enough time to enjoy the wonderful, relaxing time on the ship. You could save the excursions for your next trip or perhaps trade them for some that are less demanding(?). Although they do add to the cruise experience for our family, I am sure we would have an amazing time without them. It would just be a nice kind of different.

All the best wishes, my thoughts will be with you (and your sore knee).

 

[JLMDisneyCruise]

Are you on the Fantasy on the 19th?

Yes, I am!!! And I feel better today!!!! Happy dance! Are you cruising then?
I woke this morning and did not realize yesterday, my knee was twice its normal screwed up size!( which is doubled normal size to begin with)...

 

[eskimoinparadise]

Same thing happened to DW a week before our March cruise - Dr. wouldn't let her travel, so trip insurance kicked in and we at least didn't lose any money. Dr. ultimately prescribed an Ossur Unloader knee brace ( www.ossur.com ) for her, and within a few weeks she was back to walking 2-3 miles a day, and has no more pain. She was walking well enough for us to do a Disney cruise in May with no problems.

 

[JLMDisneyCruise]

Well, I just checked, I can still get insurance....but don't think I'll cancel at all. Very glad your DD ended being fine! I'll go by doctors orders tomorrow which I know they will be.....go on trip, take it easy and I'll see you for knee replacement surgery when you get back!