Disney vacation post stroke

[bridget8822]

Well this is a new one for us. My family and I have been to Disney MANY times! We were even married there in 2013. In January 2016 my husband suffered 3 small strokes during open heart surgery. He has had to learn to walk again after the strokes affected use of the right side of his body. He's doing awesome and is slowly walking unassisted.

The thing is, this will be very new for us doing the parks and resorts (we've booked POR Aug 10 - 14) with him still on the road to recovery. We will be going with our 2 daughters (11 and 13) and my mother. As for the why - we needed the Disney trip to look forward to after all we have been thru this year. Any advice you can give me as to what to request would be so greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Disney is a lot of walking for even the healthiest people. You might want to look into renting a scooter for him to use. A rental from an off-site company would likely be cheaper and he could use it at the resort in addition to at the parks.

 

[gap2368]

I am so sorry for what happens as the PP said I would get a wheel chair or ECV as there is a lot of walking at Disney he dose not have to use it all the time he can push it or leave it some where have a great vacation

 

[Selket]

I didn't have a stroke but I had a traumatic brain injury (from a bicycle accident - yes I was wearing a helmet!) last September. I also have severe arthritis in both knees. I also suggest renting an ECV off-site (rather than getting one in the parks) as there is SO much walking. It's great cause you can park it and walk when you want and then use it to get to the next area/attraction, etc. It also gives you your own place to sit - and I really liked being able to park somewhere out of the way and just enjoy the atmosphere and relax. Just thinking perhaps recovering from a stroke could be somewhat like recovering from a TBI. I'm in my early 50's and healthy otherwise - but that has made a HUGE difference in my enjoyment of the parks - and being able to keep up with my kids and family is also wonderful.

 

[minnie mum]

An ecv would be a great help in getting from place to place, and also in conserving his strength. However if the strokes have left him unable to use his right hand and arm, or if he has limited movement and strength in them, he wouldn't be able to operate the controls. In that case he would need a wheelchair, and someone strong enough to push him.

The parks are indescribably hot and humid in August. This could increase his risk for exhaustion. You might seriously consider doing the parks in small installments. A few hours early in the morning and evening, and resting at the resort during the hottest part of the day.

 

[gap2368]

I know someone that had a stroke and it left her unable to use her right side she drives her ECV with her left hand I do not think they modified it at all( I think she pushed back on her thumb to make it go forwards)so it can be done

 

[stitchlovestink]

An ecv would be a great help in getting from place to place, and also in conserving his strength. However if the strokes have left him unable to use his right hand and arm, or if he has limited movement and strength in them, he wouldn't be able to operate the controls. In that case he would need a wheelchair, and someone strong enough to push him.

The parks are indescribably hot and humid in August. This could increase his risk for exhaustion. You might seriously consider doing the parks in small installments. A few hours early in the morning and evening, and resting at the resort during the hottest part of the day.

I am left handed and predominantly drive mine with my left hand. It really depends on the model and how the controls are set up. My model is set so it can be driven by either hand in forward or reverse. So that really just totally depends....
Don't automatically rule out the ECV.

 

[NeuroCindy]

Hi, since I don't know where his strokes were, I can't tailor my questions specifically, but a few things to think about. Does he have any issues with body temperature regulation? If so, make sure you have a plan for that. Any issues with sleep or exhaustion? Any issues with sunlight and vision (some people can become very sensitive to sunlight depending on where the stroke occured)? Will he need help in the bathroom (i.e. transferring from a wc/ecv)?

I'm sure people in this forum have and will give you amazing advice. I just wanted to bring up a few things that weren't necessarily mobility related. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[bridget8822]

Hi all! Well we are days away and I think I am ready. I've spoken to his doctors about staying hydrated and scooter rentals and what he can and can't ride. I am going to speak to GR about DAS upon arrival but if he doesn't qualify we will just take it slow and make due. One very helpful thing was calling the disability phone number provided on the Disney website. The CM couldn't have been more helpful with questions and easing my concerns.

Thank you all! 5 more days!

 

[Bearshouse]

Do not forget that the first aid station is very air conditioned, has places to lay down and rest, always pleasant and helpful.

 

[bridget8822]

That's a great tip! Thank you!!!

 

[Selket]

Thank you all! 5 more days!

Have a wonderful trip - I hope you'll let us know how it went and what worked best!

 

[bridget8822]

I will be sure to post when we get back next week and give any helpful tips I learned along the way. Thank you so much!