Disney with a VP Shunt

[GreyGardens]

Our family has been to WDW several times (We may be addicted ) but this will be our first trip with a child who has a VP shunt. I am fairly nervous about the prospect of something going wrong with it and I thought this might be the place to ask.

Has anyone here done WDW with a shunt? Did you find anything that caused trouble with it? Did any ride reset the valve? We've spoken to my DD's neurosurgeon about it and he said that he's never had a patient's valve be reset by a ride but we are still nervous about the issue. More than likely she will be skipping the harder rides such as TOT just because she is barely six months out from double brain surgery. Although knowing her she'll try anyway.

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer

 

[alizesmom]

I'm betting that you could get that information for the Hydrocephalus Association. I belong to a few hydro boards and have never heard of any of the members or their children having trouble with rides, even the hard ones. We went with our son who has a shunt but his is nonprogrammable and he doesn't do hard rides due to other issues. I hope someone can help you more. Karen

 

[BrandyC1974]

Hi. My DD11 has a VP shunt. She also has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair full time.

She LOVES Tower of Terror. As a matter of fact, she loves everything (except Snow White??)

Due to my personal fears, I would never let her ride Mission Space and Rock N Roll Coaster due to her shunt. I have never been told that she can't rides these, but my personal fears won't let me put her on these.

She has been to Disney World five times (her sixth visit will be in 2009).

One of our trips was after a revision (surgery) by about four/five months. She had no problems whats so ever. But, it is definetly a personal call, if the doctors don't see a problem with her riding.

As long as she is not afraid, you could probable let her ride anything that you are comfortable with letting her ride.

I hope this helps, and I hope you all have a great trip.

 

[GreyGardens]

Thank you both very, very, much for your help!

 

[steffali]

My DD is 22 and she has a programable VP shunt. We have never had an issue with the shunt at WDW. She did have a seizure there but that had nothing to do with her shunt.
I am always glad to chat with other parents with children that have shunts as I find it is not such a common thing.
Good Luck and I hope you and your family have a great time !!

 

[mom_2a_sept_princess]

My Emma is 5 and has a VP shunt that is NOT PROGRAMMABLE.

She rides everything that a 5 year old can ride. I haven't worried about it.

My Emma also has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and uses a wheelchair full time.

Disney World really is her favorite place on Earth!

We leave in two days!

Amy

 

[Buckeye Princess]

I went to Disney with my younger sister, now 22, then 18. Her initial shunt was put in place shortly after birth, with a replacement one at 10. So she is pretty far from that initial surgery. She did not have any problems with the rides and road Tower of Terror, Rockin Roller Coaster, Splash etc. Her doctor has warned more about her drainage tube disconnecting or moving than problems with the shunt valve so in general we are more weary of rides that cause her head to whip around. (Primeval Whirl, Test Track)