Disneyland After Surgery

[RemainSeatedPlease]

Recently I ended up in the emergency room with a terribly painful gallbladder attack, and the next day had to have surgery to remove it. It was laproscopic surgery, four small incisions. I was out of commission for a good three days, but by now (2.5 weeks later) I am feeling pretty normal. No food I've tried thus far has given me issues and I haven't had pain. The glue over my incisions is falling off and they look like they've healed alright.

I have had a trip to DLR planned with some family for a while now. We will be there exactly four weeks after my surgery date. I am wondering if I should be avoiding any rides. I emailed my surgeon about it and he indicated that I should just listen to my body. Of course I will do that, but have any of you guys been in a similar situation? Have you been to DLR post medical procedures and did you avoid any rides?

I don't plan on riding Screamin' since loops make me dizzy, but I typically go on all other rides. I don't mind avoiding ToT (honestly it scares me every time! I can only ride it when there is no line, otherwise I chicken out during the wait!), but I would be upset if I couldn't ride things like Space Mountain, Indy, BTMRR. And I really wanted to see the changes on the Matterhorn, but it's not exactly the most comfortable ride...

I also expect I may need to rest a bit more than usual. Two weeks ago I could barely walk across a room, now I will be walking around DLR soon!

I don't expect medical advice, just wondering if anyone can relate!

 

[flightBOS]

The rides don't seem like as much of an issue as the heat and physical activity. Any surgery is a trauma/shock to your body. Now, you're going to be in extreme heat walkign around quite a bit every day. Just be safe!

Though I will say...having DLR to look forward to must've helped with the surgery!

 

[Geemo]

You might want to check into scooter rentals before you go just in case you find you need one. Fatigue may still be an issue 4 weeks post op.

My DIL has very sensitive feet and I did all my research on scooters before she went with us last time. The first day we walked 8.75 miles. The next morning she could barely walk her feet hurt so bad. I had the number for the scooter store and knew exactly how to arrange to have one delivered to our hotel. Within 2 hours she was touring Disneyland with us on her scooter. I was surprised it wasn't that expensive. It only add a little to my overall budget for five (10+) people. It saved the trip for all of us.

Just check it out, have an idea of what it takes and which vendor to call. The nice thing about the scooter, you can use it to go back and forth to the parks. In the parks you can use it for the long jaunts then park it when you are going to be in a Land for awhile. That's how DIL used the scooter once her foot was feeling better.

Geemo

 

[Avery's mom]

I have been in a very similar situation since I went to the DLR 6 days after my gallbladder removal The trip was planned for my DDs birthday, and there was NO way I was going to cancel our trip because of my surgery. Mine was a completely out-of-the-blue situation, as it sounds like yours was. I tried to tour as I always did, but by the 2nd day, I realized that I needed a scooter for the long distances (we were staying at DLH) we were walking. So, I rented one and the rest of the trip was MUCH easier. I did ride everything I normally do - which is everything! I didn't have any food issues post-op, as long as I ate at somewhat regular intervals. I found that if I skipped breakfast, then ate lunch, I was in the bathroom very soon after

Have a great trip - just take it easy!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I had my gallbladder our several years ago. I think you'll be in relatively good shape four weeks post-op. However, I do think your doctor's advice to "listen to your body" is something to think about. Keep in mind that even though the visible incisions are small, your body also has to heal on the inside. That's where the real trauma took place. If you start feeling tired or sore, that's your body's way of telling you to slow down and rest. Take frequent breaks inside or in the shade and stay hydrated. I would also try to eat relatively healthy meals and go very easy on the high-calorie, high-fat snacks. Unless the doctor specifically advises against the rides, you should be OK. You might feel it a little in your abdominal muscles. Until you have surgery in that area, you don't realize just how much you use those muscles. Have a great trip!

 

[dotfurio]

Go with what you're comfortable with. By 4 weeks post-gb removal my dr cleared me to go back to working out, so I'd think overall you'd be fine.

 

[sillybaer]

If you are having issues with walking/stamina the week before your trip then I would go ahead and rent a scooter. I have a foot injury and I really didn't want to have to use a scooter. We walked into downtown disney on our first day and I realized there was no way I could get through a whole day in the parks. But it was a stressful scramble to find one at the last minute. (Although I had an extra issue because I wasn't staying in a hotel and most scooter rental places won't deliver to other places.) If you think you might need a scooter then you probably will. It's easier to have it set up in advance.

 

[ThumperWabbt]

Two weeks after I got mine out I was going up and down a ladder painting my living room. At 3 weeks I had my post-surgical appointment and was told I should wait one more week before doing anything strenuous or lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds. I really should have been told that before they let me out of the hospital, methinks.

If you feel normal now, in a week and a half you'll probably feel great. Just be prepared to need to sit down a little more often...make the first couple of rides easy ones so you have a baseline to measure from. Listen to your body, take Ibuprofen with food before you really need it, and have fun!

 

[zanzibar138]

I had my gall bladder out last year. The first week was quite hard, but after that I felt better than I had for a long time! I wasn't able to lift anything heavy for a couple of months, so make sure you get help with your suitcases etc. I wouldn't think that the walking or any of the rides would be a problem at 4 weeks post-op, but do listen to your body and take breaks if you feel like you're getting fatigued.

 

[RemainSeatedPlease]

I have been in a very similar situation since I went to the DLR 6 days after my gallbladder removal

Only 6 days after, that would have been tough, you are brave! I was back at work about 7 days after my surgery, but I work a desk job so it wasn't a difficult transition. I didn't have any pain or other issues at that point, it just took a few more days for me to feel up to taking long walks.

You all have given some great advice. I agree that I will need to take it slower, rest more than usual. Thankfully, the group of family I am going with this time is much more laid back in their touring style, and we will have a baby in tow, so stopping to take breaks or go back to the room should be no issue at all. Now if I was going with some of my other family members...they would be leaving me in the dust, for sure.

I will be visiting the state fair this weekend, so hopefully that will be a nice test of how I do with walking out in the sun all day!

 

[corinne76]

Not to thread jack, but for those of you who recommend using a scooter, what do you do with the scooter in the park? Like I know there's stroller parking but is there a place to park scooters?

I posted that we will most likely cancel our October trip due to health issues, but with the ridiculous amount of money we will lose, we make just go. If we do, I may not be able to do all the walking around the park. Standing in line and getting on and off rides I can do, walking a lot, maybe not

 

[flightBOS]

Not to thread jack, but for those of you who recommend using a scooter, what do you do with the scooter in the park? Like I know there's stroller parking but is there a place to park scooters?

I posted that we will most likely cancel our October trip due to health issues, but with the ridiculous amount of money we will lose, we make just go. If we do, I may not be able to do all the walking around the park. Standing in line and getting on and off rides I can do, walking a lot, maybe not

Not sure about scooter parking, but if you have a health issue that was unknown when you purchased the trip, perhaps you could purchase travel insurance and file a claim if you can't travel. It cost ~$275 for me to buy it on my $6,000 vacation. Not a bad loss if you have to ultimately cancel.

 

[Geemo]

Not to thread jack, but for those of you who recommend using a scooter, what do you do with the scooter in the park? Like I know there's stroller parking but is there a place to park scooters?

I posted that we will most likely cancel our October trip due to health issues, but with the ridiculous amount of money we will lose, we make just go. If we do, I may not be able to do all the walking around the park. Standing in line and getting on and off rides I can do, walking a lot, maybe not

Once we got to a land we usually found an out of the way place and parked it while we tour the local area of each land. When it was time to move on my DIL hopped on the scooter and off we went to the next land. She was reasonably okay with easy strolling and most lines weren't an issue. Where the scooter really made the difference was to and from the parks.

The one ride we actually used the DAS kiosk was for Space Mountain, I was concerned the long entry que to the ride loading area might be a problem. We checked in and were given a return time of 30 minutes. Otherwise she parked it and toured the area like everyone else.

We used Apple Scooter. I felt the cost was reasonable (3.5days $95+/-) including delivery and pickup from our hotel. Others have complained about Apple Scooter but their service and equipment were a lifesaver for us. I will use them again when DIL tags along on a trip. Do a search and check the scooter vendors out. See which one will be best for you.

When you get in the parks if you don't see a place to park it while you stroll with your group ask a CM.

Enjoy your trip

Geemo

 

[corinne76]

Once we got to a land we usually found an out of the way place and parked it while we tour the local area of each land. When it was time to move on my DIL hopped on the scooter and off we went to the next land. She was reasonably okay with easy strolling and most lines weren't an issue. Where the scooter really made the difference was to and from the parks.

The one ride we actually used the DAS kiosk was for Space Mountain, I was concerned the long entry que to the ride loading area might be a problem. We checked in and were given a return time of 30 minutes. Otherwise she parked it and toured the area like everyone else.

We used Apple Scooter. I felt the cost was reasonable (3.5days $95+/-) including delivery and pickup from our hotel. Others have complained about Apple Scooter but their service and equipment were a lifesaver for us. I will use them again when DIL tags along on a trip. Do a search and check the scooter vendors out. See which one will be best for you.

When you get in the parks if you don't see a place to park it while you stroll with your group ask a CM.

Enjoy your trip

Geemo

This was very helpful, thank you very much!

 

[sillybaer]

Not to thread jack, but for those of you who recommend using a scooter, what do you do with the scooter in the park? Like I know there's stroller parking but is there a place to park scooters?

I posted that we will most likely cancel our October trip due to health issues, but with the ridiculous amount of money we will lose, we make just go. If we do, I may not be able to do all the walking around the park. Standing in line and getting on and off rides I can do, walking a lot, maybe not

There is no set place for scooter parking. The only time I parked and left mine for any length of time was for the parade. I asked a CM and he stammered blankly and finally said it would be okay to leave it with the stroller we had just asked about. (Although we also first asked a CM whether we could park the stroller in front of the closed Pixie Hollow entrance and he asked where that was--we were no more than 5 ft from the entrance. So I'm not sure we picked the best person to ask.) If you feel up for walking most of the time you could do as Geemo described.

If you need to use it most of the time then there is a place by the handicapped entrance (or the front of the line for DCA and newer accessible rides) for each ride. The CMs will tell you where to leave it and then move it if they need to make room. (Some are more or less accommodating about making sure you can get it out again if you need to.) Also be aware that when the ask you if you can walk "a short distance" you may be expected to stand for 15-20 minutes during that "walk."

 

[sillybaer]

Not sure about scooter parking, but if you have a health issue that was unknown when you purchased the trip, perhaps you could purchase travel insurance and file a claim if you can't travel. It cost ~$275 for me to buy it on my $6,000 vacation. Not a bad loss if you have to ultimately cancel.

You would want to read the conditions on travel insurance very carefully. Most exclude pre-existing conditions which include those conditions known at the time the insurance is purchased even if they were unknown at the time the trip was scheduled/purchased. (Insurance is a gambling business. They don't want to take on customers who are very likely to file a claim.)

 

[corinne76]

There is no set place for scooter parking. The only time I parked and left mine for any length of time was for the parade. I asked a CM and he stammered blankly and finally said it would be okay to leave it with the stroller we had just asked about. (Although we also first asked a CM whether we could park the stroller in front of the closed Pixie Hollow entrance and he asked where that was--we were no more than 5 ft from the entrance. So I'm not sure we picked the best person to ask.) If you feel up for walking most of the time you could do as Geemo described.

If you need to use it most of the time then there is a place by the handicapped entrance (or the front of the line for DCA and newer accessible rides) for each ride. The CMs will tell you where to leave it and then move it if they need to make room. (Some are more or less accommodating about making sure you can get it out again if you need to.) Also be aware that when the ask you if you can walk "a short distance" you may be expected to stand for 15-20 minutes during that "walk."

Could we still park it by the handicapped entrance without a DAS card?
I think, for the most part, I will be about to walk. I recently had some inflammation in my spinal cord and brain stem which affected my nervous system. I lost control over my left leg completely. At this point I can walk, but I'm not strong. I plan to go to physical therapy and hope to regain most movement and strength but it's not a guarantee. If I'm still not walking at 100% when we do make it to DL, a scooter may help for all that walking around.

You would want to read the conditions on travel insurance very carefully. Most exclude pre-existing conditions which include those conditions known at the time the insurance is purchased even if they were unknown at the time the trip was scheduled/purchased. (Insurance is a gambling business. They don't want to take on customers who are very likely to file a claim.)

I unfortunately did book our flights and did not spring for the insurance. Who thinks they're going to cancel a DISNEY trip?!?!! I can cancel the tickets, but they will charge me $200 per ticket :/

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I went to Disneyland 6 weeks after I had a c-section. Aside from the fast/bouncy rides you'd expect (Indiana Jones, Star Tours, Screamin', Goofy's Sky School, etc.), I'd avoid Mr. Toad (the bouncy part nearly killed me) and Autopia (again because part of it can be bouncy). Most of the kid-designed rides should be fine though. I've had my gallbladder out, too, and I think 4 weeks post-op, you should be feeling pretty good. I know for me, I was at 100% after 3 weeks. Just be smart and listen to your body. If you get tired, rest, and try not to over-do it.

 

[GatorChris]

I'm a director with a group of surgeons, so I'll give some advice based on my experiences with them. 4 weeks is a good time frame to properly heal up. You shouldn't have a whole lot of residual pain by that time. Here's my advice for the rides. If it goes fast and straight, that won't be much of a problem. These would include ToT, Pirates, Splash Mt, Screamin' (though it can be a little rough). It's the rides with hard turns that may give you trouble, like Big Thunder, Indy, and especially Matterhorn and Space Mt. This type of ride makes your "core" tense up a lot, which could aggregvate your surgery site. But I would take it one at a time. Try out Big Thunder before the other rides with harder turns. See how you feel and go from there.

 

[flightBOS]

You would want to read the conditions on travel insurance very carefully. Most exclude pre-existing conditions which include those conditions known at the time the insurance is purchased even if they were unknown at the time the trip was scheduled/purchased. (Insurance is a gambling business. They don't want to take on customers who are very likely to file a claim.)

It depends on the insurance company. My policy included pre-existing conditions because I purchased within 14 days of planning my trip.

I unfortunately did book our flights and did not spring for the insurance. Who thinks they're going to cancel a DISNEY trip?!?!! I can cancel the tickets, but they will charge me $200 per ticket :/

What credit card did you use to book? Most travel credit cards these days have lots of "hidden" benefits. Check your card benefits guide. With my credit cards, nearly every one of them comes with a travel insurance policy built in.