Dr. said no Disney :(

[Kristine316]

I'm sure we all have our opinions about this but, I'm not sure anyone should be telling her that her OBGYN is wrong here.

How much is really known about Zika? I haven't a clue so I'm not going to wade into the debate but, I think it's fair to say that many times the full extent of stuff like this isn't known for quite awhile.

Some medical professionals maybe too conservative but, it's also possible some maybe too lax about it and not cautious enough.

I can't count how many times a new study comes out and totally contradicts what a past study has found. Good example.. Coconut oil. Back in the 90's this stuff was considered the devil. Now it's all the rage in the health food crowd. Another example.. Blood pressure guide lines. They change back and forth. What's healthy for you doesn't actually change, it's what the medical community perceives as healthy is what seems to waiver.

I guess my point is Zika could be more risky than what is now believed. I'm sure someone will tell me I'm wrong and don't know what I'm talking about.. Very possible but, being cautious when it comes to a pregnancy is always a good idea.

I also think each woman needs to decide this for herself. I would be following my Doctor's advice. That's me.

 

[AngiTN]

I'm sure we all have our opinions about this but, I'm not sure anyone should be telling her that her OBGYN is wrong here.

How much is really known about Zika? I haven't a clue so I'm not going to wade into the debate but, I think it's fair to say that many times the full extent of stuff like this isn't known for quite awhile.

Some medical professionals maybe too conservative but, it's also possible some maybe too lax about it and not cautious enough.

I can't count how many times a new study comes out and totally contradicts what a past study has found. Good example.. Coconut oil. Back in the 90's this stuff was considered the devil. Now it's all the rage in the health food crowd. Another example.. Blood pressure guide lines. They change back and forth. What's healthy for you doesn't actually change, it's what the medical community perceives as healthy is what seems to waiver.

I guess my point is Zika could be more risky than what is now believed. I'm sure someone will tell me I'm wrong and don't know what I'm talking about.. Very possible but, being cautious when it comes to a pregnancy is always a good idea.

I also think each woman needs to decide this for herself. I would be following my Doctor's advice. That's me.

And there is never a thing wrong with that. I figure, if you agree with the doctor enough to choose them to be your doctor, you should listen them. It's if you don't that is when it's worth a 2nd opinion. Or be like me and ask tons more questions so you can get where they are coming from.

And my bigger question does come, if you do have a doctor that is so conservative they feel a trip to Disney is not safe what is their opinion to even spending time outdoors this summer. Because there is no way that mosquitoes with the virus are going to stay in FL. If they are in the US, they are going to be IN the US. It would be my next question.

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

So why are all of you more qualified than the OPs doctor? I knew as soon as I saw this it was going to be "well he's wrong"

Seriously, our vast exposure to the patient of her posts on a message board don't exactly qualify any of us to say anything (And that's true even if you are a world class physician, you cannot treat, diagnosis and advise from these posts LOL! If you do, please buy extra malpractice insurance! )

Am I "all of you?" I certainly didn't advise the OP to go against her doctor's opinion, but I do urge everyone to do their own research and come to a conclusion with which they feel comfortable.

Sincerely,
A research microbiologist who has even worked with the Zika virus

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

I'm sure we all have our opinions about this but, I'm not sure anyone should be telling her that her OBGYN is wrong here.

How much is really known about Zika? I haven't a clue so I'm not going to wade into the debate but, I think it's fair to say that many times the full extent of stuff like this isn't known for quite awhile.

Some medical professionals maybe too conservative but, it's also possible some maybe too lax about it and not cautious enough.

I can't count how many times a new study comes out and totally contradicts what a past study has found. Good example.. Coconut oil. Back in the 90's this stuff was considered the devil. Now it's all the rage in the health food crowd. Another example.. Blood pressure guide lines. They change back and forth. What's healthy for you doesn't actually change, it's what the medical community perceives as healthy is what seems to waiver.

I guess my point is Zika could be more risky than what is now believed. I'm sure someone will tell me I'm wrong and don't know what I'm talking about.. Very possible but, being cautious when it comes to a pregnancy is always a good idea.

I also think each woman needs to decide this for herself. I would be following my Doctor's advice. That's me.

Of course not everything is known about Zika; new studies are coming out nearly weekly with information. That's why it's important to keep yourself informed, particularly if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

 

[Dismama2boys]

I once had an argument with my children's pediatrician about vaccine ingredients. I was right and she was wrong, and after she did some research, she admitted it and apologized. Don't ever, ever discount doing your own research and forming your own opinions. One does not have to have a medical degree to read scientific studies. And on the flip side, having an MD does not make one all-knowing.

 

[NeuroCindy]

Am I "all of you?" I certainly didn't advise the OP to go against her doctor's opinion, but I do urge everyone to do their own research and come to a conclusion with which they feel comfortable.

Sincerely,
A research microbiologist who has even worked with the Zika virus

If you are, I assume I am too. My only suggestion was to ask a doctor in a more appropriate specialty.

 

[kandb]

Dr. said zika risk is too high when pregnant to go, and I'm just going to take a second and be sad about it with others who love Disney and understand the disappointment. I guess I've been more into watching what the CDC says, and as long as it's not being locally transmitted I always figured it's fine. Dr said one bite - that's all it takes, and in a highly populated area full of tourists from all over, and where there are mosquitos, it's more of a risk. I'm just super bummed! We had everything planned out, down to dining and fast passes. I know there will be other trips and maybe pregnancy is making me super over emotional right now, because obviously I would never want anything bad to happen to the baby, but I'm just SAD. I was onviously looking forward to it - one last trip there with just the two of us. Literally husband and I were talking about it, dr walked in and overheard, and the next thing we know he's saying, "I sure hope this trip isn't soon, when pregnant." Ughhhhhhh!!! Anyway, rant over. In other news if anyone is looking for be our guest dinner reservations, frozen ride fp, and a ton of others, between aug 27 and sep 2 ours will be released tomorrow

I totally respect your doctor, why risk something as serious as the zika virus and the tremendous birth defects they cause to babies. It's way too serious of a disease to risk. Disney will be there when you can return with your child.

 

[kandb]

Doesn't this mean that all women of childbearing age should not visit ANYWHERE with mosquitoes? All Floridians in that age range should leave? Disney will become solely a retirement village if we all do that.

I'm still hanging in there at childbearing age, and while I wouldn't go on a coaster while pregnant this isn't something I would think twice about. And I would laugh at any doctor acting like an expert in this brand new thing.

By any chance, have you seen the babies that have became infected with the Zika virus in-utero? The effects to the babies are devastating and are they really worth risking to go on vacation for. I wouldn't "laugh" at any doctor that is being precautious and trying to protect this unborn babies life. Zika is not something to "laugh" at. Just because it's a "new" virus, doesn't mean it's not real.

 

[KrazeeK120]

OP, I totally understand your concerns.

I am a worrywart by nature, which is very difficult while pregnant. I spent my entire pregnancy worried that I was eating wrong, moving wrong, sleeping wrong, etc. We went to Disney and it was pretty toasty the day we were at the MK. I was totally convinced I'd overheated the baby (I was 15 weeks, so wasn't feeling movement yet to know if baby was OK). I about drove my husband nuts. Then I actually did get a breast tumor in my 3rd trimester, was induced at 37+4 (so I could have surgery safely), and had said surgery to remove the (benign, but would have turned cancerous if it had been left in) tumor at 5 days postpartum. I guess I probably had it coming to me! If I were pregnant now, I'd probably be a wreck about Zika, and I live in Illinois.

That being said, what is your relationship like with your doctor? If you have a great relationship with him, really trust him, and feel comfortable with what he is telling you, then you will have peace of mind in cancelling your trip. However, if your relationship is anything other than wonderful, it doesn't hurt to get a 2nd (or even 3rd) opinion if you wish.

Best wishes to you for a happy and healthy pregnancy! If it's any consolation, we're planning to take our son next May when he is 18 months old and I'm probably looking forward to this trip more than any other trip before. He loves Mickey Mouse already, and I just can't wait to see the look on his face when he sees the castle and Mickey Mouse for the first time. Seeing the world through the eyes of a child is a beautiful thing!

 

[JimmyV]

I don't see how being in an area with foreign people from Zika areas is going to increase your risk. Unless the mosquitos are hitching a ride in their suitcase that shouldn't be a factor there hasn't been any reports of person to person transmission except through sexual contact.

Seriously? You can't see how it can happen? Person from Central or South America arrives at WDW already infected with Zika but is asymptomatic. Mosquito bites that person and picks up virus. Mosquito then bites you. In terms of disease proliferation, you would have lower odds of contracting Zika if you were surrounded by Northern Europeans than South Americans. The migration of the mosquito means less than the migration of the carriers.

 

[Accident]

I'm a little confused by the recommendation, especially since it says OP is in NY.

Florida has a lot of cases and I don't think there is any within 90 minutes of orlando, all from people who contracted it outside of the US. Of course disney being a tourist destination I can see the risk there if it happens to be where a mosiquto transfers it for the first time in the US. New York City has more cases than florida, also has a lot of tourists and a lot more mosquitos (I live very close to disney property and just moved from nyc after being there for decades).

Zika is scary anyway you look at it.. guys can be found positive but they have no clue if it actually goes away because they can't test to see if it's still there.. As a father, the idea of what this does to a possible child is not fun...

It's damned if you do, damned if you don't travel.. If you live somewhere with tourists, there is cases and probably hundreds of them...

I honestly wish disney would post what it's doing about mosquitos and their pest control measures and if they've ramped them up in light of zika or if they are the model that everyone else is now following...

 

[geenerbell]

I think the OP should listen to her doctor, whom I assume she trusts. Maybe there should be a medical forum on the DIS. Let's call it Magical Diagnosis. Take two sprinkles of Prixie Dust and call Mickey in the morning.

 

[Dismama2boys]

Just because it's a "new" virus, doesn't mean it's not real.

Zika is not new. Or even "new" (not sure what you meant by the quotes). But the large increase in microcephaly is. In my opinion, it's not at all a slam-dunk. But that's not what the question is. As was previously mentioned, there are really no Zika experts yet, especially not an OB, and much is still undetermined. This is the first physician I have heard of recommending a patient avoid Disney World - and yes, many (most?) will question that advice. There is nothing wrong with being extra cautious if one chooses, and the OP I'm sure will make whatever decision is right for her.

 

[agavegirl1]

While I am disappointed for you, I do wonder where your OB/Gyn is getting the information on which to base their opinion. However, on a personal note, I would err on the side of caution. But, that would be me. There will always be other opportunities to go to WDW but you only have 9 months to nurture this other human being before they arrive to complicate your life even more than Zika is doing right now. My heart goes out to you. The sacrifice is (almost) always worth it in the end.

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

That does stink. But I have to wonder just how a pregnant woman can go outside this summer. At least in the South. There is a chance, as good a chance as there is in FL (seeing how not a single case reported of it being contracted while in the US

I know some doctors are way more conservative than others. Sounds like yours is in that category. Did you address the real possibility of the mosquitoes being outside FL? Because I'm pretty sure they don't obey state borders

i've been advised not to be outside without bug spray and definitely not at dusk or dawn.

 

[SPAM]

They are reporting that Zika only lives in an infected persons blood for one week so for that person in that one week to travel to Disney World, also happen to get bit by a mosquito, then to get bit by the very mosquitos that bit the infected person during their infectious stage just seems like a very very low risk.

 

[ArwenMarie]

This isn't the first warning I have heard about...the UK put out a Zika-related warning about traveling to Florida and on a similar note, Brazilian health authorities advised women not to get pregnant until they get a handle on things (I don't know if both of those warnings are still in effect now). For the U.S., I imagine it's about thinking twice and it sounds like the doctor of the OP gave her the information and his/her opinion. But of course she was left with the ultimate choice, so she decided not to risk it, no matter how small that risk is. And maybe it's just not worth the stress of worrying about wearing repellent and where you are walking and all that.

 

[robinb]

I would be finding another OB. NOT because he won't let me go to WDW, but because he wants to encase me in bubble wrap. I cannot stand the whole "better safe than sorry" mentality based on irrational fear. Is so preposterous in my mind for a to doctor say that I shouldn't be in crowds with international visitors where there are mosquitos. That would be vigorously waving the proverbial "red flag" that he is not the right one for me.

 

[North of Mouse]

I am totally shocked at how many posters are using the words, 'low risks', just 'slight' risks, low odds, etc. etc.

Are 'you' (posters involved) actually willing to take that low risk (whatever word you used) on the health of your precious baby??

Also, for those that question your OB's advice, why are you even going to a Dr. that you don't want to rely on?? Also, you don't just get a 'second' opinion with ano. OB Dr. It wouldn't usually work that way (maybe in same practice) - guess there's always exceptions, but never heard of it.

And, if you are going to do what you 'think' or research, why mention it to your Dr. (Yes, I 'know' this wasn't the case with the OP)

Yes, things can go wrong anyway, but doing 'all' you know to do to stay healthy for your baby is never the wrong thing to do, and will help peace of mind throughout your pregnancy. Again, the best to you OP. Know you were not asking for advice, just needing to vent, which is totally understandable.

 

[North of Mouse]

I would be finding another OB. NOT because he won't let me go to WDW, but because he wants to encase me in bubble wrap. I cannot stand the whole "better safe than sorry" mentality based on irrational fear. Is so preposterous in my mind for a to doctor say that I shouldn't be in crowds with international visitors where there are mosquitos. That would be vigorously waving the proverbial "red flag" that he is not the right one for me.

Exaggerate much?