ECV or not?

[nancyv58]

I am going to WDW from Oct. 24-28 with friends that have never been before including a 7 yo. I was diagnosed in March, (got the call to come for more testing while I was at WDW) with neuro endocrine carcinoma. I have had radiation and surgery but there is no FDA approved treatments for this type of cancer so I am having zometa treatments monthly and scans every 3 months. I am still working and feel good for the most part, except my back. I get very tired and have to take pain medicine if I do too much (walking, cooking, cleaning etc). I don't want to have to use an ECV unless I just have to because of pain but most companies want 48 hours to get an ECV, I would like to try to go without one on our first day and then get one if I need it but I am only there for 4 days so what does everyone think I should do? Thanks so much for your help.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

You can rent at ECV at the parks if you feel you need one. Maybe you could play it by ear each day and see how you feel? If you start getting tired or start having pain, you could go to the front gate wherever you are and rent one. That way you won't have to make a decision now. Plus, if you don't have one at your resort, you can avoid the hassle of taking it on the bus. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[arminnie]

I get very tired and have to take pain medicine if I do too much (walking, cooking, cleaning etc).

It is probably a given that you are going to do too much if you don't get some help. A bad first day might just wipe you out for the remainder of the trip.

If you are asking if you need an ECV, you probably do. Please put you energy into enjoying yourself and your travel companions.

I rented an ECV when I didn't absolutely have to - yes I could walk. But it made all the difference in the world in my trip.

I took two trips in the fall of 2006. My trip to WDW with an ECV was just wonderful. I felt great everyday. On my next trip (out of the country - but a much less vigorous schedule) I really thought I was going to die from exhaustion.

Please don't be put off by the posts about bad bus service - that is the exception. Yes you can rent in the parks, but remember there is a lot of walking involved outside the parks too.

And don't feel like getting an ECV is giving up or means that you have to use one forever. I was in better health in 2007 and didn't get one - but I would again in a minute if I need it.

 

[mechurchlady]

I have had those day when I crash from doing house work and been looking for the aspirin. IF you are in pain doing things like house work then do you really think the miles of walking are going to be less painful. Your house is nice and flat but imagine bridges, ramps and curbs you will be crossing. There is the standing in line for half an hour, the dodging people on the sidewalks, and the climbing into and out of ride vehicles.

Time on earth is short even if one lives to be 100 years old. I rather spend my last 50 years as pain free, mobile and stress free as possible. I so needed an ECV in San Antonio and one would have let me explore the Alamo and gone shopping but I did not get one and regret it.

Some people are ECV bound and depend on one but many are like myself and use one to get from point A to point B. Use it to get to an area then go see a show or do a bit of shopping. Read the boards and you will hear of people regretting not getting an ECV. The distances cna be far and it is a burden on the family if you end up cranky from pain or have to sit down every few minutes.

Busses: This is the top complaint on this board probably. Some people have no problems and others are trouble magnets. Currently people are educating, documenting and formally complaining. People are teaching others about disabled rights, what is not disabled rights, documenting transportation problems, and then reporting to supervisors, WDW and the boards.

Odds are that you will not have a problem especially if you are educated, prepared and willing to fight for your rights. Drivers would prefer to just open a door and have a herd of people on quickly then drive off but they need to realize that their job includes servicing the disabled.

I think you would not have troubles with transportation.

Get the ECV, trust me you will have a better time.