ECV vs wheelchair

[babemoocow]

My upcoming trip is in jeopardy. I'm currently sitting in the hospital 1 day post-op from having surgery to repair a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). I'm a tough gal, so the pain really is very tolerable. If all goes well, I still plan on going to WDW. My fear is being short of breath and worn out. (I'll be out of the hospital for 2 days lol)

I'm debating getting a manual wheelchair at the parks daily or renting a ECV from an outside agency. Looking at my choices, I like that applescooters has one with the captains chair, seeing as I'll be sore and have recent wounds from where the chest tubes were located. I think that high back would be better.

I feel that we would drive our SUV to & from the parks to our hotel daily if renting a ECV. Any pros or cons with that?

I would also like to walk if I feel up to it. If I rent a ECV is it safe to leave it parked somewhere as I shop in stores or when we go in to dine at a restaurant? I've never been on one of these or had a family member use one, so really, I haven't a clue how they work. lol Do I need to worry about these being stolen like strollers?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[dclfun]

I hope you feel better soon! I've had a collapsed lung many times, although not pneumothorax and they are painful. I'm sure you've asked, but has your Dr. approved your trip? If so, I'd recommend the ECV as long as leaning forward isn't going to be a strain. You can sit more upright in a manual w/c but of course someone else has to push you and you'd have less independence. You won't have much time to test-drive an ECV either...whatever you decide, remember you can always change your mind once there if your choice doesn't turn out to be the best.---Kathy

 

[jmartinez1895]

I have never had to use an ECV, but from what you said it seems that it would be a much better choice than a manual chair. If you get a chiar someone would have to push you around the park or you would have to push yourself. With the EVC you get to be more free and use less energy. I have seem many EVC's parked outside of stores and eating spots. I think they have a key, so it would be hard for a person to take it. Be sure to make a sign to put on the back of it so that your's is different from others and it will easier to find should more than one that look alike be parked together. I hope you get well very soon and that you have a magical trip.

 

[peemagg]

When ever I have left my ECV, I take the key with me. There has never been any trouble with leaving it. Nobody ever bothered it. I do make sure that I don't leave anything of value on the scooter.

 

[littlemermaidariel]

First of all, I really hope you feel better soon!
I think an ECV would be a better choice for you. It might be more comfortable and you don't need to rely on anyone to push you. Also, you don't need to worry about it getting taken. It has a key, so just remember to take it with you. May you have a supercalifragalisticexpialidocious trip!