Emergency surgery month ago

[lorli]

A month ago I had emergency surgery to remove an orange size mass from my stomach muscle. Thankfully it was not cancerous but still dealing with the after affects of the surgery. My stamina is low, I tire easily, and must take short strides and avoid steps. Our vacation plans for August 17-26 were set and paid for long before the surgery presented itsself. As it turns out my body does not like to dissolve stitches and I still have open wounds. Now I'm trying to prepare for our Disney trip. What can I expect? How can I ready myself for our vacation?

 

[maroo]

You could probably do a few things...

First, will you be able to walk 6-8 miles per day? If not, you will probably want to look at renting an ECV for the time you will be there.

If you can walk ok, but you are just slow, then you should be ok. You could as for a GAC to avoid stairs - it won't really shorten your waits, but they can send you the direction where you would not be using stairs. In some cases, your wait may be longer.

Generally, it sounds to me like you will have a much better trip if you rent an ECV. I had to rent one the last time I was in Disney and it really made for a much more enjoyable trip because I was not in pain the whole time. So I highly recommend it. It did take longer to do some things - but it was much better than not enjoying anything once I got there.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

The normal and official response from Guest Relations concerning a stamina or mobility problem is the suggestion that you rent a wheelchair or ECV.

The majority of attraction lines in WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that a wheelchair or ECV will use the regular entrance and line all the way to either a show seating or ride load area. If a line is not mainstreamed there will be signs and/or Cast Members to direct you where to go.

If a show, normally there will be spaces to park a chair or ECV and there will be seats next to the space for other members of the group.

If a ride, usually you will have to transfer to a ride vehicle, although some rides will allow a person in a wheelchair to remain in their chair. If you have to transfer to a ride, and unload is not at the same location as load, your ECV will magically appear at the unload area.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Note that Post #2 discusses mobility and equipment. Post #3 had a wide variety of information and links; it might be a good idea to look at the various park "Guidebook For Persons With Disabilities" for more detailed information.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I went to disney last year after 4 stomach surgeries and 3 cancer surgeries.

I got a wheelchair from the Yacht Club that we used all week. You could ask for one if you are staying at a disney resort, but remember they are first come/first serve availability.

You can also get the length of stay wheelchairs in the parks (Pretty reasonably priced). You can use it at more than multiple parks on the same day too. (just show them the ticket/voucher) If you can make it from a disney bus to the resort entrance to get the chair or use a complimentary wheelchair from the bus to park entrance that might be an option too.

I didnt want an ecv. Because sometimes I did get up and walk and use the wheelchair as a walker.

Also if your wound is open, swimming is probably out. I know you can use the first aid station if you need a bandage change without going back to the room etc. Is tegaderm an option for you too? I wouldnt swim with that however unless your wound is minimal.

Best of luck and hope you enjoy your trip as best as you can.