Ever gone to WDW recovering from back surgery?

[kungaloosh]

Two weeks ago I had surgery to clean up a herniated disc. It was the 3rd surgery on the same disc in my lower back. Unfortunately it appears I have reherniated already and the next step appears to be disc fusion surgery. I was doing some research on it last night and got pretty depressed. If everything moves quickly I will probably have 2 months for recovery before our big 10 day trip in November. I know I'm spoiled because this is trip 24 and we are already planning on trip 25 in the spring but I'm so sad about having to sit out of the rides.

Anyone ever gone to WDW before in recovery mode and have to sit out on their favorite rides? I know my favorites like EE and TMR will be out of the question. What about things like the Safari? Anyone ever have problems with the bumpiness of the Safari with a back issue?

Thanks,
Cathy

 

[ols386]

Yes, went to DLR this past January, 8 weeks after cervical spinal fusion.

I did ok, but would probably not go to DL or WDW that quickly after back surgery, if I ever did it again. It probably all depends on the person and the surgery.

I pooped out pretty quickly when we went to the parks..and when I did, I just went back to the room or to sit by the pool.

The thing that bothered me the most was the two long flights to get from Michigan to California. Sitting in those little seats on the plane made my neck ache quit a bit.

Personally, after having spinal fusion, I won't go on any of those kinds of rides. Even that Safari ride, which seems pretty mild. I'm just afraid it might undo something that has been repaired in my neck/back.

Good luck to you!

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

I went 8 weeks after surgery for a herninated L4/L5. There was no way I was cancelling this trip, we had already cancelled a Christmas trip to Cancun before I had the surgery.

First day I was a mess and leaning towards one side, probably becuase I carried a few carry-on pieces though the airport. Big mistake! Actually walking around all day helped and was much better on day 2. I even made it on BTMRR and Tower of Terror! I brought a list of scooter rental companies to be on the safe side, but I didn't need it.

 

[Jennasis]

I went to WDW 6 months after a microdiscectomy on L5/S1. Did great, but that surgery is a far cry from fusion. You'll just have to listen to both your surgeon and your body.

 

[I Love Pluto]

Please tell me you are kidding. Please. Your back and your health are far more important than one trip to Disney.

Yes, I did just what you are stating. I had surgery June 7th on a compressed spinal cord, brain stem, some discectomies, and C5, C6 fusion. I had to cancel 3 trips that we had planned for this summer.

We just came back from WDW last week. I was able to ride Haunted Mansion, C of Progress, The Great Movie Ride, The Backlot Tour, Ellen's Energy Adventure, The Land, & Nemo. We did go to a lot of shows. There are some I still have not seen.

Don't be a fool. Please take care of yourself! It isn't forever, just one time.

Feel Better! (No to the Safari Ride this year!)

 

[kungaloosh]

Thanks all for the advise. I actually had an apt with my surgeon this afternoon and they have put in the approval for a new MRI and then we will discuss the fusion. I had no idea that he would be scheduled so far out for these. Right now he's already almost out to November so it looks like I'll be going to WDW with the herniated disc as is. The NP told me I would not be able to go at all if they fit me in for surgery before that. I was thinking it would be quick to get scheduled because my second surgery last year was only 6 weeks after my first but since Fusion is such a bigger surgery he does not have as many spots to get them scheduled for. I also managed to get pneumonia after the surgery 2 weeks ago so I'm still recovering from that.

Last July I went to WDW 6 weeks after my second disectomy surgery and I did okay. Had to throw in the towel one day and rent a wheelchair. The positive thing (I guess) is that I don't have that much pain in my back. The herniation keeps landing right on the S1 nerve so all the pain and nerve damage is down my right leg. It's a lot worse at night when trying to sleep so I'll just do my best during the day. We are surprising our 7 year old niece with this trip plus hosting another family and having our son (who moved to FL) and his fiance join us so there is no way I'm missing this. I would actually choose to live with the pain for 3 months and be able to go. The Dad from the other family doesn't like rides much so it looks like he might have some company on the sidelines this time around.

Cathy