First trip following neck surgery (C4-C6 ACDF)

[kangaand2roos]

I'm not sure if this is the correct forum. If not, could admin please move? Thank you!

I'll be going to WDW in December for two weeks. It is my first trip following a two level spinal fusion that I had in Late January. I have been cleared medically to ride most rides. I'm not supposed to do serious roller coasters, but I don't do them anyway due to motion sickness. Other than that, I am mainly restricted by what feels OK.

Some attractions that I used to do I'm pretty sure I won't be ready for, just because of how much neck tension they cause (for example, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.) Others, I'm not sure. I'm looking for input from those who have had experience with the following attractions following similar surgeries:

Splash Mountain
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Test Track
Tower of Terror
Toy Story Midway Mania
Kali River Rapids

In addition to the above specific attractions, I would love some general advice on theme park life after spinal fusion!

Thanks so much!!

 

[gap2368]

the mine train has a few parts where it jerks you some same with test track and midway mania wipes you form one scene to another
tower of terror is just a drop ride I have never done kali as I can not stand being wet in cloths

I hope other will chime in on some of the rides

 

[kangaand2roos]

Thank you!

I have ridden all of the above attractions before surgery, just not after. None of them will injure me, I'm just not sure how comfortable I will be when I am done! I want experience them again if I can, but I don't want to pay for it for hours or days after!

 

[gap2368]

ok can you bring some pain medication with you if you do find a ride was too much.

maybe start with a tamer ride and see how you do with that ( since you have been on all of them I would think you would have a better idea, but I know you do not relies how much you use your body parts until you are in pain or after surgery )

if you do find your self in pain first aid is a great place to go to lie down for a bit I know they can make an ice pack if that would help not sure about heat packs ( if that would help you or not but if you think it would I would bring some)

 

[Bete]

You can bring utube videos to your doctor and see what she/he says about some of these jerky rides. I wouldn't do them.

See more shows, parades, and fireworks on this trip.

 

[kangaand2roos]

Ice is my best friend since surgery! I'll have some instant cold packs with me every day! I have been trying to stay away from pain meds as much as possible, but will definitely have some on hand just in case!

I will ere on the side of caution, for sure. I spent two weeks last year about a month before surgery and sat out many of the above while the kids rode and am willing to again. But, if I could ride without significant consequence, I'd like to!

 

[gap2368]

I really do not think any one can say that you will or will not have pain on any ride as every one is so different. you will have to see what works for you and if something happens have a back up plan like resting at first aid taking some pain medication.

 

[kangaand2roos]

No, I'm sure no one can say for sure. Just looking for the voice of experience!

 

[Earstou]

I have a 3 level fusion, have trouble with dizziness, and I've ridden every thing on the list since surgery except TOT and SDMT. The Mine Train wasn't open yet last time I was there, and I haven't decided yet if I ever will ride it. I don't ride TOT because I have a Chiari brain malformation, and the drops in TOT really worry me, so there is a combination of reasons to not ride it.
For hints, I recommend waiting till the end of the day to ride a ride you are uncertain about. That way if it makes you feel bad, you haven't ruined your whole day (and think about putting it off till end of trip, so it doesn't ruin the whole trip!).
Also I will sometimes support my neck with my hands. Hope I can explain it well enough: place your hands, thumbs down and fingers interlocked around the back of your neck, with elbows bent and up in the air. I do this on Splash, and sometimes others.

 

[asta]

I don't have your exact problem but I will throw in a little common sense advice about pain medicine. After two days in the parks last month I was in such intense pain that I had to resort to pretty strong and frequent doses of hydrocodone. I am not a regular user of drugs that strong and I had a very severe need to drink lots of water. Almost at emergency levels. I know that people who routinely take these opiate type of drugs probably know this but it caught me by surprise. Just a word of warning if you plan to medicate that way.

 

[kangaand2roos]

I have a 3 level fusion, have trouble with dizziness, and I've ridden every thing on the list since surgery except TOT and SDMT. The Mine Train wasn't open yet last time I was there, and I haven't decided yet if I ever will ride it. I don't ride TOT because I have a Chiari brain malformation, and the drops in TOT really worry me, so there is a combination of reasons to not ride it.
For hints, I recommend waiting till the end of the day to ride a ride you are uncertain about. That way if it makes you feel bad, you haven't ruined your whole day (and think about putting it off till end of trip, so it doesn't ruin the whole trip!).
Also I will sometimes support my neck with my hands. Hope I can explain it well enough: place your hands, thumbs down and fingers interlocked around the back of your neck, with elbows bent and up in the air. I do this on Splash, and sometimes others.

I know the exact position you are talking about to support my neck! I use it sometimes just to relieve discomfort! Thanks for the input!

 

[kangaand2roos]

I don't have your exact problem but I will throw in a little common sense advice about pain medicine. After two days in the parks last month I was in such intense pain that I had to resort to pretty strong and frequent doses of hydrocodone. I am not a regular user of drugs that strong and I had a very severe need to drink lots of water. Almost at emergency levels. I know that people who routinely take these opiate type of drugs probably know this but it caught me by surprise. Just a word of warning if you plan to medicate that way.

I had my surgery in late January and haven't even taken Tylenol since mid March, so narcotics aren't even something I'd consider unless something dramatic happens between now and then! When I say I'll have pain meds on hand, I mean Tylenol, ibuprofen, and possibly muscle relaxers! I mainly use essential oils and ice for pain these days and hope to keep it that way, but will use (mild) pain meds if necessary!

 

[ThistleMae]

Okay...here is my two cents. I have not had a spine fusion but have constant back issues and pain. I would not go on any of those rides after only being out of surgery for two weeks. It's just not worth the "just in case." There are so many other rides to enjoy....why take a chance? Have fun whatever you decide.

 

[kangaand2roos]

Okay...here is my two cents. I have not had a spine fusion but have constant back issues and pain. I would not go on any of those rides after only being out of surgery for two weeks. It's just not worth the "just in case." There are so many other rides to enjoy....why take a chance? Have fun whatever you decide.

Nor would I!! I'll be nearly 11 months post surgery!! I'm 6 1/2 months post-op now and doing brilliantly!

 

[kangaand2roos]

I was barely allowed a CAR two weeks post-op, much less a roller coaster! I have been very conservative in my recovery and have followed and will continue to follow my doctor's instructions to a T! I am a surgeon's dream as far as compliance! As I said, I have been cleared medically to ride mild roller coasters, even now. My trip is 4 months away and I hope to continue to heal well. I am merely looking for stories and experience from those who have experienced WDW after ACDF.

 

[Iowajes]

I have a C4-C6 fusion after breaking C5.
I would not go on Test Track or Tower of Terror. (Or BTMRR but you already ruled that out.)

The rest I would have gone for at that point (and I did go to Disney World within a year of my surgery. I also skipped Space Mountain, which wasn't on your list and I won't go on the spinning mouse coaster whose name I can't remember.) I haven't ridden SDMT but based on videos, I will next visit.

For Stitch (which was actually still Alien when I went post op), I recommend putting your hands up next to your ears when the restraints come down so it does not press heavily on the shoulders when it does downward motions.

One thing to think about, that I am just now dealing with... even if it doesn't hurt now, you will experience more than normal levels of degeneration because the fusion puts stress on the levels above and below it. This can cause issues in the future that basically equate to accelerated aging. This year my doctor recommended that due to my degeneration I spend FULL TIME in a soft brace. I told him that there was no way that was going to happen - I have to live my life. But things I did in the early years post surgery (like ride a horse) are just off the menu now. I'm not wanting to have another surgery too much sooner than I have to.

You may consider bringing a neck brace if you find that mid-trip the long days and multiple rides are wearing on you; but know that they aren't going to let you on almost anything if you are in one! (Even some of the most mild attractions seem to have neck and back warnings.)

 

[kangaand2roos]

I have a C4-C6 fusion after breaking C5.
I would not go on Test Track or Tower of Terror. (Or BTMRR but you already ruled that out.)

The rest I would have gone for at that point (and I did go to Disney World within a year of my surgery. I also skipped Space Mountain, which wasn't on your list and I won't go on the spinning mouse coaster whose name I can't remember.) I haven't ridden SDMT but based on videos, I will next visit.

For Stitch (which was actually still Alien when I went post op), I recommend putting your hands up next to your ears when the restraints come down so it does not press heavily on the shoulders when it does downward motions.

One thing to think about, that I am just now dealing with... even if it doesn't hurt now, you will experience more than normal levels of degeneration because the fusion puts stress on the levels above and below it. This can cause issues in the future that basically equate to accelerated aging. This year my doctor recommended that due to my degeneration I spend FULL TIME in a soft brace. I told him that there was no way that was going to happen - I have to live my life. But things I did in the early years post surgery (like ride a horse) are just off the menu now. I'm not wanting to have another surgery too much sooner than I have to.

You may consider bringing a neck brace if you find that mid-trip the long days and multiple rides are wearing on you; but know that they aren't going to let you on almost anything if you are in one! (Even some of the most mild attractions seem to have neck and back warnings.)

Thank you, thank you!! That is exactly the kind of input I was hoping to get! Space Mountain is definitely not one I'd consider due to motion sickness, same with Primeval Whirl. While I like ToT and would love to try the new TT, I can easily live without riding them again! As for Stitch, based on advice from the Unofficial Guude to WDW from back when it was Still Alien Encounter, I always do that anyway! I live the little blue guy, but don't really need to feel him just moving in my shoulders!

I saved my hard collar from my surgery so I could have it in case I ever need it. Hopefully I won't, but I do plan to bring it along just in case.

Unfortunately, I am very aware of the issues with further degeneration. Because I am relatively young (49) for this kind of surgery, that was one of the things they cautioned me about and why I didn't jump at having the surgery until it was obvious that my only other options were unbearable pain or way too many pain medications...or both!

I continue to err on the side of caution and am more than willing to give up previously loved activities if it will defer or negate future surgeries! I also love Disney deeply enough that it is no longer just about attractions. I am very content, when necessary, to just enjoy my surroundings or enjoy my children enjoying!

Thanks again for your input. While all advice is appreciated, advice from someone who has experienced it is extra valuable! Good luck to you going forward! I know it isn't a lot of fun!!

 

[HopperFan]

DS had a C1-C2 Spinal Fusion (18 years ago). He does everything now but it was probably about 2-3 years post-op before he did the big ones.

Thoughts:
- On Splash Mountain and Pirates, lean forward on every drop so your back doesn't slam on that hard seat.
- Space Mountain is rough and the last few times were upsetting to him so we have stopped.
- Primevil Whirl, no.
- New Test Track is exactly the same but with new lighting design. If you are worried, not worth it.
- Tower of Terror, more an extension in a vertical so only you know how you will react.
- Seven Dwarfs is pretty smooth but I would ask to sit towards the front. The rear cars feel the turns more and rock harder.
- Safari def ask to sit in front two rows. Towards back is very rough.
- I wouldn't put Dinosaur in coaster genre but just in case you are considering, no.
- We don't do Mission to Space and I would not do Star Tours.

 

[kangaand2roos]

Mission Space, Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party, Rock n Roller Coaster, Star Tours, Expedition Everest, Primeval Whirl, and Dinosaur are all attractions I wouldn't do due to motion sickness anyway, so they've never been on the table. The few I listed are the ones that seem to be in the gray area between "yes" and "no". Obviously, I'll see how I'm feeling at the time, but I'll probably hold off on TT and ToT this trip.

Thanks for the advice on asking to be seated forward. That makes a lot of sense!

Have a Magical Day!!

 

[Iowajes]

For anyone else reading the thread with a similar issue but no motion sickness- I did Star Tours 1 year post op and didn't have a problem. I wouldn't do it now that I'm getting more degeneration issues though.

(I had my surgery at 17, and am now 33... I knew the fusion would have to be replaced (I believe the neurosurgeon told me "eventually, you'll have a head on a stick" because I was so young over my lifetime the entire cervical spine will end up fused), and they gave me a 20 year estimate, which I'm edging up on but I guess I always imagined it as "yep, that thing is worn out, time for a new surgery", now I am realizing it is a slow descent into unbearable neck pain that will end with "well, the only thing we can do is see if extending the fusion helps..." Oh, the headaches! Still, in my case, I was lucky to be alive, and lucky to be walking again, so I guess I can just be thankful for everyday I get those things.)