GAC & arthritis

[cceandme]

I was recently diagnosed with osteoarthtitis and am having alot of trouble ith my knees. pain and swelling. we already had this trip paid for before all this started.

I plan on using a wheelchair for the trip and was wondering if I will be eligible for a GAC card. Morning are especially hard for me to get around.

Do I need a dr's note to get a GAC? Will it benefit me in anyway?

Thanks for any advice you can give. this is all new to me. It really sucks as I'm only 38 and have never had any medical problems in the past so its alot to deal with

 

[Piper]

A GAC is not needed if you use a wheelchair. You will take in in the regular line (in most cases.) It is not a front of the line pass and often people with a GAC wait longer than those without. (I speak from personal experience.) You will sometimes follow the regular line almost to the regular entrance, then be diverted to a different line. The number of HC vehicles and the number of guests in front of you will determine your wait. A few attractions have a special line, but if you check with the CMs at the entrance, they will direct you.

A GAC is for those with invisible illness. A wheelchair makes your need visible. If a CM says you need one, ask to speak with a supervisor. If your only need is mobility, Disney's answer is to use a WC or ECV.

You do not need a doctor's note, but you must be able to explain your needs to get a GAC.

If you read the FAQs thread at the top of this board, you will get a lot of information. There is a table of contents in the first post. Here is the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713

 

[utterrandomness]

I also have osteoarthritis in my knees. I saw a really neat ice/heat pack designed specifically for knees that straps on so you don't have to worry about it falling off. It might help you out in the mornings. You could also bring baggies (ziploc) to get ice from counter service restaurants. I almost always have a ziploc on me in case I need ice to reduce swelling.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Only Guest Services can determine if you 'qualify' for a GAC...
Personally, I recommend you go and talk to them as you certainly have nothing to lose but the few moments of time you took to talk to them. A wheelchair or ECV will be your biggest friend, but I think a GAC could be of help to you, but that is just my opinion and I don't work for GS so my opinion doesn't really matter.
I have found in my experience my GAC saves me wait time. For me, I do not wait longer, but shorter. That is my experience. Others have differing experiences. But that is mine... If you don't believe me, ask my kids. They would rather hang with mom then go off on their own and they are a teen/young adult!!! So that should say something! LOL!
Feel free to PM me if you have any personal questions. Hope your trip goes well!

 

[SueM in MN]

GACs are not given for diagnosis, so having any particular diagnosis doesn't 'qualify' or not qualify for one. You need to be able to explain your needs to the Cast Members at Guest Relations.

the link Piper posted is to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, which you can find near the top of this board (and I also have a link in my signature). Post 6 of that thread can answer all your questions about GACs.
Disney doesn't publish anything official about GACs; the information in post 6 has been reviewed though by multiple people who work in Guest Relations at WDW, so it is as complete and accurate as an unofficial guide can be.

It is printed right on GACs that GACs are not meant to shorten waits, along with a suggestion to use Fastpass if you want to shorten your wait.
The actual wait at a particular attraction may be shorter, longer or the same as a guest who is not using a GAC. Exactly what happens at an attraction depends on things like what is stamped on the GAC, what available at that attraction, staffing at the time and things like how many other people with special needs are waiting.
All in all, it tends to average out.
Using a touring plan like www.touringplans.com or www.easywdw.com can help a lot. Even if you are not following the touring plan exactly, it can steer you to the least busy park and the areas of that park with the shortest waits. That is helpful for shortening your wait and just for getting around in general.

WDW's published information suggests that guests who are concerned about their stamina or ability to walk/stand in lines should consider using a wheelchair or ECV. The reason is that the distance walked in lines is only a portion of the day - guests walk much more between attractions.
So, you are very wise to be thinking of a wheelchair or ECV. Guests DON'T need a GAC to use a wheelchair or ECV in line.

Some lines are a very long walking distance (for example, Soarin' is more than 1/4 mile from the place you enter the line until boarding; then after riding, you have to walk n equal distance out). GACs seldom shorten the distance walked.

There are also a number of attractions where guests stand for a period of time if they don't have a mobility device with them to sit on. There is a post on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread that lists those attractions.

My FIL had very bad hips and knees and avoided using an ECV for many years. He was in pain every day and missed out on a lot of things because he basically walked fom bench to bench. The first day he rented an ECV was also the first day he ended the day without being in extreme pain, with ice on his knees.
Using the ECV gave him the stamina and pain free time to njoy the parks again.

 

[dewingedpixie]

Are you sure its osteoarthritis and not rheumatoid arthritis? Is it bilateral? The morning thing really worries me. I have an RA/AS hybrid is why I ask.

A doctors note should help you. I went to Disney in a wheel chair after breaking my leg. We were allowed allowances due to this.

 

[utterrandomness]

Are you sure its osteoarthritis and not rheumatoid arthritis? Is it bilateral? The morning thing really worries me. I have an RA/AS hybrid is why I ask.

It's certainly worth looking into, but mornings can be bad for people with osteoarthritis too, because of the lack of activity during the night.

That's the other recommendation I have for the OP: use the wheelchair definitely, but I would try to walk some too, or move/stretch your legs. I'm sure you know this already, but inactivity can make arthritic joints stiff and painful. I've made that mistake a lot.

People will stare, because they have this idea that everyone who uses a wheelchair is completely unable to walk , but you know that's not the case, and your family knows that's the case and that's all that matters.

About the GAC, I think it's worth asking. A GAC may let you avoid stairs if you decide to walk in the line (for example). You don't need a doctors note, you just have to figure out what you need and tell them. I recommend imagining what you'll have to do in the parks and make a list of all the things you might have trouble doing because of your knees. As others have said, a wheelchair is a sign of disability and it might be all you need.

I hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[cceandme]

It's certainly worth looking into, but mornings can be bad for people with osteoarthritis too, because of the lack of activity during the night.

That's the other recommendation I have for the OP: use the wheelchair definitely, but I would try to walk some too, or move/stretch your legs. I'm sure you know this already, but inactivity can make arthritic joints stiff and painful. I've made that mistake a lot.

People will stare, because they have this idea that everyone who uses a wheelchair is completely unable to walk , but you know that's not the case, and your family knows that's the case and that's all that matters.

About the GAC, I think it's worth asking. A GAC may let you avoid stairs if you decide to walk in the line (for example). You don't need a doctors note, you just have to figure out what you need and tell them. I recommend imagining what you'll have to do in the parks and make a list of all the things you might have trouble doing because of your knees. As others have said, a wheelchair is a sign of disability and it might be all you need.

I hope you have a wonderful trip.

I do plan on doing some walking and I'm actually torn between using a wheelchair or not. this is all so new for me so I'm not yet sure how my body is going to react to all the walking. on the one hand my knees feel better the more they are used but on the other hand i don't know if all the walking in Disney will make them feel better or worse.

i did request a ground floor room at CSR and the Cm said they would guarantee it as its for a medical condition and I didn't really want to take a handicap accessible room froms omeone when my only real issue would be stairs in the mornings.

My trip is 2 months away. I just started this week walking with the dog. only up to a mile walk right now as I just started.Hoping the more i walk now the better my trip will be. I'm still worried about the whole thing. It's so frustrating.

 

[cceandme]

I also feel bad because its just me and my 13 year old son going on the trip. If I get a wheelchair he will be stuck pushing me around.

 

[tobikaye]

I also feel bad because its just me and my 13 year old son going on the trip. If I get a wheelchair he will be stuck pushing me around.

Have you looked at using a rollator? If you are not sure what they are, they are basically walkers with wheels and a seat. This gives you the chance to walk as you need, but sit if you just need to relieve the pressure on your joints. I know some people with arthritis are fine with the walking around, but get pain from standing for too long without little to no movement. This way your son will not have to push you the whole time. If you have a bad day, you can just rent a wheelchair or ECV for that day.

My sister used one when we went to WDW in 2010 and at that time before we went, she could barely walk a 1/4 mile without stopping for a break. We only rented an EVC for 1 day that trip when we were doing a quick MK moring and WS at EP in the afternoon/evening.

 

[KPeveler]

I have an ultra light wheelchair custom made for me which weighs about 1/3 what a rental wheelchair weighs and my wife has problems pushing me for any length of time (I am about 115 lbs). I am concerned that your son will not be able to push you much at all, and the rental chairs are not made to self-propel at all.

You may want to look into either a rollator as people suggested or an ECV. I am not sure a manual chair is going to work great for your trip. On average, people walk 9-12 miles a day in WDW, so you need to plan for not just 9 walks like you are doing now in a day, but doing them for several days in a row.

If you have a wheelchair, scooter, walker, etc, you will not need a GAC. A GAC is more for invisible conditions to let the CMs know that you have needs not visible to them. A wheelchair will be a visual cue and you will not need a GAC most likely. If your concerns are stamina, mobility, the ability to walk, stand, or move (whether for short or long times or distances), then Disney will suggest you rent a wheelchair.

 

[PatsMom]

I used a wheelchair due to a broken foot last May. Had no problems with CM's - they directed me to the approriate entrance with no GAC. Since it was a mobility issue, I didn't think that a GAC was required and I was correct. I also used a wheelchair in January 2013 due to having a total abdominal hysterectomy 10 days before the trip. This was also mobility related but I was supposed to do some walking. I walked where I felt good and rode when I didn't. Rough trip as the chair made the incision ooze more blood but it worked out OK. Again, no GAC was needed. I didn't do any of the coasters obviously but all the other attractions were pretty straightforward with the CM's being great about directing me.

 

[cceandme]

the first day we get there we are going to do HS for half day. I think I will not get a wheelchair and see how I do the first day. then play it by er as to whether i will need one the next day.
i'd really rather not use a wheelchair if possible.

 

[SueM in MN]

the first day we get there we are going to do HS for half day. I think I will not get a wheelchair and see how I do the first day. then play it by er as to whether i will need one the next day.
i'd really rather not use a wheelchair if possible.

If you decide you need one, you can always get one. The parks do run out of ECVs, but not usually wheelchairs. ECVs and wheelchairs can also be rented from off site rental places - phone numbers and websites are listed in post 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board.

You can also rent rollators from some companies.

 

[chaoslobster]

A doctors note should help you. I went to Disney in a wheel chair after breaking my leg. We were allowed allowances due to this.

Just to make sure it's clear, a doctor's note is not necessary to receive a GAC. Typically the CM will not even look at the note if you try to hand one to him or her. I have no idea if that's official policy or not (perhaps they're not allowed to read doctor's notes?), but I know that it won't be useful.

If you're worried that you're going to freeze up when asked or not be able to clearly explain what your needs are, what you could do is ask your doctor to clarify in writing the activities that might give you trouble, such as walking up stairs. Then you can read off that information to the CM. But it won't matter if your note's written on a legal prescription pad or a piece of looseleaf.

 

[SueM in MN]

Just to make sure it's clear, a doctor's note is not necessary to receive a GAC. Typically the CM will not even look at the note if you try to hand one to him or her. I have no idea if that's official policy or not (perhaps they're not allowed to read doctor's notes?), but I know that it won't be useful.

If you're worried that you're going to freeze up when asked or not be able to clearly explain what your needs are, what you could do is ask your doctor to clarify in writing the activities that might give you trouble, such as walking up stairs. Then you can read off that information to the CM. But it won't matter if your note's written on a legal prescription pad or a piece of looseleaf.

From what I have been told by Guest Services CMs, it is their policy not to read the letters.
One of the reasons is that the ADA says that a person can't be forced to provide proof of a disability - which reading a doctor's note could be seen as.
The other reason is that most of the notes are not helpful in determining what the person needs.

I have heard people read letters they got from the doctor at times while we have been waiting in Guest Relations (it's hard not to listen if you are waiting your turn and someone is talking very loud). It usually starts out with the person saying, "My doctor wrote me a letter," and trying to hand it to the CM, who says they are not allowed to read them. When the CM won't take the letter, the person usually starts reading.
The things I heard were not very helpful - one went into exact information on how Grandma should transfer (Max assist of 2), her dietary needs and her medical diagnosis.
Another just gave the diagnosis and said to give him "As much consideration as possible."
Those types of things don't tell the CMs what they need to know. They really need information of the type that chaoslobster mentioned.

 

[Mama Who]

It can be helpful to sit down and think about exactly what you want to do in the park but are prevented from doing by your disability. Pinpoint exactly what ways your enjoyment is impaired and what reasonable accommodations can be made.

(Reasonable- "I have panic attacks in close quarters and sometimes need to wait in a separate area for a ride." Unreasonable: "My autistic 2 year old gets overwhelmed by loud noises, the volume on Fantasmic needs to be turned down.")

By having a good grip on what you're missing out on (I cannot ride Star Tours at DL without my GAC because there's a point where the queue is too terrifying) and how it could be put in reach (maybe I can use an alternate entrance that doesn't put me in that spot) you can prepare yourself to articulate to the CM what your needs are- and can determine if a GAC is the right tool for you. Some things are really better handled with a good touring plan.

 

[KPeveler]

It can be helpful to sit down and think about exactly what you want to do in the park but are prevented from doing by your disability. Pinpoint exactly what ways your enjoyment is impaired and what reasonable accommodations can be made.

(Reasonable- "I have panic attacks in close quarters and sometimes need to wait in a separate area for a ride." Unreasonable: "My autistic 2 year old gets overwhelmed by loud noises, the volume on Fantasmic needs to be turned down.")

By having a good grip on what you're missing out on (I cannot ride Star Tours at DL without my GAC because there's a point where the queue is too terrifying) and how it could be put in reach (maybe I can use an alternate entrance that doesn't put me in that spot) you can prepare yourself to articulate to the CM what your needs are- and can determine if a GAC is the right tool for you. Some things are really better handled with a good touring plan.

Excellent explanation!

This is exactly what you need to explain. BTW, I have used pretty much that exact sentence about the Star Tours queue - there is one section that I did ONCE and it was so bad I had to leave and it gave me night mares. Now I have a GAC which tells the CM I have a need so I don't have to go through that part of the queue again, and we make it work.

I will say this - if you need is anything like "I cannot stand for more than a few minutes without pain," or "I have trouble walking long distances," CMs WILL tell you to rent a wheelchair or scooter. There is simply no way to shorten the amount of walking (even with every GAC stamp they have, the rides will not get any closer together!) or standing - unless of course you have a wheelchair.

I will say this, there are some slopes that I doubt even a strong 13 year old can push a chair on, so if you get to the point you need wheels, you may need to consider getting an ECV.

One thing to consider -there are some queues where you not only have to climb stairs, you have to stand and wait on them - I know a lot of people with knee problems who do not do well with this, so speaking to a CM about a GAC which would re-route you around stairs may be helpful. There are not many queues like this, but for the few there are, a GAC can be helpful.