GAC due to compromised immune system?

[honugirl]

Hi, I'm going over spring break, it's the only time I can go due to being in school so please do not suggest going at an alternate time of the year. Thanks.

I have a compromised immune system because of my disease and the medication I take. Most of the time I do OK because I avoid obviously sick people and I do not hang around children.

Is it possible to get a GAC for an alternate waiting area so that I'm not packed in with tons of germy people?

We will do a good touring plan and make use of fastpasses and have no qualms about going to another park or another attraction if it gets too packed but I want to be prepared.

Any other suggestions about how to deal with this would be great! I'll be finishing up the tail end of my tamiflu by the time I get there (10 day preventive course due to being around sick profs at school) so I should have a little protection from that.

Thanks!

 

[clanmcculloch]

There's no harm in getting the GAC, but be prepared for the fact that those alternate waiting areas do get packed with people. The good touring plans will do a LOT more for you because they'll keep you away from the crowds in general including when you're walking around between attractions. When you mention a good touring plan though, what are you basing that on? There are some great touring plan services that really can keep you away from the worst of the crowds. Keep in mind that you'll likely need to leave the parks every day mid-day just to get out of the crowds since you're going at such a busy time of year. Also, you might want to consider renting a car so you don't need to worry about being packed into a bus like a sardine. If you decide to stay at a park for fireworks/night shows then hang back and let the throngs of people leave before you so you're not trapped in the mob of people.

 

[livndisney]

Hi, I'm going over spring break, it's the only time I can go due to being in school so please do not suggest going at an alternate time of the year. Thanks.

I have a compromised immune system because of my disease and the medication I take. Most of the time I do OK because I avoid obviously sick people and I do not hang around children.

Is it possible to get a GAC for an alternate waiting area so that I'm not packed in with tons of germy people?

We will do a good touring plan and make use of fastpasses and have no qualms about going to another park or another attraction if it gets too packed but I want to be prepared.

Any other suggestions about how to deal with this would be great! I'll be finishing up the tail end of my tamiflu by the time I get there (10 day preventive course due to being around sick profs at school) so I should have a little protection from that.

Thanks!

Yes, you can get a GAC. Yes, a GAC can provide a alternate place to wait. However, the attractions that offer a alternate place are very limited. And a alternate place to wait is not a single place to wait-meaning others may be in that space as well. I think Sue has more info in the stickey about where an alternate place to wait is available.

I just had a conversation (about a similar issue) with GS at AK about the train to the Conservation Station. Basically they offer no assistance. You can use the ECV corral on the way out to the Conservation Station, but for the return trip you are at the mercy of the CM loading people. And once you are on the train, they PACK people in.

 

[Disneyadore]

Short answer? No need to.
Even during my chemo , when my immune system was almost down to nothing,there was no need to avoid people. I specifically asked my oncologist. So no.

I just went to Disney ,balded and never had a problem.
It is all in your mind . If I think you get into problems you will, if you think :"who cares" everything is is fine.

 

[HowdyHeidi]

Would your immunologist consider putting you on prophilactic (sp?) antibiotics for the duration of the trip. DS's has suggested that that may be an option for him. I'm sure this depends on your specific condition but it might be worth asking...

I hope you have a great trip!

Personally, I would get the GAC and see how it looked. If you don't have it you won't have another option but the regular lines.

 

[brat]

Livn

I agree with Howdy in talking with your Dr. about any meds or other things you can use to help reduce your risks.

Your Dr knows your needs better than I do..Get a GAC and use your best judgement as far as what risks you take.Try to go early in the day before the crowds get higher.

We have not done Disney while any of our family had a very low white count(we tend to go homebound or hospital during those times)

 

[buffettgirl]

Hi, I'm going over spring break, it's the only time I can go due to being in school so please do not suggest going at an alternate time of the year. Thanks.

I have a compromised immune system because of my disease and the medication I take. Most of the time I do OK because I avoid obviously sick people and I do not hang around children.

Is it possible to get a GAC for an alternate waiting area so that I'm not packed in with tons of germy people?

We will do a good touring plan and make use of fastpasses and have no qualms about going to another park or another attraction if it gets too packed but I want to be prepared.

Any other suggestions about how to deal with this would be great! I'll be finishing up the tail end of my tamiflu by the time I get there (10 day preventive course due to being around sick profs at school) so I should have a little protection from that.

Thanks!

as uncomfortable as it is, do you bring a mask?

 

[nmmom95]

I was there in November. I also have a compromised immune system due to an autoimmune & medications and I was fine. I had been in the hospital the week before we left. I checked with all my doctors and they agreed that I would be fine. I did wear a mask on the plane. Just remember to wash your hand A LOT.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Just wanted to say have a great trip Liisa!

 

[honugirl]

Thanks for the tips everyone!

I didn't think about the alternate waiting area being crowded... definitely something to think about! Never thought about the car thing either. Depending on how it looks, I may look into that. At park closing, we always wait until the very last few buses to go home since we don't like just standing in line so we're definitely good there. We will probably also see which park seems to have the least amount of people heading to it in the morning and go there, then hop later if we want to.

I am either going to use ride max or TGM, not sure yet. I'm checking into both once my finals are over.

This is purely a for fun trip so if I only go on each big ride once, it's not going to bother me. I do have it in my head that I may do some time at the resorts or do alternative things such as a horseback ride or maybe some tours. Not sure yet. Will just feel it out when I get there.

I do have masks, so I'll put some in my backpack to have just in case and will probably wear one on the plane. I also have hand sanitizer, but I try not to use it and use hand washing the most. I also try very hard not to touch people or things, so I walk around with my hands in my pockets a lot!

I may see about getting a prescription for antibiotics to take with me and only fill it if I need it.

I don't think there will be a problem, but I'd rather be proactive ahead of time and be ready and have a plan. It's my type A personality. I don't have any adrenal glands and take steroids every day, so even basic illnesses can be a challenge for me. I try to live life as much as I can without restrictions, but inevitably, I can't ignore my medical condition as much as I want to.

Thanks LMP, I need to come over to the GAGWTA thread, Iv'e got some new and kind of exciting updates!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Short answer? No need to.
Even during my chemo , when my immune system was almost down to nothing,there was no need to avoid people. I specifically asked my oncologist. So no.

I just went to Disney ,balded and never had a problem.
It is all in your mind .

And here we go again, the same old "I had cancer and did WDW this way, therefor your story/question/situation is just all in your head". I'm probably going to get some problems with the mods for this, but sjeez. This has become old many moons ago. You are NOT the expert on someone elses health. Heck, even just the mention that Honu is on preventative treatment because there are some sneezing profs around her should be a hint that indeed she might have a thing to be aware of there.

Great for you that big crowds were not a risk, makes life a lot easier in general. Definately wish that on everybody. For some others on the other hand, it isn't always that black and white. There are enough people out there that can look tiptop in shape, yet could find themselves in serious situations to even potentially life-threatening from even a simple cold, infection or flu.



Honu, you've already gotten some great info and seem to have a good strategy starting to line up. Definately discus with your specialist what to be on the lookout for. Also try to see if your patientgroup can be of benefit. Or through them or your specialist perhaps come in contact with others. Obviously the same ilnesses/syndromes etc. can be vastly different from person, but I've found there to be a huge wealth of knowledge amongst those facing alike situations. Docs are perfect for your situation and more factual info, alikes are great for practicle and the other things. For my dad combining those 2 has resulted in him making a rather smooth transaction from somebody that never ever got flus, colds etc. to somebody getting infected when a person would sneez the preverbial 100 miles away since having started his new treatment. Oh, and if your meds or treatments have any influence; discuss it! My dad tweaks the moments he gets his IV's, so he can use his moments of "a tad bit less sensitive to all" for the more possible "riskier" situations.

Either way; have a blast! I'm sure you will.

 

[lpereira]

So this is going to sounds insane but in addition to your other precautions; wash your hands beforeyou pee. Its the equivalent of sticking unwashed hands in your mouth.

 

[monkeysmamma]

My kids have primary immune deficiency disease. It's part of the reason we homeschool them. The kids get weekly IG infusions to supplement their weakened immune system. I was really worried about infection the last time we went, but we lucked out and neither got sick.

The plane was one of my biggest concerns. We scheduled their infusions the day before we left and the morning after we returned. I put sheets on the seats before the kids sat down and wiped down all the hard surfaces with antibacterial wipes. I kept masks in my bag if people nearby were coughing, but we lucked out there. Once we landed, I folded the sheets stuffed them in a plastic bag.

Frequent handwashing and liberal use of antibacterial hand gell are a way of life here, and the same rules applied on the trip. In the hotel, we slip the TV remote into a ziplock bag and rub down the hard surfaces again. Hand gell after all the rides, and avoid buffets and water fountains. Shoes off as soon as we enter the hotel room, showers, saline nasal spray, and fresh clothes for everyone. We kept them hydrated, did our best not to run them down too much and hoped for the best.

The kids had GACs because of other issues, and we waited in slightly less crowded areas, but I agree that the touring plan would be an even bigger help here to help you stay ahead of the crowd.

 

[sjaakie]

And here we go again, the same old "I had cancer and did WDW this way, therefor your story/question/situation is just all in your head". I'm probably going to get some problems with the mods for this, but sjeez. This has become old many moons ago. You are NOT the expert on someone elses health. Heck, even just the mention that Honu is on preventative treatment because there are some sneezing profs around her should be a hint that indeed she might have a thing to be aware of there.

Great for you that big crowds were not a risk, makes life a lot easier in general. Definately wish that on everybody. For some others on the other hand, it isn't always that black and white. There are enough people out there that can look tiptop in shape, yet could find themselves in serious situations to even potentially life-threatening from even a simple cold, infection or flu.



Honu, you've already gotten some great info and seem to have a good strategy starting to line up. Definately discus with your specialist what to be on the lookout for. Also try to see if your patientgroup can be of benefit. Or through them or your specialist perhaps come in contact with others. Obviously the same ilnesses/syndromes etc. can be vastly different from person, but I've found there to be a huge wealth of knowledge amongst those facing alike situations. Docs are perfect for your situation and more factual info, alikes are great for practicle and the other things. For my dad combining those 2 has resulted in him making a rather smooth transaction from somebody that never ever got flus, colds etc. to somebody getting infected when a person would sneez the preverbial 100 miles away since having started his new treatment. Oh, and if your meds or treatments have any influence; discuss it! My dad tweaks the moments he gets his IV's, so he can use his moments of "a tad bit less sensitive to all" for the more possible "riskier" situations.

Either way; have a blast! I'm sure you will.

Sometimes people are lucky

 

[KPeveler]

It is all in your mind . If I think you get into problems you will, if you think :"who cares" everything is is fine.

You should know that this is actually incredibly offensive in the way it is written. The "power of positive thinking" model of disability and illness is pretty much gone by now, and being told it is "all in your mind" is actually very offensive for those of us with invisible illness who fought for a long time to get our diagnoses. I know what Honugirl went through, and trust me, the only thing in her mind was her tumor!

Perhaps you did not mean it to sound offensive, but you should know that this phrasing is inappropriate.

 

[Disneyadore]

You should know that this is actually incredibly offensive in the way it is written. The "power of positive thinking" model of disability and illness is pretty much gone by now, and being told it is "all in your mind" is actually very offensive for those of us with invisible illness who fought for a long time to get our diagnoses. I know what Honugirl went through, and trust me, the only thing in her mind was her tumor!

Perhaps you did not mean it to sound offensive, but you should know that this phrasing is inappropriate.

It is a well know fact that the more some one avoids germs the more the immunity system will go down and the more you will get sick.

 

[crashbb]

It is a well know fact that the more some one avoids germs the more the immunity system will go down and the more you will get sick.

The "well known fact" (which is debated by some) is for DEVELOPING immune system (in other words young children). It also assume a NORMAL immune system - something that Honugirl does not have. So, it is an entirely moot point.

Monkeysmama has some great (and helpful suggestions). Good Luck.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

It is a well know fact that the more some one avoids germs the more the immunity system will go down and the more you will get sick.

I will repeat myself again; how dare you give out medical advice on somebodies situation without knowing their medical history and being a certified specialist in immunology and/or specialist in Honu's medical condition?

Honu is NOT you. Honu is NOT one of the "oh germ, scary, let's sanitize everything while we're all perfectly healthy"-population. But then again, you somehow magically seem to know better than herself and her treating doc(s). All I can say is "shoenmaker blijft bij den eigen leest".



Beyond that it's remarkable how you keep on beating your "I know best"-dead horse, yet totally ignore exactly what it is that K is saying. To put it in an easier way; it can too easily come across as the exact same thing as somebody telling you "if you die from cancer it's your own fault, you should've been more positive, you didn't want to be cured at all". Harsh? Most will find it so, to say the least! As well known amongst many on this board, I'm an avid believer in living a positive life and focussing on certain aspects. What you worded however has nothing to do with that. Do not kid yourself, you are telling Honu that if she just thinks it won't happen, her body suddenly will not deal will catching infections and what not. You did not say that at all, to say the least.

 

[brat]

Washing hands and offering all those dealing with challeges of living in a new normal a

Knowing that each of us live with different issues and that each of us can be mild to life threatning and that these can change day to day, and with-in minutes.I try to remind myself that each person here is the person that knows themselves the best.

Since my family has been hurt by the actions of others I try my best not to do that to others. My Mom spent 7 weeks in the hospital last spring because of an infection spread by someone who thought Mom who is on chemo was not at risk since their family member also on chemo was fine being around him(only mildly contagious). My cousin died because of someone thinking her peanut allergy was not as bad as they were told.I do believe in being positive AND knowing the risks.Since this was a question about reducing those risks.....

Please have as much fun as you can.

We keep a box of gloves with us.

Monkeysmama has the clean trip routine down.One of my best friends from childhood had primary immune deficiency diseaseMonkeysmama

 

[honugirl]

Thank you everyone! I have to go get ready for a final in a few minutes, but I just want to thank everyone for their positive comments and for sticking up for me.

A lot of awesome strategies here. I wish I could just think myself well, but that's not the case. There are very real risks involved in my medical condition. For me if I vomit twice, I have to go to the ER. That's all it takes to put me in the hospital, so understandably, I want to take as many precautions as I can to prevent that from happening. I want to live my life as full as I can while being realistic. Believe me, I can't avoid all germs ! Heck, college students are typically about as clean as pre-schoolers! ha ha ha

I'll write more when I get home from my final. Thanks again everyone!