GAC for shoulder surgery?

[christianne]

Hi! We are leaving July 11 for 10 days & just found out my DH needs shoulder surgery next week. He has AVN in both shoulders (death of the joints) they are doing a procedure where they will be drilling holes in to the bone to try to rejuvinate it- sorry for the graphic description! Six week recovery, arm immobilized, etc, which brings us right to Disney. What can I expect from the GAC? I am asuming he will qualify for one, as he also has ulcerative colitis and is on immune suppressants. This is our first trip w/ all 3 kids (DS 11 DD 11 & DD 5)and any suggestions would be helpful...TIA

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Welcome! If you go to the Disabilities FAQ sticky at the top of the page, there is a whole section on GACs that should be really helpful.

Specific diagnoses do not qualify you for GACs, they are there to help CMs provide you with the accommodations you need. For example: how mobile is he? Will he need the use of a wheelchair for stamina/endurance while at the World? Will he be able to do stairs, be in crowds, etc? Is he going to be on any medications that limit his exposure to the sun?

When you go to the World, go to Guest Relations and tell them waht the issues are and they will tell you what if anything you need to get any necessary accommodations. Please remember that a GAC does not give you a shortened wait time, (In fact, in some instances it can be longer if there is a special ride vehicle needed to accommodate) it merely provides you with the accommodations so that each ride is accessible.

 

[Schmeck]

I would think he wouldn't be allowed to go on any rides if his arms still need to be immobilized - even IASW can be bumpy if there's a backup of boats. Not saying WDW wouldn't let him on rides, just that the doctor may say no rides.

And if he is on immune suppressants - even if you wait away from crowds, WDW is germ-soup, as there are people from all over the world vacationing there, and they bring their different germs with them. Meaning, it could be very dangerous to someone who is immunosuppressed, as he would have no protection against a bunch of new germs. Every surface would have to be decontaminated before he touched them, or he would have to be very careful when eating and even riding the buses.

So, I suggest bringing lots of wipes for surfaces, gloves to protect his hands, maybe even a mask for his face? You might be better off renting a car to drive to the parks. Hopefully he will have recovered enough to experience some of the attractions!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Schmeck makes a good point. Is there anyway to push back your trip so it is not soon after his operation? You will probably be able to do more and worry less.