Going to Disney World after a stroke

[griffithvol1]

Hi all, I am 38 years old and found myself losing feeling in my face, left arm and left leg while reading before bed back in April of this year. I was lucky and was able to get the medication to help reverse most of the symptoms with just a small stutter and clonus (looks like spasms) when standing in one place for a long time or lifting something heavy. My question is for any who, themselves or a loved one, went to Disney after having a stroke. We are supposed to go in September and I am trying to prepare myself. Did any of you continue as normal? Did you rent a mobility device? I find that my endurance is also less than before.

 

[NYCgrrl]

I’m going for the first time since my stroke in a few weeks. Reserved the appropriate kind of accessible room, in the process of renting an ECV, and ensuring that boat transport will work for me. Can’t think of more to do as I noted on previous trips Disney is quite accommodating.

Go ahead and rent a wheelchair/ECV if it makes your enjoyment better.
HTH and have fun.

 

[ellataylor]

I went last December after a stroke, I have my own electric wheelchair as my right arms and leg was quite badly affected.

I found WDW the most liberating place to be, it really helped to me to feel brighter about the future. The transportation, accessible lines and all ease of accessibility made a huge difference. I was very apprehensive but so glad I didn’t let the fear grow too big.

We have another trip booked next month and I have to say I am more concerned this time because of the heat. Just planning on taking more breaks and spending loypts of time in the AC! My endurance is also not what it used to be.

Good luck with it all, it’s a scary path to have travelled.

 

[Dulcee]

My dad rented a scooter when we went after he had his stroke. After years of trips without it he didn’t “want” one but it was overall a good call.

Often what he would do is park it in one area, say fantasyland, and we’d do rides in that area while he maneuvered with his cane. We’d return to the scooter when we’d head to the next area or for the haul to leave the park. For him it was a good mix of the support he needed to not totally exhaust himself and allowed him to keep up with us. He’d also pick and choose which ride lines he’d prefer to have it with him for the wait. Knowing the parks in that regard comes in handy!

 

[PNO4TE]

My husband is 14 years past his stroke and we go to WDW a lot! We travel with his scooter and get an accessible room. Disney makes traveling with disabilities much, much easier. But, do yourself a favor and rent the ECV. You will not regret it. Do not hesitate to tell CMs what you need. If it is available they will help you find it. Ask for directions for easier access because they are not always out in plain sight. I hope you have an amazing time!

 

[Selket]

clonus (looks like spasms) when standing in one place for a long time

This plus your lessened endurance may mean that a WC or ECV rental will help you out. You can always park it and walk and come back to it (I used to do that a lot when I needed it less - for arthritic knees). Off-site rentals are usually best if you're staying on property as you can take it on the bus. A portable rental could work as well if you have a vehicle and plan to drive to the parks every day. I wish you the best on your recovery!

 

[griffithvol1]

Hi all, I am 38 years old and found myself losing feeling in my face, left arm and left leg while reading before bed back in April of this year. I was lucky and was able to get the medication to help reverse most of the symptoms with just a small stutter and clonus (looks like spasms) when standing in one place for a long time or lifting something heavy. My question is for any who, themselves or a loved one, went to Disney after having a stroke. We are supposed to go in September and I am trying to prepare myself. Did any of you continue as normal? Did you rent a mobility device? I find that my endurance is also less than before.

Thanks everyone. I am just stressing out about being a hindrance to my family as I have always been the tour guide when it comes to Disney. You all have helped me so much.

 

[mamabunny]

Thanks everyone. I am just stressing out about being a hindrance to my family as I have always been the tour guide when it comes to Disney. You all have helped me so much.

Newsflash! Rent that ECV, and you will *still* be the tour guide! Bonus extra: when your family is saying things like "my feet hurt" and "let's stop and rest for a while" you will still be OK - because you are letting the ECV help you. You are using it like a tool - as part of your recovery, and that's a great idea!

The whole goal for your trip should be to get back home again in the same or better condition than when you left. The ECV is a great tool to help with that. Use all the tools at your disposal, and Keep Moving Forward.

Have a great trip!

 

[Selket]

I am just stressing out about being a hindrance to my family as I have always been the tour guide when it comes to Disney.

The lines are so mainstreamed there that there's only a few places where it is different. Some won't allow you to take the ECV in so you'd need to transfer to a WC (which they have there) or walk through the queue. I've also sometimes walked using a WC as a "rollator" to steady myself. Or the train in the MK, for example, you can't take the ECV but you can just ride full circle and come back to it (or put your family on the train and you take your ECV over to wherever they get off).

I always stay on site because it is so much easier with the rental ECV. For the bus to the park, I usually send my family in the regular line while I wait in the WC area. The few times they've actually gotten on a different bus and arrived before me - I sent them to Starbucks to get my coffee so it's there when I arrive - haha! Or it gives them time to go to the restroom and get a drink or what not. Of course if you want to stay together that's all good too!

You will not be hindered in your tour guide duties on the ECV - it will allow you to go at their pace which is a great feeling.

 

[Baytothemax]

Be honest with yourself about abilities. Yes, you may be able to stand 10 minutes, but if it puts you in tone or saps all your energy, it’s not worth it to be nice to the CMs. I honestly keep my ecv longer than needed at times because I can’t chance a delay or breakdown. And you really can’t predict those so it’s better to be safe than sorry. You deserve to get the accommodations you need to fully enjoy yourself, even if it makes the line wait an extra minute.

 

[Bete]

Agree with comments above. Further considerations are weather can be hot in September; so, stay well hydrated. Also, I'd be careful and avoid most of the thrill rides. Go early to the park; it helps. Consider a nap in the afternoon and come back in the evening. Alternating rides with shows is helpful, too.

 

[GatorGirl14]

All of this information is so helpful! I just joined this site because I've booked our first cruise for February. I have Central Post-Stroke Pain Syndrome (among many other complications from postpartum eclampsia 7 years ago), and have always worried that I wasn't ever going to be able to bring my son to Disney. I grew up in Florida myself, but now live in Georgia, so I've been there, but want my son to experience the magic too. Y'all have really given me so much hope now!

griffithvol1 - good luck with your continued recovery! It does get easier over time as you find your new "normal." Hope you have an amazing trip!

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