Has anyone been with fibromyalgia?

[vitani88]

So I'm getting a little worried about my mom. We're going in December for 7 days (with a possible day at UNI) and she has fibromyalgia. She gets tired very easily and changes in her routine can really throw her off her game. Some days she's exhausted when she wakes up and in pain all day. I mean, she takes vicodin and flexeril every day of her life and either of those would knock me completely out. She hasn't planned on renting a scooter (she'll be 54 and she's never used one before for anything). She's done a tour of DC (but I'm thinking that was part bus tour) and she went to The Holy Land Experience last year and was okay, but that one was only a day.

I have two to three hour long breaks planned in the middle of each day and days going from 9/10am until 9/10pm. I anticipate staying after she goes back to the room because I know she won't be able to hang that long. Each day we have 1-2 table service meals each day and shows planned (Nemo, BatB, CP, etc) just about every day, so at least part of our time will be spent sitting. Anyone have any experience with this situation? Should she just rent a scooter? Opinions?

 

[Bete]

back and she was in the same age range and with fibro. She would tell you a scooter is an absolute must. It made a big difference for her. She still retired early most days, but she was able to do 6 to 8 hours a day. Alternating shows and rides are a must; so, there is a rest period. It's the same with meals; they provide a rest, too. I've heard some using the first aid centers at the parks for a rest. If you don't want to go the scooter route then think about a wheelchair or rollator.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

There's a recent discussion of this here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3276661

You will not be one of "those people" boarding the buses. Honestly, most other guests don't care that much. The ones who make negative comments would be making negative comments about something else. Quite honestly, I've never heard comments made about me anyway. I tend to think of "those people" as being the ones who complain and can't slow down to just have fun

 

[Disneylandnewbie]

I have fibromyalgia and I have been twice. The scooter idea is great. My DH pushes me in a wheelchair and just being able to rest in it and not do as much walking is very helpful. It makes it to where I can actually enjoy vacation instead of being miserable the whole time. ope that helps

 

[LuvGoofy6]

I'm 49 and have fibro. I noticed last time we went to Disneyland that I was exhausted and photos at the end of our vacation compared to the beginning show the exhaustion. Humidity is what does me in as far as fatigue. Of course, many people get tired with humidity but since my fibro it seems worse.

You have done everything you can to help her. She may not want a scooter, I know that I didn't want one. The things that are key are taking breaks such as a sit down meal where she can get out of the heat/humidity and sit for a good meal in air conditioning. Sometimes, I just got an iced coffee and sat on a shaded bench while my family rode a few of the rides that I didn't want to ride. If it isn't time for a meal then the shows that you've built into the schedule will help her. For example, Magic Kingdom has Country Bear Jamboree, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Mickey's PhilharMagic or the Hall of Presidents. Just letting her know that it is ok to go back to the hotel early or get to the parks later than the rest of you will reassure her that she doesn't need to push herself too far. It's really hard to plan outside of "generally speaking" because we never know which days will be bad days. You are a wonderful daughter to think about these things for her. Have a fun trip!