Has anyone used a wheelchair in Disney for support and balance?

[TeresaNJ]

I've been battling severe lower back and r hip pain for quite some time now, and it's getting progressively worse. The only thing that relieves it slightly is 600mg ibuprofen several times a day, and it only relieves it enough to keep me from crying. Walking is excruciating at times, and to relieve the pain I have to constantly bend over for a few seconds, or put my leg up on something and bend over to stretch.

I was hoping to be able to get a steroid injection, but the physician wants an MRI first, and I'm having a difficult time getting my insurance company to approve it. I also have a mixed connective tissue disease to complicate things.

We are leaving for WDW in a little less than two weeks, and I was wondering if it would be appropriate for me to rent a wheelchair to mainly push, as I do get some relief in stores when I am able to support myself on a shopping cart, as I can balance on the good leg to get some relief when the pain becomes intense. I won't always be with someone who can push me around. I thought with the wheelchair, I can use it for balance and relief, plus be able to sit when I need to, in case there isn't seating available.

What do you all think? I know I shouldn't care if people think I'm weird when they see me pushing an empty wheelchair. I considered renting an ECV, but I don't feel I am quite there yet to needing one of those, plus there is the hassle of loading it on the buses, when I can easily fold the wheelchair and carry it on.

 

[locolala]

I used a chair the last time I was in WDW, both for sitting and for balance. Personally I don't care if people look at me strangely, so I didn't notice if anyone did or not.

As for the pain, I would recommend you try something like Tramadol (Ultram) before trying the injections. I know people who have done the injections and then they have to do them for years because the pain gets worse after the shot wears off. I took Tramadol for 4 years, for chronic back pain after a spinal injury. I stopped taking it last month when I found out I was pregnant. Since it is non narcotic, it isn't addictive and it's harder to build up a tolerance. Much easier on your stomach than IB and it works very, very well!

 

[TeresaNJ]

Thanks for the suggestions loco! I just made an appointment with a well-known orthopedic clinic, but the appointment is after I come back from my trip. I'm prohibited from taking certain medications because I have elevated liver enzymes which is familial in nature, so I have to be very careful. I'll ask about the Ultram when I see my rheumatologist on Monday. Also, thanks for the heads up on the injections. I've heard pros and cons about it.

 

[mcco5543]

Holy Moly save yourself and your pain factor and rent an ECV! They're not expensive, will be delievered to your resort and picked up, and is very easy to get on and off the bus system.


If you really aren't willing to do that then yes rent a chair. Disney is not for being in pain, Disney is for Magic. Everyone else who looks at you funny can go stick it!

 

[SueM in MN]

My FIL used to like to push DD's wheelchair for support.
I've got 2 cautions about using a wheelchair the way you are planning. One is that there are many more hills and ramps around than you notice when you are just walking. My FIL found that in that situation, it could be difficult to control the wheelchair. They don't have brakes up high where you can reach them to keep it from moving too fast, so it can be easy to loose control. The 2nd thing is that the rental wheelchairs can weigh 50 pounds and pushing one around all day (even an empty one) might take a toll on you.

Instead if a wheelchair, you may want to look into a rollator - a walker with wheels and a seat. They are designed to be pushed and have hand brakes like a bicycle does. At least one of the full service rental comanies listed in post 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs rents them.

 

[TeresaNJ]

Great suggestions. I'll definitely look into them.

 

[mommy2allgirls]

I saw don't worry what others will think and do what is best for you. you want to enjoy your vacation and you can't do that in pain. I think a walker would be easier than a wheelchair for the reason you want but I think you may want to sit in the wheelchair since WDW is so big and like a pp said has hills and stuff. I hope you have a wonderful trip!