Health Issues

[hjic15102]

Four weeks ago I was found to have blood clots in my leg and lungs and put on a blood thinner Kumedin. My first question to the Doctor was would I still be able to go on my Dec 5th trip to WDW. He replied yes but "probably" no Space Mtn. or Mission Space etc.. Anyone here with a similiar condition put on any restrictions for riding certain rides or attractions ? Any "DIS doctors" have any thoughts?

 

[swald91]

I have high blood pressure & my Dr. says I can go on anything I want. I do avoid Mission Space...went on that before I was diagnosed w/ hbp and didn't feel too good after. I LOVE coasters & bumpy, wild rides. I just stay away from MS. I would definitely listen to your Dr. they understand your medical history better than sometimes you do. Enjoy your trip!!!!

 

[andymattmom]

Four weeks ago I was found to have blood clots in my leg and lungs and put on a blood thinner Kumedin. My first question to the Doctor was would I still be able to go on my Dec 5th trip to WDW. He replied yes but "probably" no Space Mtn. or Mission Space etc.. Anyone here with a similiar condition put on any restrictions for riding certain rides or attractions ? Any "DIS doctors" have any thoughts?

First, have a wonderful trip in December.

I would not take any advice other than that given by YOUR doctor. You can't compare YOUR medical condition with that of anyone else who might have similar situations. If YOUR doctor said "no" to the rides why even risk it? Why even ask "DIS doctors" for any thoughts--IMHO that is just plain stupid . Your doctor knows all your health issues...you just said you had clots in your legs and lungs and you could go. I would follow his or her advice ride the calmer rides and not risk my health. I also wouldn't be asking "DIS doctors" on a forum for advice regarding my health. Even if they have clots their condition is not going to be the same as yours...

 

[annej]

My father was on blood thinners and it is my understanding, especially in the first few months until they get you very well regulated, that there is a chance of brain hemorrage from bumps and blows. Hence, no roller coasters and things that can jerk you around. I don't mean to scare you, my dad did great but that is what they told him. I would definately listen to the doc. I too get blood clots in my legs so I feel for you there.

Have fun anyway - it is DISNEY!

 

[DebbieB]

I agree, I would go by what the "real doctor" says. I would not take any chances. There were incidents recently where individuals were unconcious when the train pulled back into the station on Expedition Everest and RnR because of heath problems, they later died.

 

[RMulieri]

Coumadin is a potent blood thinner( I am a RN)it takes months of periodic blood tests/dosage adjusts to regulate your clotting time appropriately.You are very susceptable to bleeding.Any extrme G-forces or bumping and jerking while still not regulated on Coumadin can cause bleeding,or worse ,hemorrhage.The brain as one pp pointed out is possible.If your Dr told you to avoid these things, you would do best to heed their instructions.Nothing(not even disney) is worth putting yourself at risk for.

 

[swald91]

As unfortunate as these posts are...it happens and it happens to people who don't even know they have any medical conditions!

 

[Scurvy]

Blood clots are nothing to mess around with, and neither is Coumadin. It's dangerous as the clots are breaking up because they can come loose and cause a blockage somewhere - you could have a stroke. Roller coasters and other things that shake you around could cause the clots to break loose and travel to other places in your body where they could be more dangerous.

It is difficult to regulate the dosage of something like Coumadin because it isn't like other medications - you will likely need frequent blood tests while you are taking it (especially at first) and the dosage will probably be changed often. Bruising and bleeding will probably be worse while you are taking it.

Follow your doctor's instructions. He knows the specifics of your case. No one on the Dis does. Plus, things like blood clots and blood thinners vary wildly - the danger depends on the location of the clots and just how much Coumadin you are taking. What is safe for one person while they are in a situation like yours could kill another person. Trust your doctor, not the "Dis doctors". (And if your doctor gave you a sheet with a list of things you shouldn't eat and things you shouldn't do, pay attention to that. Some of the things might seem silly but can make a big difference!)

Good luck! I hope you are able to go and really enjoy your trip - but follow your doctors orders. There will be more trips, and no trip is worth endangering your health.

 

[BradyBz12]

The timing on this thread is perfect. My uncle and aunt are coming with us to Disney in a little over a week and my uncle (in his 70s) was just put on Coumadin (sp?). I hadn't expected them to go on a lot of rides anyway, but it raises an excellent point and I'll make sure to have him check with his doctor for any restrictions before he leaves.

 

[Matt'sMom]

Coumadin is a potent blood thinner( I am a RN)it takes months of periodic blood tests/dosage adjusts to regulate your clotting time appropriately.You are very susceptable to bleeding.Any extrme G-forces or bumping and jerking while still not regulated on Coumadin can cause bleeding,or worse ,hemorrhage...

Listen to the advice from your Doctor and the above RN! You need to take care while taking Coumadin. Blood thinners can have a lot of side effects, ranging from severe bruising as a result of even minor bumps (my Father in Law has had this issue) , to something as serious as bleeding in the brain/stroke. My Father recently spent a week in the hospital (followed by a week in rehab) simply because he was running his riding lawnmower while still on Coumadin--and the vibrations caused bleeding inside of his skull. They needed to drill holes through his skull and put in drains, to relieve the pressure from the fluid build up. He is ok now, and no longer takes Coumadin... but it was a surprising lesson in just how careful you really need to be while taking any type of meds that thin the blood and reduce clotting.

Skip the thrill rides this trip, and anything that involves a lot of bumping around. I am sure your family would rather not have their vacation cut short due to an emergency trip to the hospital. The warning signs on certain attractions at WDW are there for very good reasons.

 

[disnut8]

Definitely listen to your doctor. So you have to miss a few attractions. The alternative is much, much worse.

Think of the positives. I have a broken neck and while I was laying in the hospital three weeks before our trip (we still went), I was so depressed thinking about what I couldn't do. But then I changed it to what I *could* do. My entire outlook was so much more positive because the "coulds" were a heck of a lot more than the "couldn'ts".

Start thinking about what you can do.

 

[TOM 'AN DAWN]

My DH is on Coumadin. I don't think his Dr ever told him to be careful doing anything like amusement rides. Probably just an oversite on his behalf but we have been to our local amusement park and he rode everything. Fortunately he had no problems or bruising. I'll definately have him talk to his Dr. though before our next Disney trip. Has anyones personal Dr told them to not ride a Disney ride or be cautious doing things that are along this line?

 

[Scurvy]

My DH is on Coumadin. I don't think his Dr ever told him to be careful doing anything like amusement rides. Probably just an oversite on his behalf but we have been to our local amusement park and he rode everything. Fortunately he had no problems or bruising. I'll definately have him talk to his Dr. though before our next Disney trip. Has anyones personal Dr told them to not ride a Disney ride or be cautious doing things that are along this line?

Mine did when I was prescribed Coumadin. He also said to avoid contact sports and any other "high impact" activity. My father-in-law is currently on Coumadin and his doctor (a different doctor) told him the same things.

 

[dalt01]

DW had DVT and ended up with pulmonary thrombosis which will kill ya more often than not. diagnosed with vienous insufficiancy which brings blood thinners for life and declared permanantly disabled last year at age 48. she shys away from the most jarring rides just to be safe. she can rap her hand on a counter corner and end up with a major bleed.

 

[RMulieri]

My DH is on Coumadin. I don't think his Dr ever told him to be careful doing anything like amusement rides. Probably just an oversite on his behalf but we have been to our local amusement park and he rode everything. Fortunately he had no problems or bruising. I'll definately have him talk to his Dr. though before our next Disney trip. Has anyones personal Dr told them to not ride a Disney ride or be cautious doing things that are along this line?

I can tell you as an RN of 12 yrs that we always tell our patients on Coumadin this.Especially older people on Coumadin since their skin and blood vessels thin with age and are susceptible to tears and bleeding easier anyway.Once you are established on Coumadin and are considered therapeutic, there is not as much as a risk, but there is always a risk of bleeding,stroke and hemorrhage while on Coumadin.

 

[dansamy]

Another nurse chiming in to say: listen to your doctor. I once had a patient whose family didn't listen to the "bedrest only" order. Their family member ended up with a pulmonary embolism and a trip to the ICU. It could have been much worse.

 

[Lynne M]

Honestly, I would stay away from ANY ride that has a health restriction. If they're not good for people with high blood pressure, heart conditions, back and neck problems etc., they're likely not going to be safe for you.

As others have said, coumadin is nothing to mess with. Back in my hospital days, we had a patient on coumadin pass away after falling down a flight of stairs.

We're not trying to frighten you. But. they're just rides, and it's just a vacation. None of the rides are life-changing experiences, and not a one of them is worth risking injury, hospitalization or worse over.

There are SO many tamer rides and shows at WDW, you'll find plenty to do.

 

[wdwtheplacetobe]

Pharmacist here agreeing TOTALLY with the nurses!

YOUR Doctor is calling ALL the shots in this situation!

You are lucky to be able to go to Disney! Make the most out of what you CAN do and don't dwell on what you can't!

Have a Fabulous Trip!

 

[tiggerlvr]

I have worked in our Coumadin clinic for 15 years, I work for 12 Cardiologist and we have had this question come up numerous times about rides at Disney and also other places. We always instruct our patients no roller coasters what so ever, no thrill rides, nothing that would jerk or slam you around. You can bleed very easily. Really whether you are regulated or not. We have had people who listen and then those who don't. Everybody is different and everyone reacts different to Coumadin, some peoples dose may not change for months, others change weekly....anyway we had a young man who asked this very question, I instructed him on our protocol, no rollercoasters or thrill rides etc. He went to Disney did not listen to us, and he ended up with a head bleed, he was a very sick youg man. He went to rehab and really was never the same after that, and he died. Coumadin is a powerful drug and not everyone reacts the same to it. I have had patient's on the same dosage for months, and then patient's who's dosage changes weekly. Some are more sensitive than others. Also please follow the dietary instruction you should have been given. This is important also. Please follow your doctor's instructions he or she knows whats best for you. They are looking out for your health. And it is so important with this drug.

 

[hjic15102]

Wow I'm overwelmed by all those taking to time to respond to my questions about my "health issues" Thank you to you all. Before I go I will get a definative answer from my Doctor as to what I'm allowed to do and follow his word completely. My wife keeps telling me I am taking my condition to lightly and from your responses I am beginning to agree. We are both 62 years old, did the Disney Half Marathon last January and are huge thrill ride enthusists. Perhaps a more relaxing trip to WDW, which we always say we are going to do, instead of rope drop stampedes is finally in order. Look out IASW here we come.