Heart Attack right before Disney

ama_george

Earning My Ears
Joined
Mar 18, 2016
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50
We are headed to Disney the first week of June. My dad had a heart attack less than two weeks ago. Obviously he is talking to his doctor about the concerns and precautions to take but since we've never been, I was hoping I could get some advice from here, as well. I know it will be hot and it is so much walking. We are thinking about renting an ECV? I found a list of rides he possibly needs to avoid on here, too. Any other tips/advice? Thanks for your help!
 
Well, first off, SO SORRY to hear this!!! I hope your dad gets all the help he needs from the doctors, and makes a full recovery!

So then, obviously, the doctors opinion is going to be the one that matters most. Beyond what he has to say, I would guess an ECV, or wheel chair would probably be in order, some kind of protection from the heat, plenty of fluids, and rest in the A/C as much as possible.

Best of wishes for your fathers speedy recovery, and hopefully he is able to go, and have a wonderful time!
 
I'm so sorry to hear this. Definitely, follow doctor's orders. I'm going to move this thread to the disabilities board.
 

Welcome to the disABILITIES Forum! I am so sorry to hear of your father's recent event, but hopefully he is recovering nicely. I also strongly recommend full discussion with his healthcare provider about restricted activities since the event was so recent. Yes, it will be hot and humid; he might want to use a wheelchair or ECV to conserve his energy and remember for everyone to stay well hydrated. I'd suggest alternating indoor/outdoor activities, and rides/shows. Also be aware of rides with warnings as most are related to cardiac concerns. WDW will leave it up to the guest to determine whether a ride is appropriate or not for their own personal health situation.

You may find the disABILITIES FAQs thread pinned near the top of this forum to be helpful with your planning.

Best wishes on your father's recovery and enjoy your vacation!
 
My husband had his "cardiac event" (I'm not allowed to say heart attack) 3 weeks before a 10 day trip to Disney. He did have a stent placed but not open heart surgery. The doctor said absolutely no roller coasters because the stent might shift but to walk as much as he wanted. Make sure your dad talks openly with his doctor regarding rides and walking before the trip.
 
My husband had his "cardiac event" (I'm not allowed to say heart attack) 3 weeks before a 10 day trip to Disney. He did have a stent placed but not open heart surgery. The doctor said absolutely no roller coasters because the stent might shift but to walk as much as he wanted. Make sure your dad talks openly with his doctor regarding rides and walking before the trip.
How did he handle the walking? My dad works a job where he is on his feet for the majority of his twelve hour shift but he doesn't exercise much outside of that. He also has quit smoking since the "cardiac event" so I'm hoping that will help him not get as winded. The doctor at the hospital said he needed to be walking but we aren't sure that much walking will be possible.
 
I would recommend an off-site ecv rental company, and it might be worth splurging for the canopy to keep him out of the direct sun to avoid overheating. Hope he improves enough that you are able to cautiously enjoy you time there
 
If the doctor wants him walking as much as possible, you might want to go with a wheelchair if someone can push him or a rollator. With the wheelchair, he could walk and push as needed, but when he was too tired, he could be pushed. With a rollator, he would walk and push it, but he would be able to sit down when or where he needed.

If he does go the ECV route, but wants to walk, he can park it and walk as needed. An example would be that at MK, he could drive to Tomorrowland and park the EVC and then walk to the attractions. Then when you want to move to another land, he can drive there and park and walk as he wants.

I will say that staying hydrated and taking breaks will help. During the hottest part of the day, if you are planning to be in the parks, use that time to plan for more indoor attractions or shows.
 
How did he handle the walking? My dad works a job where he is on his feet for the majority of his twelve hour shift but he doesn't exercise much outside of that. He also has quit smoking since the "cardiac event" so I'm hoping that will help him not get as winded. The doctor at the hospital said he needed to be walking but we aren't sure that much walking will be possible.
.

He works on his feet all day too and lifts 250lb equipment but like your dad, didn't exercise either. Smoker also. The Dr. said the exercise was good for him and walk as much as he felt comfortable with. He had no problems at all. We leave in August for his first trip back since 2013. He is so excited that Dr. gave him a clean bill of health to ride whatever he wanted!!
 
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To add to the above I would make sure you don't go full speed ahead all day and don't rush. Make sure any medicines that need to be taken are not forgotten about on vacation.

I would alternate shows with rides. Shows will be cooler and more of a rest. Take a break with a meal, too. Stay hydrated. You can get free tap water anywhere. Where a hat to block the sun. Use plenty of sun tan lotion.

He can stay in his scooter for the shows and the scooter will have to be parked for the rides. You can take the scooter through the ride queues. You may want to park the scooter for him and let him go straight to the ride. That will save time and steps. Also, if you are using Disney bus transportation you might be better off getting the scooter on and off the bus for him.

You want to watch the battery level power on the scooter. Make sure when you see a show that the scooter is turned off. He will be unfamiliar and he may forget to shut it off. This is true of fireworks and parades, too.

You may spot your dad nodding off at a show. It might be time to go back to the resort for a rest. Start off early; so, you can take advantage of less crowds and cooler temperatures in the morning. Then, take a break in the heat of the day and return in the evening when it's cooler. Don't push too hard. If he needs more downtime let him have it.

Take time to take some great pictures with everyone. Do some meet and greets with him, too.
 
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We are headed to Disney the first week of June. My dad had a heart attack less than two weeks ago. Obviously he is talking to his doctor about the concerns and precautions to take but since we've never been, I was hoping I could get some advice from here, as well. I know it will be hot and it is so much walking. We are thinking about renting an ECV? I found a list of rides he possibly needs to avoid on here, too. Any other tips/advice? Thanks for your help!
my adopted daughter had a heart attack just before her one son's MAW trip. rent from offsite so you have at resort. have dad practice at Walmart or wherever he can use one. have a poncho for dad but make sure when he puts on that it covers the back of seat along with dad, that keeps rain from running down and ponding on the seat. if you leave ECV outside cover seat and controls with poncho if looks like any chance of rain
 
Sorry to hear about your dad. There's a few things to consider. First a little about me....huge Disney fan - been to the parks almost every year since 2009, Hubby is T1Diabetic and had a heart attack, stent and bypass surgery (not all at the same time) and I work with cardiologists on a daily basis (technologist). After any event there are going to be new meds that can affect him in a few surprising ways. My DH was surprised to see how easily he would burn in the sun, also some cardiac meds can cause lethargy so be prepared. Walking is awesome!!! Too many people become scared to walk and exercise but it really is the best thing he can do. If he had Angio, he would know if he is susceptible to further angina attacks (if he has other blockages that can cause problems). I always carry a few chewable baby asperin in my purse and nitro spray. Not to scare you, but I always take notice of the AED locations, just in case. The biggest challenge, so soon after a cardiac event , is getting the medications titrated properly. Hopefully that helps!
 
If you are flying to Orlando, make sure that is ok with his doctors. After my dad had his first "cardiac event" his doctors told him no flying for a few months.
 
Sorry to hear about your dad. There's a few things to consider. First a little about me....huge Disney fan - been to the parks almost every year since 2009, Hubby is T1Diabetic and had a heart attack, stent and bypass surgery (not all at the same time) and I work with cardiologists on a daily basis (technologist). After any event there are going to be new meds that can affect him in a few surprising ways. My DH was surprised to see how easily he would burn in the sun, also some cardiac meds can cause lethargy so be prepared. Walking is awesome!!! Too many people become scared to walk and exercise but it really is the best thing he can do. If he had Angio, he would know if he is susceptible to further angina attacks (if he has other blockages that can cause problems). I always carry a few chewable baby asperin in my purse and nitro spray. Not to scare you, but I always take notice of the AED locations, just in case. The biggest challenge, so soon after a cardiac event , is getting the medications titrated properly. Hopefully that helps!

They just told him this last week that he has another blockage that is 60-70% and will get another stent when we get back from vacation. We are going to go with a scooter to be safe because he has been super short on breath and hasn't had time to build up his strength. I'm hoping we can park it some and he can walk around but have it just in case. Thank you for your advise!
 
They just told him this last week that he has another blockage that is 60-70% and will get another stent when we get back from vacation. We are going to go with a scooter to be safe because he has been super short on breath and hasn't had time to build up his strength. I'm hoping we can park it some and he can walk around but have it just in case. Thank you for your advise!
So sorry to hear that he will need further surgery. It sounds like his ADRs are on top of things though, so that's good. I'm glad you'll be getting the scooter. Best to be careful until he gets the new stent. Try and have a great holiday
 
I didn't see any reference to where you're staying. If you are staying onsite, definitely get an ECV from an offsite provider. If you're not staying at a Disney resort, make sure you can transport and ECV. We're going in two days and staying at SOG. We're getting an ECV from offsite. Have a good trip.
 
I'm sorry about your Dad. I don't have anything to offer, but I wanted to say I hope that he recovers quickly and y'all have a great time at Disney!
 












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