heart condition/wheelchair

[zeke11]

this is causing me some stress.....I look totally normal and can walk fine short distances. However, I have a severe heart condition and cannot overdo it - no exertion. Thus, I would like to rent a wheelchair on our upcoming vacation. I am so stressed about the fact that I look healthy and worry about what others are thinking seeing me climbing in and out of a wheelchair with ease.

I know it is wrong for me to feel like this - are there any others who don't look disabled, but need to use a wheelchair for other conditions like mine?

Kris

 

[mechurchlady]

It is normal to feel that way. Most people do not care or notice that a person is using a wheelchair or ECV. I saw a pretty woman maybe 40ish and healthy looking with an ECV at DLR but she looked like she could be in the Sears or Penney's catalogue as a housewife/model. Nobody cares at the parks unless you are running them down or in their way. They are in a big hurry to get things done and too busy gawking at the parks to care.

Big hugs and you are doing something good for yourself. Have fun on your trip and do not worry about what others think about you.

Hugs and chocolates
Laurie

 

[tarkus]

There are many of us out there that have disabilities that can't be immediately seen. There is also a large population of us that can stand and walk some but need assistance to cover long distances. It is only natural to feel as you do.

Use a chair or ECV and enjoy your trip to Disney to the fullest. The cast members are aware of the issues you have and are well trained and understanding.

Most other visitors won't even notice as they are also there to enjoy the magic.

Have a wonderful vacation.

Be Big,
AMAC

 

[LauraVV]

I look pretty normal. In fact, I look much healthier now that I've developed a bunch of health problems. Last January/February we went to Disney. I purchased an ECV before our trip. I found a cheaper one at Farm and Fleet. It cost twice the weekly rental at Disney. I find myself using it more and more, especially when shopping or going to the hospital.

You know, it's really tough to admit that you cannot do what others can. It stinks.

 

[Coloradomom]

Please do not worry. I too use a wheelchair but can easily get out and go on rides, walk up to counters to shop or order meals, etc. Never had a problem or any looks.
Do what you need to do to stay healthy and not wear yourself out.
Here is a tip: rather than rent a chair consider buying one if you will be visiting WDW again. We bought a transport wheelchair about a year ago, it is lighweight. It has the smaller wheels so DH has to push it which is fine with him, and it only cost about $130.00

 

[janiejake]

<<<I know it is wrong for me to feel like this - are there any others who don't look disabled, but need to use a wheelchair for other conditions like mine?>>>

You get that wheelchair, and USE it! A disability does not have to be visible. Do not worry about what others are thinking. You will have a hard time enjoying yourself if you are stressing your body, and your psyche. Do consider an ECV instead of a wheelchair. (unless you have a motorized one). Our last trip, 3 yrs ago (SO long ago...), I ended up needing a wheelchair by the end of our trip-totally NOT in my plan.. Booking this trip, thought I was in decent shape again...and a week after booking, more problems. Seriously considering an ECV if I'm not considerably better in a few weeks. I did not enjoy the lack of control, being in the WC. I need to be in charge. Plus, no one else is being stressed, doing the pushing.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hia and to disABILITIES!

Please ask the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[DisneyFreaks]

I sincerely hope you listen to the advice you get on this board and take it. I also have some of the fears you are experiencing and the folks here have made me feel so much better. I look normal as well but walking long distances is almost impossible without extreme pain due to arthritis in my spine. I am still a little fearful of renting an ECV but have definitely decided to at least get the WC if and when walking becomes a problem. You want your vacation to be magical right? Then do what you have to do to make it that way. You'll feel better and have a wonderful time without worrying that you are doing something negative to your health. The heck with what other people think. What's important is you and your family. Have an awesome trip!

 

[McCall]

First of all no one will notice or care, but more to the point why on earth do you give a hoot what any people you don't know and will never see again and are nothing to you think of seeing you climb in or out of a wheelchar?

Have you ever noticed at at Disney or other parks a bunch of scooters parked outside of rides and attractions? what do you think happened to the riders? most of them got up and walked, hobbled or whatever onto the rides or at least transferred to a WC and then probably stood and climbed onto a ride. Not all certainly but the majority of them. I have a heart condition as well I also have MS, RA and a few other things, none of which show, instead I look like a red headed heavy lady on a scooter, or in a WC, SO WHAT?

I assume you are going to enjoy yourself and maybe your family. you are not going to impress anyone with anything good or bad.

Use whatever works for you, and allows you to live your life to the fullest, and don't look back.

 

[Tara619]

I just posted something similar. I look healthy, am young, and can walk short distances, but know I won't be able to handle the 10-15 miles a day Disney requires. I'm nervous renting a scooter and dealing with the buses.