Heart Patient

[i_hrt_mickey]

I had not thought of this before now and we arrive to the World in 4 days, but the DH had a heart attack in Mar 05 and I am just now wondering (a little too late) about how much he will accutally be able to do? Now I am feeling really bad that he may not be able to really enjoy his self.

 

[ibleedblue]

He should be able to handle everything but the thrill rides. And there's PLENTY to do without the thrill rides. If he's in general good health the walking shouldn't bother him. If it does there are always wheelchairs, or if you get to the parks early enough, ECV's that can be rented.

 

[mickaholic4077]

When you go into your first park,stop at guest relations and ask them for a Guest Assistance Card. You will be able to go on fastpass lines with no fastpass. For reasons I won't go into,I have the use of a G.A.C. and I don't need a fastpass at all.

 

[liltoot]

Call his doctor before you go and ask him/her.

 

[i_hrt_mickey]

Call his doctor before you go and ask him/her.

Thanks all....
Yes I have already called and he said he can not ride the thrill rides
(anything that drops or sudden changes) Is there a list some where that has rides with warnings? Just curious....

Thanks again

 

[MareSINY]

My dad has a heart condition and he comes with us to WDW regularly and never complains about being bored or missing the magic. We're not big thrill riders to begin with, and when some of the brave adults want to go on a roller coaster he'll hang back in his ECV and watch the kids (including this big kid! ROFL)

 

[DBarber600]

Plenty to do without riding rides! It's just a wonderful atmosphere and he will enjoy himself!

Have Fun!

ETA that our next door neighbor has had heart problems as well and cannot ride the rides. They went for the first time this summer and are going back next summer ... HTH!

 

[i_hrt_mickey]

I am feeling much better. We had been before in 01 and 03 and I didn't think how he would not be able to do because he had done them before. Of course that was b4 his heart attack. It will just be the two of us and I was mostly wanting him to have a nice relaxing vacation seeing as we had not be on a vacation since 2003....

Thanks, I knew I could count on my "DisFriends" to help me see the brighter side of our trip...

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I am in the same situation, but mine was extremely mild
2) My advice
. . . walk around, but sit when he feels a little tired - don't wait for exhaustion
. . . if walking is too tiring, get an ECV electric cart
. . . drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration
. . . carry his emergency meds (eg. aspirin or digitalis), just in case
. . . don't do the real thrill rides - ToT, RnRC, Body Wars
. . . the Star Tours ride is questionable, but fine for me
. . . semi-thrill rides should be fine - Splash Mountain, BTM, Space Mountain
. . . high g-force rides should be avoided - MISSION:SPACE, Tea Cups


NOTE: The non-thrill coasters and rides may be a little jolty, but aren't big on g-forces. Yes, I know that Tea Cups is a "kid's" ride, but if it gets spinning, it can build up enough g-force to put excess pressure on the system.

 

[minkydog]

1) My advice
. . . walk around, but sit when he feels a little tired - don't wait for exhaustion
. . . if walking is too tiring, get an ECV electric cart
. . . drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration
. . . carry his emergency meds (eg. aspirin or digitalis), just in case
. . . don't do the real thrill rides - ToT, RnRC, Body Wars

NOTE: The non-thrill coasters and rides may be a little jolty, but aren't big on g-forces. Yes, I know that Tea Cups is a "kid's" ride, but if it gets spinning, it can build up enough g-force to put excess pressure on the system.

I'm quoting this because it is good advice. My DH has congestive heart failure. He has a pacemaker and takes 19 medications daily. Obviously, we don't to anything that might upend his health. However, we do go to Disney, both as a couple and with the family. We have found that taking rest periods in our room is absolutley necessary for DH. So we pick a resort that has a lot of offer because we spend about 1/2 our time there.

Some of the low-key things we like to do is visit other resorts, go over to DTD, hang out in the GF lobby(they always have music going on). We like to people watch in all the parks, especially Epcot.

If your DH is following a low sodium diet, call the dining ext so you can alert the chefs ahead of time. My hubby has to really watch the salt and they were amazingly responsive to his diet. Even at HDDR he recieved a special meal that was attractive and delicious, and much lower in sodium than the fried chicken, ribs, corn, and beans.

 

[liltoot]

1) I am in the same situation, but mine was extremely mild
2) My advice
. . . walk around, but sit when he feels a little tired - don't wait for exhaustion
. . . if walking is too tiring, get an ECV electric cart
. . . drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration
. . . carry his emergency meds (eg. aspirin or digitalis), just in case
. . . don't do the real thrill rides - ToT, RnRC, Body Wars
. . . the Star Tours ride is questionable, but fine for me
. . . semi-thrill rides should be fine - Splash Mountain, BTM, Space Mountain
. . . high g-force rides should be avoided - MISSION:SPACE, Tea Cups


NOTE: The non-thrill coasters and rides may be a little jolty, but aren't big on g-forces. Yes, I know that Tea Cups is a "kid's" ride, but if it gets spinning, it can build up enough g-force to put excess pressure on the system.

I'm no doctor but I think that Star Tours, the drop at the end of Splash Mountain, BTM and especially Space Mountain would not be a good idea. There is so much to do that is safe I would say when in doubt, don't. Have fun.

 

[adisneymama]

Hi all, hope you don't mind me asking a question about the GAC mentioned earlier. My dh was hit by an 18 wheeler in 2004 and has suffered heart problems from the wreck. (Thankfully not a heart attack) He is on 3 blood pressure medicines and can't do the thrill rides either. What exactly is this GAC? Is this something he would qualify for? We leave in the morning and I would love to know what it is all about.
Thanks and sorry to hijack the thread.

 

[flortlebap]

Each ride has posted warnings at the beginning. If in doubt, don't ride.

There are chicken out exits on most of the rides too, so he could always stand in line with you then leave and let you ride alone

 

[i_hrt_mickey]

You all have given some excellent advise. I apperciate it.... I have been talking to DH all evening and I think we will do ok.... I have made an itinary b4 now and I have scheduled time for us to go back to the hotel and rest.
I told him at least if we are not spending the majority of our time in line for the thrill rides we will get to see more....
I have one question both times we went b4 we did not ride the POTC or HM could he possiblly do these ride..... I have no clue what they are like... I read where children under 2 are doing HM....

Thank again

 

[GypsySue]

Hi all, hope you don't mind me asking a question about the GAC mentioned earlier. My dh was hit by an 18 wheeler in 2004 and has suffered heart problems from the wreck. (Thankfully not a heart attack) He is on 3 blood pressure medicines and can't do the thrill rides either. What exactly is this GAC? Is this something he would qualify for? We leave in the morning and I would love to know what it is all about.
Thanks and sorry to hijack the thread.

I would be interested to know about this as well. My dad has had two heart attacks and has an internal defibulator. We are going to WDW in 11 days. We're taking all the precautions mentioned, but any extra help we can get for him would be great!

 

[flortlebap]

I would say take frequent rests, too. It puts a LOT of strain on your body.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Posters asking about the Guest Assistance Card (GAC) should read this http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=10237514&postcount=6 post from the disABILITIES FAQ on the disABILITIES board

In fact, here's http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713 the link to the entire thread.

Especially important is this information from the post:
the GAC is not meant to be a pass that gives immediate access. In fact, about 6 years ago, they renamed it to Card because when it was called a Pass, people thought it mean front of the line access. It says right on the card that it will not shorten or eliminate waits in line.

 

[Stitchfans]

I had a heart attack back in 1998. the only thrill ride I went on was BTMR. Had no problems with it. Wouldn't think of going on TOT or Rock n Roller. But I plan on going on Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids on our upcoming trip.

 

[bytheblood]

Please call his doctor before you go and read and heed to the warning signs.

 

[Dana49]

Everyone is different of course, but I'm 57 years old, I had a quintuple bypass 7 years ago, and have not had a problem at WDW since then (knock on wood). I do watch my diet carefully and I try to walk between 12-15 miles a week. I would definitely heed the advice of his doctor and take it easy. He'll be fine. Enjoy!