Help deciding whether to keep trip or change at last minute.

[RoseMom]

This isn’t technically a disability question but just looking for something helpful from others who have maybe been in my position. I was diagnosed about a month ago with Hashimoto’s. My endocrinology appointment is not for about another month. Looking back, I’ve had the symptoms for years but thought I was just a tired, older mom. About 6 months ago things got completely worse for me and after lots of testing we figured out what was going on. I have a daughter with type 1 diabetes so I’m not completely unfamiliar with autoimmune diseases or Hashimoto’s as she is tested annually. All of this to say, we have an 8 night trip scheduled over Christmas. I know I’m not going to be able to stay at the parks as long as I normally do. My kids (15 and turning 7 on our trip) are of course looking forward to the trip. However, we are DVC so it’s not like they never go to Disney. Giving my circumstances just wondering if I should reschedule the trip or look at doing something else (?cruise). Anyone ever been in this situation and if so how did you make it at Disney through the complete exhaustion?

 

[lanejudy]

Are you on a thyroid hormone med now? Like Synthroid, Unithroid, Levoxyl or levothyroxine sodium. I was Dx’d hypothyroid a few years before my Hashimoto’s dx. If you are already on meds, you may be feeling better in a month, though it can take some time for adjustments to find the right dose. I would still go, with the understanding that you may need a nap. Have you been at Christmas before? It can be very crowded and you may not “do” as much as usual anyway due to crowds.

 

[RoseMom]

Are you on a thyroid hormone med now? Like Synthroid, Unithroid, Levoxyl or levothyroxine sodium. I was Dx’d hypothyroid a few years before my Hashimoto’s dx. If you are already on meds, you may be feeling better in a month, though it can take some time for adjustments to find the right dose. I would still go, with the understanding that you may need a nap. Have you been at Christmas before? It can be very crowded and you may not “do” as much as usual anyway due to crowds.

No, I’m not on Synthroid at this time. My TSH is currently within defined limits and my PCP wants endo to make decisions about medicine. I have had an ultrasound and will be following up with nodules found on that. Yes, we have been to Disney during Christmas. I’m probably going to splurge for the Premiere Pass some days.

 

[hardcorestitch]

No, I’m not on Synthroid at this time. My TSH is currently within defined limits and my PCP wants endo to make decisions about medicine. I have had an ultrasound and will be following up with nodules found on that. Yes, we have been to Disney during Christmas. I’m probably going to splurge for the Premiere Pass some days.

Don’t force yourself on the more intense attractions if you’re not up for it… Disney has plenty of enjoyable things that aren’t rides…

 

[WLWildlife]

If you decide to go, I would have a family discussion about expectations for this trip. Go at a slower pace and rest every afternoon (we do that every trip because we just need a break from the noise and people). I'm sorry you're not feeling well and hope you feel better very soon.

 

[MICKIMINI]

I would go. Along with a slower pace, maybe do a morning park and then hang out at the pool the rest of the day or vice versa. That works well for us though we sometimes try to go back in the evening. I'm 50/50 at that point. Maybe rent an ECV for a longer park day, especially at EPCOT. That may take the edge off for you. I resisted for a decade and finally gave in...game changer.

In Dec 2019 I had TKR surgery. We had a trip planned to meet our son and DIL at WDW. My surgeons insisted we all go (former colleagues of my son) and we did. I rented ECV's at each park. We had a wonderful time and though recovery was rough after surgery, it was great to have those fun memories just a few weeks prior.

Sit everyone down (maybe pizza night) and be open about how you feel physically, which then zaps you mentally. They will be happy that the family is still going and I'll bet they appreciate you even more for persevering!

Be well!