Help! DH refusing ECV at DLR for temporary disability

[smiles33]

I know this forum is more for WDW guests but I'm hoping you may have advice for us nonetheless. I read the FAQ and think an ECV would be great for my DH's temporary disability. DH, a young 36 year old, is having arthroscopic hip surgery in a month (the earliest he can get with the only orthopedic surgeon who does it in our area). We planned our DLR trip months ago for next week(!!!!) and DH thinks he can do it with a cane that has a built-in stool. He saw the surgeon yesterday and he told DH that DH can't make it worse (something about this being on the bone itself/condial?), so we can go ahead and go to DLR.

DH has been walking with a cane for the past two months and dramatically limited his physical activity (pretty much couch-bound except at work). I do not think he can walk 5 miles, even with frequent breaks. Despite this, he is being stubborn and refusing to use an ECV at DLR. He thinks it will be difficult to maneuver (DLR has narrow crowded walkways), he won't be able to interact with our DDs as well, and that the $150 (assuming $50/day) can be better spent elsewhere. For the record, I agree that I'd rather spend $150 on something else but It would be worth every cent if it means he isn't in pain and we all can enjoy ourselves..

We can't agree so I'm hoping some of you have good arguments I can use or can suggest a compromise.

The minor complication is that we will have our 2 young DDs with us. I can push them in our double stroller so I don't need him to help with them. I also think we could park the ECV once we get to a land and let him go from ride to ride in that area without the ECV (like Fantasyland, which apparently is not ADA-compliant).

We are not staying on-site so I wanted to rent from an off-site medical supply company (Decherts is recommended on the DLR board). However, if he is stubborn and refuses the ECV on our first day (Friday) but changes his mind Sat, will it be too late to rent one then?

Any and all advice would be appreciated.

 

[twinmom108]

I haven't been to Disneyland since 2007, but yay I get to go for a few days later this month. I have rented ECV's from Deckert Surgical several times & they are the best. I tried others previously & had so much trouble that when I need an ecv @ DLR I won't use anyone else but Deckert now.

Using an ecv for the first time can be intimidating & scary. I feel for you're DH because he is usually able bodied & right now it can be depressing to him that he is not 100%. Plus he might be worried that others might be thinking he is too healthy to need an ecv? Also it does get old having to watch people's butts all day!

Navigating DLR is fairly easy except during majorly crowded times, like when shows or parades get out. During those times I just have to sit tight & wait for the crowd to disburse. The 3 wheel ecv you would get from Deckert is much easier to navigate then the clunky 4 wheel ones you'd get at the Parks.

I hope your husband will reconsider the ECV rental because the benefits far outweigh the alternative.

He'll have more stamina - be able to stay in the Parks longer
His disposition will be better
Much less likely to injure himself
Probably will promote faster healing if he doesn't over do it
With an ECV you can also park it & do a little walking too
The whole family will benefit & have a happier visit

I have invisible disabilities that sometimes make it painful & extremely tiring to stay in the parks. Sometimes I do have trips where I don't rent an ecv & with a little pain I can handle it. I do prefer not having to use an ecv if I can get away with it. On the other hand if the pain threshold is over the top or my feet are not letting me walk, then by all means I will rent an ecv and have a much more amazing Disney vacation.

Wishing you pixie dust & all the best.

Disney Dreamin'
Sharon

 

[I Love Pluto]

The whole family will have a MUCH BETTER TIME with DH in an ECV.

Pain hurts - makes one very cranky, exhausted, and uninterested in any further "fun".

Why miss all of the fun Disney has to offer? Talk him into the ECV. I don't know how I could possibly enjoy Disney without my ECV.

I hope my advice helps him. Good luck to all of you. Enjoy your trip!

 

[twinmom108]

The whole family will have a MUCH BETTER TIME with DH in an ECV.

Pain hurts - makes one very cranky, exhausted, and uninterested in any further "fun".

Why miss all of the fun Disney has to offer? Talk him into the ECV. I don't know how I could possibly enjoy Disney without my ECV.

I hope my advice helps him. Good luck to all of you. Enjoy your trip!

Very well said!!

 

[smiles33]

Thank you, both! I agree, if he's in pain and cranky, NO ONE will have fun. Also, since he's not really in DLR (he's doing the trip for the girls and me), he's already going to be a bit bored/grumpy, even if he is in the ECV. So better to minimize the grumpiness, right?

The only advantage I can see to him not being in the ECV is that he can push the stroller leisurely while I run for FP!

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Well we pulled a mean trick on my Dad (who had knee surgery) said he would be fine and would keep up with the rest of the family (we all knew he could not). We parked a bit out in the parking lot the first dayand the rest of us went our normal speed to the gates of Epcot.........my mom called back to dad and told him we would meet him at the exit of the land.............

By the time we got off Soaring.....Dad was waiting for us............in the ECV!

I know it was a bit mean but he was happier in the EVC once he realized he would never keep up! We all have a good luaght about it now.

AKK

 

[bopper]

I don't know how many stories I have read on the DIS about "My dad has bad knees/back and always had to sit down/go back to the hotel because of pain. This year we made him get an ECV/wheelchair and he says it was the best thing and should have done it years ago."

Here are top 5 Reasons that people think they shouldn't get an ECV when they should.

I can't drive one. Go to your local Costco/Walmart/Target or other large store. They probably have an electric cart type thing that you could use while shopping. Try it out. I bet you can drive it.

People might think I don't really need it because I can walk. Are these people going to share the pain with you at the end of the day? Do you care what they think? Save your walking energy between rides and use it for lines or getting on the rides. Enjoy your family and your vacation.

It will slow my family down. No, actually it will speed your family up. No more rests because dad/DH is tired. No more going back to the hotel because grandpa is in pain. No more cranky mommy because she tried to walk miles and miles in Disney instead of renting an ECV. You are completely mobile on your own (nobody pushing you in a wheelchair). What's the slow down here?

It's expensive. Um, how much are you spending on this vacation? Don't you want to enjoy it? If money is that tight, take a day off of your trip and spend that money on the ECV so you can enjoy it!

I don't want my kids/family to think I am disabled. You are either temporarily or permanently disabled in some way if you are even asking about this issue...once again, why not make it a better vacation by saving yourself from pain? Nobody is saying you have to confine yourself to a wheelchair permanently or you should not stop trying to get better. If somebody told you to go walk 4 miles, you would think they are crazy. But you are paying for the privilige when you go to Disney to do just that...why not use an ECV to make your family's vacation better?

 

[jdb in AZ]

I felt weird the first time I decided to use an ECV. We arrived in Anaheim in the afternoon and just puttered around DTD for awhile, planning to hit the parks in the morning. Just walking around DTD convinced me that ye olde stamina just wasn't there (after four major surgeries in 3 mos) so I joined the royal carriage brigade -- a polite CM term for what DH (also an ECV persona) refers to as go carts for old farts.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Please ask him 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!

 

[smiles33]

Thank you all. I tried to point some of this out to him last night and even said, "Well, I'll just rent the ECV anyway!" He replied, "I won't use it!"

Sigh. So my plan now is inspired by jdb_in_AZ's post. We arrive Thurs evening sometime (depending on traffic) and will walk to DTD. I'm sure he will realize after that walk from the hotel, around stores, and back, that he NEEDS the ECV.

I'm just debating now whether I should switch to an on-site hotel (the Grand Californian has a great deal per Costco so it would cost us another $500 to stay there). The only problem is that they don't have the suites as part of the deal and my 2 year old is crazy stubborn (sound familiar?) and won't sleep if we're all in the same room.

Wish me luck on my DTD plan!

 

[Love Tink]

I just wanted to chime in on this. My husband is 39 and has had three back/neck surgeries for degenerative disc disease. He's pretty much in pain all the time, especially when walking or standing.

But, like the OP's husband, he refuses to get an ECV or wheelchair at Disney. We talk about it every time and he always refuses. It was so frustrating.

He finally admitted, when we went to DL last month, that he feels if he goes into the wheelchair once, it's the beginning of a long slide into disability. For him, mentally and emotionally, he wants to stay mobile as long as he can because he feels like once he "sits down," he'll never go back. He's not embarassed - he's scared.

Once I understood this, I went along with it without hassling him. We got him a GAC for the first time this trip and I couldn't believe how much it helped. I almost felt guilty using it, but then I remembered that I'm not the one in pain all the time.

Just providing another perspective on what might be making your husband hesitant, OP.

 

[GranJan]

I just wanted to chime in on this. My husband is 39 and has had three back/neck surgeries for degenerative disc disease. He's pretty much in pain all the time, especially when walking or standing.

But, like the OP's husband, he refuses to get an ECV or wheelchair at Disney. We talk about it every time and he always refuses. It was so frustrating.

He finally admitted, when we went to DL last month, that he feels if he goes into the wheelchair once, it's the beginning of a long slide into disability. For him, mentally and emotionally, he wants to stay mobile as long as he can because he feels like once he "sits down," he'll never go back. He's not embarassed - he's scared.

Once I understood this, I went along with it without hassling him. We got him a GAC for the first time this trip and I couldn't believe how much it helped. I almost felt guilty using it, but then I remembered that I'm not the one in pain all the time.

Just providing another perspective on what might be making your husband hesitant, OP.

Having a slowly worsening muscle disease, I understand exactly how your husband feels. I'm 54 now & looking back I've kept myself from enjoying life the way I could have if I had used what equipment I needed. I wanted to pretend there was nothing wrong with me. I always gave in & used what I needed several years later than I should have. I went from a cane to a walker to a scooter. When I first used my scooter at WDW 3 years ago, I was finally able to really enjoy it. I still only use the scooter for long distance because I'm afraid I'll lose what strength I have if I don't keep walking as much as possible for as long as I can. Using a scooter for WDW is not giving in if you need it. You can be tough when you get home.

 

[smiles33]

We just got back from our DLR trip last weekend and I wanted to come here to thank you all. I learned so much reading your threads and the FANTASTIC FAQ sticky.

I decided to wisely follow your advice. We landed at DLR early Thursday afternoon and I suggested we head to DLR. We spent only 4 hours in the park and by hour 2, DH conceded an ECV made sense.

Deckert delivered it to our hotel so I could pick it up at 7 am. It made the trip a DREAM! I also posted a summary (the last post in my TR) about our experience at DLR with an ECV. CM were inconsistent (some made DDs and I stand in line while DH waited at the exit) but overall it really was a delight.

Thank you all again!

 

[BlueBayou]

Glad to hear your trip went well. I am traveling with my family and my mom (who will use an ECV) in a couple weeks. It's my first DL experience with an ECV - so I am interested to see how it goes.

 

[mycropht]

I just got back from my first trip with a wheelchair. It took a year of convincing for me to do it and I'll never do it another way again.

Here's the story of what it's like:

http://mycropht.wordpress.com/2011/09/26/through-the-eyes-of-a-really-old-child/

 

[smiles33]

I just got back from my first trip with a wheelchair. It took a year of convincing for me to do it and I'll never do it another way again.

Here's the story of what it's like:

http://mycropht.wordpress.com/2011/09/26/through-the-eyes-of-a-really-old-child/

Glad to hear you enjoyed yourself and happy belated 20th anniversary!

I had to nod in agreement re: your observations re: some folks in ECVs. DH and I noticed most were apparently able-bodied but extremely obese guests as opposed to those in wheelchairs who had visible physical disabilities. I also saw a family of 7 at World of Color at DCA who took turns sitting in a wheelchair so I assume they rented it for perceived special privileges (the woman who rode up in the wheelchair had 5+ inch heels and stood for the 30+ minutes we were there and watching the show).

I will say that since I was pushing a double stroller, I was VERY careful to watch for other guests on wheels and those walking. Little kids dart randomly and I'm proud to say I always stopped in time when someone cut me off so I never hit anyone's ankles. Sadly, I can't say the same for others. One man nicked me HARD in the ankle while pushing his wife in a wheelchair directly behind me after the Soundsational parade. It was clearly PACKED with people so I have no idea why he thought he could take in the sights with thousands of people squeeze on Main Street! To add insult to injury, when I stumbled and turned around after the wheelchair's metal foot rest clipped my ankle, I saw that he was looking UP at the Main Street displays. His wife is the one who apologized--he didn't even notice he had hit me!

 

[bopper]

Sadly, I can't say the same for others. One man nicked me HARD in the ankle while pushing his wife in a wheelchair directly behind me after the Soundsational parade. It was clearly PACKED with people so I have no idea why he thought he could take in the sights with thousands of people squeeze on Main Street! To add insult to injury, when I stumbled and turned around after the wheelchair's metal foot rest clipped my ankle, I saw that he was looking UP at the Main Street displays. His wife is the one who apologized--he didn't even notice he had hit me!

I agree that he should have been extra careful, but most likely he is unaware that his "space" that he is in charge of is much bigger. He probably is unaware exactly where the front of the wheelchair is in relation to himself...like how many times have you been near someone wearing a backpack and they wack you with the backpack...their personal space is larger but they have not adjusted for it when moving around.

 

[smiles33]

Yeah, I know it's challenging, especially when one is unaccustomed to being responsible for larger area than normal (like a wheelchair, ECV, or stroller). Yet I also think pushing a wheelchair in a VERY crowded area requires extra attention, which doesn't warrant the window-shopping he was doing! I was particularly sensitive to where my double stroller's front wheels were as I didn't want to roll over anyone's foot or nick someone in the ankle. I was even more nervous in that crowd, which felt like cattle being herded. I guess I had just hoped that others would extend the same courtesy.

 

[twinmom108]

We just got back from our DLR trip last weekend and I wanted to come here to thank you all. I learned so much reading your threads and the FANTASTIC FAQ sticky.

I decided to wisely follow your advice. We landed at DLR early Thursday afternoon and I suggested we head to DLR. We spent only 4 hours in the park and by hour 2, DH conceded an ECV made sense.

Deckert delivered it to our hotel so I could pick it up at 7 am. It made the trip a DREAM! I also posted a summary (the last post in my TR) about our experience at DLR with an ECV. CM were inconsistent (some made DDs and I stand in line while DH waited at the exit) but overall it really was a delight.

Thank you all again!

So glad your trip went well! DH & I Were at DLR Sept 17-21. This trip I did not use an ECV. I like to walk if I can. Unfortunately I was in alot of pain but it worked out. We had a 1 bedroom @ Grand California Villas with a view of World of Colors & we loved our room so much we spent alot of time there.
Deckert is the best & I'm glad to hear that they are still offering wonderful customer service!

Disney Dreamin'

 

[bidnow5]

Glad to hear you enjoyed yourself and happy belated 20th anniversary!

I had to nod in agreement re: your observations re: some folks in ECVs. DH and I noticed most were apparently able-bodied but extremely obese guests as opposed to those in wheelchairs who had visible physical disabilities. I also saw a family of 7 at World of Color at DCA who took turns sitting in a wheelchair so I assume they rented it for perceived special privileges (the woman who rode up in the wheelchair had 5+ inch heels and stood for the 30+ minutes we were there and watching the show).

I will say that since I was pushing a double stroller, I was VERY careful to watch for other guests on wheels and those walking. Little kids dart randomly and I'm proud to say I always stopped in time when someone cut me off so I never hit anyone's ankles. Sadly, I can't say the same for others. One man nicked me HARD in the ankle while pushing his wife in a wheelchair directly behind me after the Soundsational parade. It was clearly PACKED with people so I have no idea why he thought he could take in the sights with thousands of people squeeze on Main Street! To add insult to injury, when I stumbled and turned around after the wheelchair's metal foot rest clipped my ankle, I saw that he was looking UP at the Main Street displays. His wife is the one who apologized--he didn't even notice he had hit me!

I just wanted to say glad you had a good trip. Please don't judge others many of us have invisible disabilities and many of us are obese not by choice but because of either our disability or the meds we are on. I also can stand sometimes but not most of the time so if you see me standing it's not because I am just using my ECV for a special privilege.