Help! My dad has to have knee surgery on June 20th and we leave for our trip to WDW on July 6th!

[jacobsmommy]

We are traveling to Disney World with my parents and my brother’s family. We just found out today that my dad has to have knee surgery on June 20th. We leave for our trip on July 6th. We’ve never used a wheelchair at Disney. What do we do if he can’t physically stand for a long time in the lines?

 

[TCRAIG]

Get an ECV - rent from an outside company!

 

[StarShine3]

The lines allow wheelchairs in them. He should be able to stay seated for most of the wait.

 

[mjmgsssp]

Definitely rent from an offsite source. You will be able to keep it for the length of your trip; it will be delivered to and picked up from, your resort hotel, and you'll be guaranteed first boarding on the buses.

 

[Deanie1]

What kind of knee surgery? I have had knee replacements in both knees and I did get swelling when sitting for long periods. You could use either a wheelchair or an ECV. If he needs to elevate his knee or ice it for a while, I think he could go to the first aid room and lie down for a while and then he could text you when he’s ready to go again. I think the First Aid rooms would allow that but maybe someone with experience with this could chime in.

 

[gap2368]

Yes rent an ECV most lines you can take the ECV in the few you can not they will have a way to do the ride

 

[Woodview]

Hope YOU are Driving as .... Flying MAY NOT BE ALLOWED. Check this out First.

Next as others have said rent an ECV BUT your DAD needs to practise walking so remember walking aids.

NO Walking ==== No Recovery

 

[Smittolis]

Will all depend on the type of knee surgery, can you let us know?

Partial replacement, ACL repair, Meniscal repair, full replacement, both? One?

Thanks

 

[Selket]

I agree to rent an ECV from an outside vendor. There's many threads here renting an ECV - what size or type to rent and so on or you could give us details if you want suggestions.

I purchased some of the old fashioned type of cold pack that you fill with ice (and has a screw top) and they have a band that it fits into and I can use those in the parks to fasten around my knees. If you search something like "knee wrap with ice bag" you can find them on amazon. The ones you have to put in the freezer are nice for home but you can't refreeze them in the parks of course so ice filled ones are better.

 

[kaytieeldr]

1. He needs to discuss how to handle the trip with his physician for do/don't and can/can't.
2. See the WDW FAQ pinned at the top of this forum. The first post is the index, so you can go to the pertinent threads.
3. Yes, most likely the best option is to use a mobility device, either a wheelchair or ECV, depending what the doctor recommends. He should also bave a cane or crutches for when he needs to transfer. A wheelchair will need several people to take turns pushing, but might be best if he needs to keep his leg elevated, since he can request a leg support.
4. Read the FAQ. It will tell you which attractions allow ECVs if he goes that route, where he needs to transfer, etc.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

Will his doctor even want him to travel at that point? He'll probably still need regular phyiscal therapy and checkups, depending on the type of surgery. Not to mention the risk of blood clots

 

[Bella Paige]

My teen just had a complete ACL replacement and a meniscus tear repaired and I can tell you with absolute certainty that there's no way she would have survived a vacation in Disney World so soon after surgery and she's a competitive gymnast who has bounced back fairly quickly.

 

[jacobsmommy]

He’s having arthroscopic surgery for torn cartilage. His doctor said he will be up and walking in a few days and he told the doctor and nurse about the trip.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Rent an ECV from an offsite vendor.

 

[Selket]

He’s having arthroscopic surgery for torn cartilage. His doctor said he will be up and walking in a few days and he told the doctor and nurse about the trip.

I think renting an ECV is a good idea - or a wheelchair if he would prefer that and has someone to push him. With an ECV if he wants to walk for awhile he can park it (usually in similar areas where people park strollers) and come back for it as he needs it. You can also get crutch holders if he is using crutches.

As for rides, I really can't tell if he is going to be able to bend his knee, or will he be able to even get up and transfer to the ride? The FAQ has good info on rides that accept wheelchairs (you need to transfer to a WC from the ECV). He may be more comfortable sticking to those if he needs to be very careful with his knee. They can also slow or stop moving walkways, etc.

Some rides are difficult for those who cannot bend their knees very far - like 7DMT, Splash, ITSASW, etc. but can otherwise transfer from a WC or ECV to a ride. I suppose you may not know the answers to what he can and cannot do but check out the FAQ and if you have specific questions about rides we can help.

 

[ttintagel]

The only thing I can add to the advice above is to take whatever pain medication he's taking on a schedule instead of waiting until it hurts. It's so easy to get distracted at WDW and not notice pain until it's unbearable. I know a lot of men prefer to tough it out, but a day in the parks ain't like everyday life!

 

[Smittolis]

Thanks for clarifying, sounds like a routine meniscal repair which is good! well, relatively speaking of course!

Protocols will have him up and about in a few days so 2 weeks post op he should be feeling much better with minimal swelling. Depending on his ability to heal, an ECV would be great, he can simply transfer too and from the rides himself and have some time to be up and about without any pressure to walk all day. With the additional temperatures, I would make sure you have him ice it regularly, and potentially depending on how comfortable his surgeon is with it he could always asked for a low tapered dose of prednisone to help with the swelling or discomfort that may be caused by travel.

After 2 weeks you will have a good idea as to the range of movement he will have with regards to degree bend. Most people will be able to have good bend on a moderate repair after 2 weeks but everyone is different. He will also need to make sure he stays hydrated and don't be afraid to use any of his pain meds.

 

[mamabunny]

He’s having arthroscopic surgery for torn cartilage. His doctor said he will be up and walking in a few days and he told the doctor and nurse about the trip.

With the heat, and the increased activity (of just *being* at WDW ) remember that there is a First Aid station in every Park where he can get an ice pack, or grab some generic Tylenol, or even lay down and prop up his leg for a bit if his knee starts to swell.