Help please! Knee replacement and WDW

[deanie]

Has anyone had a knee replacement and THEN gone to WDW? How long would I need to be able to walk well enough to do WDW? I am hoping to get in in early Sept but I live in Canada and the wait lists are VERY long. Our trip begins in late November. TIA

 

[peemagg]

I don't think you will be able to walk it. You are going to need a wheelchair or ECV to do the parks. It is best to rent from an off site company, because then you have it and don't need to worry about there not being one available to you when you get to the park. They are also cheaper to rent from. There is one company out there that rents an ECV for about $150 for a week.

Check out the FAQ's section at the top of the forum. There is a lot of great info in there about dealing with disAbilities at Disney World.

 

[dissybroad]

I think the main determinant will be if you are still in a knee immobilizer or what number of degrees you can bend the knee. We have taken Mom to WDW twice in a wheelchair and the sticky part is transferring from the WC onto the vehicle at the attractions. Some rides require you to step down into the vehicle. Anyway, remember step "up with the good, down with the bad". Bad is the operative knee, good is the other. Good luck with your surgery.

 

[jec13]

Two years ago I was told I needed knee replacement. My doctor wanted to schedule it right away as my leg was starting to bend the wrong way. I told him that I already had plans to go to Disney World in about 6 weeks and he told me that if I had the surgery before going I would not be able to walk around the parks. He gave me some anti-inflammatory/pain medication to take if needed and we scheduled the surgery for less than a week after I returned. It worked out great and I was glad I waited for the surgery.

 

[deanie]

Thanks for the replies. If I cannot get in by early Sept then we will postpone it until after I get back. Unfortunately, here in Canada, even with the surgery being covered by our medical plan, one could die of old age waiting to get in. I think I need some pixie dust!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Sending lots of pixie dust for your surgery and trip (whichever comes first!)

I agree with the other posters that you will likely need an ECV or wheelchair, whether you go before or after surgery. Guests can easily walk 6-9 miles per day, which is hard for some guests who don't have any knee problems.

 

[Eeyore5]

My mom had her knees replaced in October 2009 and December 2009. We are planning a trip in November and she will use an ECV. I think it depends on what other issues you have. Now her knees aren't stopping her but her ankles and back are.

 

[KPeveler]

I definitely suggest getting an ECV - walking all day and heat will make ANY leg swell up. While I have not had a joint replacement, I am going to assume that it would be given to swelling. An ECV or a wheelchair with elevating leg lifts could really bring down swelling. And you can always park an ECV for a few minutes and walk into a store or restaurant or even walk through a queue (though I suggest avoiding that if possible).

You can also get ice if needed at First Aid.

 

[Eeyore5]

I asked my mom and she thought you would need at least 4 months before you could handle that amount of walking but everyone if different.

 

[tiggspring]

My stepmother had this done a few years back and it took about 8 weeks but depending on your health issues and pain tollerence it could take less or more. That being said if you are not quite on your feet but do not want to use an ecv I highly recomend planing your trip using ridmax.

I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue so WDW was a challange. I find by going at a slow time like you are (we went in May) and using ridemax the day went like this: 5min easy walk 5min wait for ride and 5-10 min on ride. This ment I didn't tax myself walking, didn't stand so long that my legs were in agony and didn't sit so long that I got stiff. I either returned to room,had sit down ressie or multiple longer shows for the 12-2 hot times so I could get a recharge. Also stayed in few connected areas ie adventureland/frountireland for whole day and ate in that area. When possible use transportation to ease walking. Those of us walking slow will take more time to get to adventurland than it takes to wait and ride the train to get there. If you plan your days carefully you might surprise yourself and do quite well.

Good luck with the surgery and the trip!!