Hurt Ankle - Do I get a wheelchair?

[Nemo32]

Thanks again, everyone!

As for the air cast - my sister still has hers from when she fractured her foot and offered it to me. I was thinking of trying it out on the plane and seeing how I felt by the time I reached the resort. However, you suggest speaking with a doctor first? It's the weekend ... so I can't talk to a doctor. Think it would still be safe to use?

I may splurge and rent the ECV tomorrow, just in case.

 

[SnugglyDuckling]

To be totally honest, it it were me, I would go the ER, get it checked out, and talk to someone there. Of course, you've seen my list of injuries And insurance could be an issue too. I think it would be irresponsible for me to tell you that it will be okay for you to use. I don't want you to get hurt more! But you could always try it and get a wheelchair if it still hurts. Or play it safe with the ECV; again, I completely understand your apprehension, but there's nothing wrong with that option! You know your foot better than anyone else, so you'll have to assess any possible risk. I hope that everything works out and you have a great trip!

 

[BrerVixen]

I'd go to A&E or minor injuries and get it checked before going, if you can.

 

[Nemo32]

I work today and tomorrow...unfortunately, there is no time to get it checked, but I plan on making an appt. for Thursday.

 

[Tinkerboy00]

Perhaps this should be posted elsewhere, but I am not sure.

So, on Friday (yesterday) I fell (I am clumsy) down three stairs and sprained an ankle that has been sprained before. The last time I sprained it, it never healed fully - I know this because it still clicks today. At first, it seemed okay, but the more I walk on it, the more it hurts. I even took the necessary steps afterward - RICE - rest, ice, compression and elevate. However, it still hurts to put much weight on it.

AND my trip is Monday. Being that I have injured it before and it still hurts, even with it wrapped, iced and elevated, I was contemplating getting a wheelchair for when I am in the theme parks as to minimize discomfort and furthering long-term damage. We all know how demanding a day in the parks are. My intention would be to use it when getting around, like the long-distances between rides, but not to use it say when walking around at the resort or watching a parade (as those require minimal walking or effort).

However, I have a few concerns. 1) What will other guests think when they see me being wheeled around, but I can make a few steps to the bus stop? The point is to minimize my walking, as I can limp very slowly, so that it does not hurt and I can actually enjoy my stay 2) Will being in the wheelchair diminish my experience? 3) In September, would it be hard to rent a wheelchair, even getting there in the late morning?

As fellow Dis'ers, be honest and tell me your opinion. Thanks for any advice!

Totally weird, but I am here at Disney and just rode up in the elevator at my hotel with a woman who said she sprained her ankle yesterday. When I saw this thread I was like "Whats the chance thats the same woman" Haha

I hope it feels better before your trip, if not, get a wheelchair!

 

[Nemo32]

Totally weird, but I am here at Disney and just rode up in the elevator at my hotel with a woman who said she sprained her ankle yesterday. When I saw this thread I was like "Whats the chance thats the same woman" Haha

I hope it feels better before your trip, if not, get a wheelchair!

Haha! No, I leave Monday...but I suppose if you see someone else riding around in an ECV it could be me!

 

[Micca]

Sprained ankles can hurt like crazy. Years ago I did a clumsy exit from a shuttle bus at the Newark airport and sprained the daylights outta my ankle.
Just getting from one gate to the next was complete agony. I know you said you're working today and tomorrow, but surely they'd let you off to go to the ER???? You might want some kind of chair or ECV and something a little stronger than otc for pain. Hope you have a fun trip

 

[Donut23]

Perhaps this should be posted elsewhere, but I am not sure.

So, on Friday (yesterday) I fell (I am clumsy) down three stairs and sprained an ankle that has been sprained before. The last time I sprained it, it never healed fully - I know this because it still clicks today. At first, it seemed okay, but the more I walk on it, the more it hurts. I even took the necessary steps afterward - RICE - rest, ice, compression and elevate. However, it still hurts to put much weight on it.

AND my trip is Monday. Being that I have injured it before and it still hurts, even with it wrapped, iced and elevated, I was contemplating getting a wheelchair for when I am in the theme parks as to minimize discomfort and furthering long-term damage. We all know how demanding a day in the parks are. My intention would be to use it when getting around, like the long-distances between rides, but not to use it say when walking around at the resort or watching a parade (as those require minimal walking or effort).

However, I have a few concerns. 1) What will other guests think when they see me being wheeled around, but I can make a few steps to the bus stop? The point is to minimize my walking, as I can limp very slowly, so that it does not hurt and I can actually enjoy my stay 2) Will being in the wheelchair diminish my experience? 3) In September, would it be hard to rent a wheelchair, even getting there in the late morning?

As fellow Dis'ers, be honest and tell me your opinion. Thanks for any advice!

Skip the wheelchair - rent a scooter. In a wheelchair you will be dependant on someone pushing. With a scooter you will be independent and so will the "wheelchair pusher".

10 days before a scheduled Disney trip I injured my achilles - REALLY injured. Dr. was pushing for surgery, I was pushing for the nearly a year of PT. 10 days later I was off with a walking boot and a scooter. It saved the trip.

The scooter gave me independence......and it was actually fun, after llluminations....to scoot to the music when everyone was gone.

Rent outside of Disney - far less expensive AND you will have it 24 hours a day - hotel lobby to room walks can be long too.


Have a great trip......named my scooter Seabiscuit and took decorations...little bike bell and horn. Turn lemons into lemonaid!!


One more thing. DH and I remember that trip as one of our most special because we came so close to loosing it..

 

[fla4fun]

When my mom first started using an ECV, she did what you are proposing. She rode it through the parks, but would park it and walk into the attractions (or if the exit was far from the entrance, I would park it for her so she could get off at the entrance). No one ever gave us a second look. So feel free to be as active or inactive as you want - don't worry about what other people think. The important thing is that you do what is best for you.

I also recommend an ECV over a wheelchair though. There are lots of off site rental companies that will allow you to have it 24 hours a day for as much, or less, than what you would pay for one in the parks (if one is available). It's easier to chat with the other members of your travel party if one of them isn't behind you pushing the chair. Plus, the terrain in some of the parks, especially AK, is hard for push wheelchairs (and the people pushing them!).

Have a great trip!

 

[Glendamax]

I sprained my knee AND ankle last January. So knowing how you feel, there would be no doubt in my mind: WHEELCHAIR!!! You will enjoy your trip so much more with it. Don't pay anybody any mind if they look at you funny. I would not choose to limp around for strangers!

So relax, and get the chair! At least the parks won't be real crowded!

 

[Donut23]

If you have questions about the rental scooter - head on over to the DISabilities boards. People there were very helpful as we altered our plans with my injury years ago.

I NEVER ride Disney busses - but that policy was firmly in place prior to my injury. We stay at EPCOT resorts so we have 3 parks available easily without the bus system......and take the scooter to AK in the rental car.

Don't worry about someone with boorish behavior. I never found it to be a problem personally. Go and have a wonderful time.

One GOOD tip? When you first pickup your scooter, take a few minutes and practice in the parking lot so you are comfortable - before you head out to the hotel or parks!!


Have a safe and comfortable vacation!

 

[MrsDuck]

Definitely get the wheelchair. I hurt my ankle at Disney and hobbled around on it for hours. Worst decision I made. By the end of the night, DFi had to go get me a wheelchair and I sat there wondering why I didn't get one right after I hurt my ankle!

Seriously, don't worry about anything but your ankle. Get the wheelchair!

 

[Nemo32]

Thanks, everyone! This is why I love the Disboards.

I rented last night from Randy's Mobility, who seemed to have good reviews and was very accommodating of my last minute request. Hopefully everything goes smoothly.

Thanks again and I'll let everyone know how it goes!

Oh yeah, AND, WALT DISNEY WORLD TOMORROW!!!