I am not recovering from my surgery fast enough...

[belsam]

I've had this wonderful pre-Christmas trip planned for my daughter and I all year. Found out in October that I had to have surgery to remove a nodule from my lung. The surgery was performed Oct 29 with a scope and the doctor assured me that I'd be fine within two weeks. Well, I am now more than three weeks from the surgery and I still hurt like he**!!! The pain from where the chest tubes were, the incision sites, the pain in my chest/rib area where they removed the lung tissue...*whine, whine, whine* Anyway, I'm getting very concerned about my ability to be a fun mom on this trip. I can't possibly ride BTMRR or RNR, I feel questionable about things like TT, but I'm pretty sure I can handle ToT, which is our favorite.

I had a talk with my daughter yesterday to discuss postponing the trip until later in the winter. She is the one who really wants to go to Disney during the Christmas holiday and she said that as long as we can ride ToT together, we will be fine.

I feel very apprehensive about my stamina level and my ability to make this a good trip for her. We go to Disney at least once a year so I'm hoping that she'll be ok with a very low key trip this time.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Disney is doable with low stamina, you just have to look after yourself and use what help you can. I would strongly recommend you look into getting a wheelchair or ECV for the trip. This would help you save your energy for the fun stuff, giving you and your daughter more time to play together (and allowing you to be fun mom, rather than tired, worn out mom). You can rent them off site, or get one from the parks. I'd suggest you rent off site, as ECVs can run out, especially during busy periods. See the FAQ for information on ECV and wheelchair rental, as well as what to do with one in the parks.

Make sure you take it easy. As you said, you go often enough that it doesn't matter if you don't do everything, so long as you have a good time. Take plenty of breaks, admire the decorations, have a snack in a restaurant, watch the people go by, whatever suits you. A lot of people find that going back to the hotel for a few hours in the afternoon can really help with energy levels. You can also have a lie down at the First Aid centre any time you need to.

Talk to your doctor before you go. He or she can give you advice on which rides to avoid, how best to look after yourself and what you can do to minimise your pain. It won't be a fun trip if you're suffering.

You may find some of the fatigue and CFS threads, that have been around recently, helpful.

Good luck, have a great time and I hope you feel better soon!

 

[Marie14625]

I agree with Spark here. I just got back Saturday from my trip, and what saved me was my ECV rental. I rented from off site, so I would be sure to have one every day, and also for getting around the resort.
I am pre surgery..going in for a hip replacement in January. My friends talked me into getting the scooter, and I am glad. I was able to get a GAC, or just park the scooter at the entrance of the ride and walk in. Depends on your stamina for waiting in line or standing.
The only thing I did not do that I wanted was Splash Mtn, as I was unsure of my ability to step in and out of the ride. So from experience, I say go for it. But call NOW if you want to order off site..just to make sure you get one. I used Randy's, and they need at least a week notice.

 

[whgrn]

Belsam, a big issue as far as rides will be not pain, but potential for injury/damage of the surgical sites. You'll need to ask the doctor about that. I know alot of the rides have signs listing recent surgery as a qualification of who should not ride. You will be almost 8 weeks post op, so the doctor may say it's ok. At that point, it comes down to your comfort.

That said, the ECV will be a BIG help. I used one 2 weeks ago while there and could not have managed without it. The difference in your level of fatigue is enormous! I used Walker Mobility, and they were awesome. You will definitely want to rent offsite so you are guaranteed to have one, and can use them outside of the parks.

I wish you all the best. Having just had surgery myself (last week), I know how crummy it is dealing with pain, drainge, limited activity, fatigue, etc. etc. etc.

Have a great trip!

Wendy in NJ
Check out my trip report at www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1638072

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Several years ago I had a kidney removed. The Urologist knew about my interest in and regular trips to Disney Parks. He told me that for the next six months if there were any warnings for pregnant women or people with either back problems or a bad heart posted for an attraction that warning also applied to me.

I figured my long-term health was much more important than riding all the rides at DCA, which I first went to during that six month period.

See what your doctor says. Follow his advice, you want to be able to go at a later time.

 

[mechurchlady]

When I am low on vitamins and minerals the pain is greatly magnified. I recently had a tiny little burn but it felt worse than when I scalded my midriff. I find vitamin supplements, vitamin C and bioflavanoid build up my immunity and the pain is a lot less.

Avoid any bumpy rides like Kilamanjaro Safari, Dinosaur, Test Track and Indy. Autopia or what every you East Coasters call the car ride is out as the problem is the idiots who thingk stop means hit the gas and ram the person in front of you.

I agree with getting an ECV off site so that you can have it at your room and not have to waste time and energy getting one daily from WDW. If you get tired take a nap in the nurse's station unless you are like my mother who can sleep setting up.

I used to be a rides person but then I would waddle through DLR and start seeing the little things like architecture, decorations, guests, CMs, the way people interact, the way things worked, the landscaping, the characters and the shows. If ever I get back to WDW there would have to be time set aside having fun looking at everything else that makes the parks special. I saw so many people at DLR running to get on Roger Rabit, the Jolley Trolley, Barnstormer and the character houses but they never played with the interactive stuff, saw the details of the decorations or saw anything but points A, B, and C.

Have fun and hugs, Laurie.

 

[belsam]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I guess I've really got to get it into my head that we don't need to do everything and we can still have a great time.

I've asked my wonderful SIL to accompany us. She has never been to WDW and in the past I've taken each one of her kids so this could be a great trip. She can ride the things that are too much for me w/ my daughter and if I need to rest they can still entertain themselves. Hopefully she can arrange it.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

That sounds like a wonderful idea! I hope you guys all have a great time. And remember, your daughter wants to go to Disney to spend time with you, not just to do all the rides; I'm sure she won't mind going a little slower if it means you can all play together!

Have a wonderful trip, and use whatever help you need!

 

[minkydog]

Our last trip to WDW was planned to be our Last Big Whole-Family Vacation. DS21 was beginning to go his own way, and the other two are right behind him. This vacation was their entire Christmas; we planned to leave Jan.2 for a week at the Poly.

Dec. 27 DH was hospitalized with pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac around the heart. DH has severe lung disease, so he was one sick puppy. His doctor didn't think we should go to WDW, but I explained to him that we would be staying on-site so he could rest easily and i had already rented an ECV. I promised that if DH had trouble, we'd have him checked out in the ER.

It turned out to be the best family vacation we ever had. DH was very tired at times and needed a lot of rest. DS21 & DD14 went off together and did stuff, while I managed DS12(he's my mentally handicapped one) so DH could nap. Staying at the Poly was exactly what we needed. It was convenient and welcoming. The monorail made our lives easy. The ECV enabled DH to keep up and enjoy being out with the kids. Our Christmas was saved!

I can't tell you whether you should go or not. Plan to need a lot of rest(DH has had the lung biopsy that you described. You have my sympathy). If you can be flexible in your expectations, I think you'd have a good time. It's Disney!