I need help finding ride info for a possible heart condition...?

[Magpie]

I was able to find information on mobility issues in the FAQs, but I wasn't able to find anything with regards to cardiac conditions? And which rides are definitely okay, which are definitely to be avoided, and which are so-so?

It's probably not a big issue, but the further testing my son is supposed to have done after Christmas IS with regards to an abnormality that showed up on his ECG after he fainted yesterday. However, I have no idea what kind of issue it is. I do know the kid was absolutely motionless for the test, and the tech was exceedingly careful with the placement of the leads - it was his second test, because the first was apparently all over the place.

The doctor said it was "probably nothing" and pretty much did the "there, there, don't you worry your little head" routine. So maybe it IS nothing! Or maybe it's something... The kid was fine today, except during gym. He says he felt "a bit woozy", but apparently he didn't let it stop him. He kept playing dodgeball.

It's not slowing him down, whatever it is!

I'm mainly concerned because the boy has his heart set on riding Expedition Everest. Is this likely to be any kind of problem? I'd feel really bad if he fainted on a ride, and scared everyone.

Is there a list somewhere of which rides are likely to be an issue? I mean, he obviously got through dodgeball just fine, and he was out sledding a moment ago... He's hardly pale and sickly.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

There are guides for each of the parks on the WDW website. You can also get these brochures at Guest Relations at each of the parks (one for each park) and it tells you what to avoid. Below is the link:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/Plain?id=PlainHomePage

 

[Selket]

I don't have the answer but EE reminds me a lot of BTMRR - it is a a bit more intense cause it goes backwards and probably some of the drops are longer.

Test Track is like being in a fast car with no top. It is a little jerky but I think the speed of the car is not as fast as it seems.

I would guess a lot of those attractions have warnings for those with heart trouble though....in fact this site has the warnings listed for each ride: http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/rr.htm

That is such a tough call for your situation. I know how doctors can be - if you called back and demanded more info they'd probably just tell you not to do any of those rides just to cover their backside.

 

[Magpie]

I don't have the answer but EE reminds me a lot of BTMRR - it is a a bit more intense cause it goes backwards and probably some of the drops are longer.

Test Track is like being in a fast car with no top. It is a little jerky but I think the speed of the car is not as fast as it seems.

I would guess a lot of those attractions have warnings for those with heart trouble though....in fact this site has the warnings listed for each ride: http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/rr.htm

That is such a tough call for your situation. I know how doctors can be - if you called back and demanded more info they'd probably just tell you not to do any of those rides just to cover their backside.

That's the problem... I mean, he's very active. He's obviously not in immediate danger. But of course, I don't want to let him take unnecessary risks, when we really don't know what's wrong yet.

My gut instinct would be that something like Big Thunder Mountain should be fine, while the RnR would not be good. And also that maybe if we're going to try a coaster or intense ride we want to do it first thing in the morning while he's still got energy, not later in the afternoon, when he's hot and tired.

I'm thinking we could do a couple of the more intense rides first thing in the morning, and then see shows and the gentle rides... Take a break in the afternoon back at the hotel, and then if we're feeling up to it, return to the park for more shows in the evening.

 

[Magpie]

There are guides for each of the parks on the WDW website. You can also get these brochures at Guest Relations at each of the parks (one for each park) and it tells you what to avoid. Below is the link:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/Plain?id=PlainHomePage

Thanks! I didn't notice the links at the top of the page at first.

I've got it now... I'll be printing this all out for myself.

I just have to decide which warnings we should heed, and which we can probably ignore. We rode Kali River Rapids about six times last visit. It's a tiny bit bouncy and very wet, but I can't imagine it'd make him faint!

I'm still not sure about EE... But we won't be at AK until Wednesday, so hopefully by then we'll have a better grip on what he can handle comfortably, and what he can't.

It's probably expecting too much to hope they'd have them ranked as "very bad for your heart", "moderately bad for your heart", and "just a wee tad bad for your heart".

 

[mommyoeo]

I have VT and SVT along with PVC and PAC. My doc, in spite of my personal doubts, has told me that NOTHING I will ever ride will EVER hurt me. I asked if he was SURE I could ride ToT and he said absolutley. I am dying to ride M:S but I'm too scared that the extra gravity really will hurt me. I don't know if that helps or not-- my probs are just electrical-- but my cardiologist (who is an electrical specialist) said it's perfectly fine. I don't have a physical heart defect, so maybe that's what they warn against. This is not meant as medical advice-- I'm just hoping your son will get a similar report and will be able to enjoy all the rides he likes!

 

[Magpie]

I have VT and SVT along with PVC and PAC. My doc, in spite of my personal doubts, has told me that NOTHING I will ever ride will EVER hurt me. I asked if he was SURE I could ride ToT and he said absolutley. I am dying to ride M:S but I'm too scared that the extra gravity really will hurt me. I don't know if that helps or not-- my probs are just electrical-- but my cardiologist (who is an electrical specialist) said it's perfectly fine. I don't have a physical heart defect, so maybe that's what they warn against. This is not meant as medical advice-- I'm just hoping your son will get a similar report and will be able to enjoy all the rides he likes!

I was all excited today because the hospital called my son in for further testing in the Cardiac Unit, but then they didn't tell me anything! Supposedly we'll get a call.

But my Mother-in-law has our hotel number, so if the hospital calls while we're gone, she can pass the message onto us.

I'm going to play it by ear with regards to rides. And I've started keeping a diary, so I can track when he gets these dizzy spells (2x today so far). Even without the extreme rides, I'm sure we'll have a great time!

 

[Tissa]

I have VT and SVT along with PVC and PAC. My doc, in spite of my personal doubts, has told me that NOTHING I will ever ride will EVER hurt me. I asked if he was SURE I could ride ToT and he said absolutely. I am dying to ride M:S but I'm too scared that the extra gravity really will hurt me. I don't know if that helps or not-- my probs are just electrical-- but my cardiologist (who is an electrical specialist) said it's perfectly fine. I don't have a physical heart defect, so maybe that's what they warn against. This is not meant as medical advice-- I'm just hoping your son will get a similar report and will be able to enjoy all the rides he likes!

My mom also has SVT and did MS with no problems. She also sees an electrophysologist( I doubt I spelled that right) and he said the same thing.

 

[Selket]

I find RnRC to be a much smoother (less stress for me) coaster than Space Mountain. The take-off is super fast. I suppose if you are afraid when you ride it (cause it goes upside down) then that is stressful. I mean...what exactly does a ride do that would cause issues for those with heart problems? Is it the actual motion of the ride or stress from excitement and fear?

I would think for physical stress on the body that Mission Space must rank pretty high.