Ice pack question

[rgionet]

My husband had knee surgery last month. He is able to walk slowly at this point but does need to ice his knee at least once a day. He has two gel packs that go inside a neoprene wrap for his knee. The only problem is I am not sure how we are going to keep these frozen while we are in Disney? We leave on Friday for a 16 night trip - we will be staying at the Poly for the 1st 14 nights and then Port Orleans Riverside for the last 2 nights. I know the fridges in the room don't have a large enough freezer to hold the gel packs. Is there some other place we can freeze them, does guest services have ice packs we could use instead? My other thought was to bring some ziploc freezer bags and then he could ice it at night with those and an ace bandage.
Thought maybe someone on this board could offer some helpful suggestions?? Thanks for your help!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If the refrigerators have a temperature control in them you can try turning it to full cold. However, if you do this you will probably not want to put anything else in the refrigerator as that will have a tendencey to actually turn the refrigerator into a freezer. I have seen drinks freeze in a small refrigerator when the setting is all the way at maximum cold.

 

[KPeveler]

that should keep it cold enough, but as was said, it gets VERY cold.... if you have canned beverages such as Coke, they will explode if it gets too cold!

 

[Bsbllmom]

How about those ice packs that they have in first aid kits? You just squeeze them and they get cold. It might get costly but they might work.

 

[HarbinsMom]

I just did WDW in May after having 2 knee surgeries in 4 months. I iced it even during the day with ziplocs and ice and an ace bandage. It worked well.

Good luck to him and don't hesitate to rent a chair. I did and it saved me. I had been non-weight bearing for 8 weeks and just started walking the week before we left. I was still using my crutches, but the chair was an amazing help.

 

[SueM in MN]

You can get ice from any of the counter service restaurants. Plus, you can get ice from First Aid. I don't know if they would be able to keep an extra ice pack for you there, but that is worth a try too.

 

[rgionet]

Thanks everyone for your responses!! I knew the folks here would know just what to do!

 

[SueM in MN]

Thought of another hint...........
rather than using a ziplock bag, you might want to use an old fashioned ice bag like this. They have a screw on top to keep the liquid in - you can easily add more ice. It also provides a little insulation so the 'cold' is not right against your skin.
(Do be aware that ice bags are usually latex, just in case you or anyone else in your party are allergic to it).

 

[rgionet]

Ohhh thanks Sue! That looks like a really good idea - looks like I am off to Target tomorrow!

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

You can get instant ice packs from athletic stores. Squeeze and instant cold for about 20 minutes. We brought them to combat the heat.

--Christamae

 

[hotwheels]

I know the fridges in the room don't have a large enough freezer to hold the gel packs. Thanks for your help!

yikes i never thoguht of this!!!

If the refrigerators have a temperature control in them you can try turning it to full cold. However, if you do this you will probably not want to put anything else in the refrigerator as that will have a tendencey to actually turn the refrigerator into a freezer. I have seen drinks freeze in a small refrigerator when the setting is all the way at maximum cold.

ok now what any suggestions ? i have meds that can not be frozen,must be refrigerated. and an ice pack that slips into a travel purse type thing for the day. im thinking if the first aid hold the meds it should all be ok right? the medicine should not get warm in the time it takes to get to the park and find first aid?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The first aid locations will hold medicines and keep them refrigerated as needed. They will have you fill out a form and they will put your medications in a paper bag and staple the bag shut with the form attached to it. When you go back for the medicines they will have you verify that what is in the bag is correct. When you leave for the day they will ask you to sign the form stating you have received the medicines back.

First Aid station locations are as follows:

* Magic Kingdom - Between Casey's and the Crystal Palace
* Epcot - Odyssey which is between Test Track and Mexico
* Disney-MGM Studios - Adjacent to Guest Relations Building on the left just past the Main Entrance
* Animal Kingdom - Behind Creature Comforts in Discovery Island
* Blizzard Beach - Between Beach Haus and Lottawatta Lodge
* Typhoon Lagoon - Adjacent to Leaning Palms

 

[zumbergc]

i have to second the ice pack SueM in MN mentioned.

I've used those on trips. I purchased mine at a meigher (big grocery store) for a little less. I recommend purchasing more than one. This way if one is misplaced during the day, there is a backup.

Its great because at the counter service, you can get a cup of ice, or 2 cups if necessary. If you forget the ice pack one day, or if you iced in the morning and swelling starts, stop by the first aid stations.
I've had to stop by first aid at AK, all those hills and divits in the ground make it rough, and needed a stop at first aid. Those ice packs aren't as nice, but do the trick.

You might need to ice more times a day at disney than at home, since (if your not doing the ecv), your knee will be more inflamed. So, you might want to ice, morning afternoon and evening to prevent inflamation and swelling.

If you don't think you need an ecv, at least print out the rental places in the FAQ section. This way if you find out you need the ecv rental, you can get an offsite rental, and use it both at the resorts, traveling to/from the resorts and in the parks.