In shock - need WC advice

[Shel]

Hi all!
Earlier this year I was diagnosed w/arthritis of the knee & began walking with a cane, and asked for & received wonderful advice from this board.

Two days ago something ripped or broke off in that same knee & I can't put any weight on it at all, and am wheelchair bound, or crutches at home.

We have a wheelchair to bring, so what I'm looking for is advice. We had almost a year to plan this trip, and now we're only 7 days away. Yes...7 days & I am in severe pain, but am still wanting to enjoy the magic of Disney for myself & family. At the moment I'm overwhelmed & don't know where to start!

Can I get some words of advice & encouragement?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bete]

First, I'm sorry you will be going to Disney World in pain.

Next, I hope you doc is giving you some pain meds that are strong enough for your situation. I would explain you may be more active there; so, you can have stronger meds.

The one thing I would warn you about is if you're flying there the new TS regulations will make it harder being in a wheelchair; I believe; so, allow yourself more time for this part. Also, ask for pre-boarding at the gate counter/desk if you need the wheelchair to the plane.

Being wheelchair bound will make it unlikely that you can go on certain rides, but there is still plenty to do in a wheelchair. Some rides like Toy Story Mania have special cars that fit a wheelchair; so, you don't even get out of it.

Since you are going during the Christmas season you have plenty of special shows to see like Osbourne's Spectacle of Lights, etc; so, enjoy that aspect of it.

We take my mom in a wheelchair and we still have loads of fun. It's what you make of your time there that counts.

There's a thread on this board that really helps out; read it. Post 15 is particularly good if your are flying with a wheelchair.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

How many people will be in your group? There is a big difference between using a wheelchair in a house or hospital and using one in a Park. Unless you are used to propelling yourself you will get very exhausted due to the uneven ground and even the small hills. If you will be pushed, the pushers may get worn out unless you have several who can switch off.

You might be better off renting an ECV. Note that if you rent from off-site not only are the ECVs better and less expensive than Disney's, but you can get a crutch holder installed for easy access to the crutches if needed.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, including in Post #2 where people rent ECVs.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

 

[sstamour]

I hope you have a wonderful vacation. Walt Disney World for me was actually one of the best experiences I've had in a wheelchair. No, it's not quite the same as being able to walk without worry, but I ran into very few problem areas and the cast members were all exceptionally helpful and considerate. A few notes - maneuvering through counter service seating areas was next to impossible for me. I stayed back, let someone else get the food, and we sat on the outer edges of the seating. I would suggest keeping your party together during parade times; I parked alone for <10 minutes before the Main Street Electrical Parade before my party arrived, and had small children crawling over me, people standing uncomfortably close (like between my push handles), and essentially treating me as part of the scenery. It was not a pleasant time. Finally - there are times that you will have to go very slowly. People have a tendency to stop very short while walking in front of you, and you will occasionally have children (or adults) dart out directly in front of the chair. I was on high alert to keep from mowing down a small child.

As an FYI, I traveled right before Thanksgiving with my wheelchair (and alone), and it was possibly the easiest time I've had in an airport. Just make sure you check in at the gate and let the airline know what you need.

 

[lcsmom]

I have to second the advice on looking into an ECV. I had knee surgery about 5 weeks before a Disney trip and cruise. The ECV made it possible. Two months later, on a 3-day trip to Food and Wine, I tried to walk Epcot. By the morning of the 2nd day, my DH was pushing me in a wheel chair. He is a big, strong guy and it wore him out. Whichever way you go, bring an extra poncho for your chariot.

 

[mbb]

Ditto everyone else that suggested the ECV.

So much easier, you'll be way more comfortable, and your trip will be that much more enjoyable.

I had to use a wheelchair last month for one day at Epcot.
And while DH was pushing me, there was no enjoying the sights as we went along. I was stressed that:
A) He was going to hurt himself.
B) We were going to run into someone. Even at a leisurely pace, clipping the back of someone's leg would not be pleasant for them. You will be rolling along, and the folks in front of you will STOP! dead in their tracks, to look at something, talk to someone, or just doing the "Disney Stare".

You know the look.

And no matter the Pusher's best efforts, it's REALLY hard to stop on a dime like that. It can hurt their shoulders, upper back and is just not fun.

On a scooter, you take your thumb off the button, and you stop.

HTH!! And have lots of good pain meds with you!!!

 

[GrammyJudy]

3 suggestions to bring
1. Bengay
2. Thera heat pads to put on your knee...available at any drug store
3. Take Gluocosamine tablets

and rent an ECV!

 

[Shel]

Thanks everyone for the input. Thankfully my flare up has settled down a bit, but we are still taking a WC because I'm scared to death it will go out again!