yoopermom
Come join Bravo by the fire...
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2000
I had a severe ankle break (tib/fib/etc/etc) three years ago, with two followup surgeries thereafter. Hence, the voice of experience talking
I understand the huge desire to not lose out on the money, and to spend the time with family, but please do be realistic on what you are going to be able to do, and don't plan on being able to power through everything on sheer force of will alone. I would speak with your ortho team very specifically on whether or not not it's going to be doable and, if so, what precautions you can take to avoid complications/issues while you are there.
ICE MACHINE: take yours or rent one, without a doubt. I have two, and they've been saviors. Don't wait until it's swollen/hurts. Don't rely on loose ice and baggies unless desperate, so messy
ELEVATION: it's hard to truly do so in a wheelchair or walker, so plan on making the time to get it above heart level at least a few times during the day (more if it's swelling). First aid will allow you to lay down, but you'll still have to figure out how to get it high enough. My dr emphasized that "up" isn't enough, it has to be above your heart.
PROTECTION FROM OTHERS: I was *very* protective of my injured foot, especially since people do not "look" and just walk into you without even realizing it. I'm not suggesting this, but I had a grabber stick that I used for grabbing, but also carried on my ECV, as "just in case" protection, when someone came close to crashing into my injured limb. Maybe you can have a family member walk on that side for you in crowded situations and protect you.
HEAT: is going to make you swell even faster than normal. Drink even more fluids (preferably water) than normal.
PAIN MEDICATION: don't be a hero, take OTC and something stronger with you (in its original bottle) just in case. Don't let the pain get ahead of you. Going to the ER is no fun, but just in case....
INSURANCE: double check ahead of time with your insurance about your coverage, emergency and otherwise, and what is covered in the WDW area
BLOOD CLOTS: know the signs/symptoms, and take them seriously, I ended up in the e.r. last year after surgery but luckily was a false alarm
EFFECT ON REST OF YOU: for me, riding in the ECV/wheelchair sometimes caused my other body parts to raise a ruckus, so I carried a small blowup pillow for my back, for example, and compression socks for my other foot/leg. Do lots of stretching, etc.
Best of luck, and hope that you have a great time!
Terri
I understand the huge desire to not lose out on the money, and to spend the time with family, but please do be realistic on what you are going to be able to do, and don't plan on being able to power through everything on sheer force of will alone. I would speak with your ortho team very specifically on whether or not not it's going to be doable and, if so, what precautions you can take to avoid complications/issues while you are there.
ICE MACHINE: take yours or rent one, without a doubt. I have two, and they've been saviors. Don't wait until it's swollen/hurts. Don't rely on loose ice and baggies unless desperate, so messy
ELEVATION: it's hard to truly do so in a wheelchair or walker, so plan on making the time to get it above heart level at least a few times during the day (more if it's swelling). First aid will allow you to lay down, but you'll still have to figure out how to get it high enough. My dr emphasized that "up" isn't enough, it has to be above your heart.
PROTECTION FROM OTHERS: I was *very* protective of my injured foot, especially since people do not "look" and just walk into you without even realizing it. I'm not suggesting this, but I had a grabber stick that I used for grabbing, but also carried on my ECV, as "just in case" protection, when someone came close to crashing into my injured limb. Maybe you can have a family member walk on that side for you in crowded situations and protect you.
HEAT: is going to make you swell even faster than normal. Drink even more fluids (preferably water) than normal.
PAIN MEDICATION: don't be a hero, take OTC and something stronger with you (in its original bottle) just in case. Don't let the pain get ahead of you. Going to the ER is no fun, but just in case....
INSURANCE: double check ahead of time with your insurance about your coverage, emergency and otherwise, and what is covered in the WDW area
BLOOD CLOTS: know the signs/symptoms, and take them seriously, I ended up in the e.r. last year after surgery but luckily was a false alarm
EFFECT ON REST OF YOU: for me, riding in the ECV/wheelchair sometimes caused my other body parts to raise a ruckus, so I carried a small blowup pillow for my back, for example, and compression socks for my other foot/leg. Do lots of stretching, etc.
Best of luck, and hope that you have a great time!
Terri