Invisible Disability: Trigeminal Neuralgia

[Kristen8]

Hi,

I have an invisible disability called trigeminal neuralgia. It's a nerve disorder in the face that causes intense burning sensations in the teeth, gums, cheeks, and jaw, along with electrical shocks triggered by breezes and changes in temperature. I have suffered with this for 3 years now since some badly done dental work. I have three young children and would like to be able to go with them to DisneyWorld. Any ideas you can offer me to make the visit bearable? My concerns are (1) the pain that will be caused by waiting in lines in sun and wind and by any people who might inadvertently brush up against my face, and (2) the fact that no one can SEE that I have a problem. Will Disney employees be helpful at all? Could I go through shorter disabled lines with my family or will I be resisted at all points because of the lack of some obvious sign (no wheelchair, for instance)? How could I make the visit work?

Thank you for any advice.

Kristen8

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and welcome to both DisBoards and disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. The third item down is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, including about Guest Assistance Cards (GAC). You would have to go to Guest Services at the first park you arrive in and explain your needs, not the diagnoses. Once you have the GAC it can be used on an as-needed basis.

And generally there are not specific "disabled" lines as most queues are desiged to allow wheechairs and ECVs.

 

[SueM in MN]

Another thing to be aware of is that if you are going in the summer when it is hot, you will be moving a lot between the heat outside and the air conditioned areas, which are often really cold. There are also fans in some queues to stir the air in the outdoor queues.

 

[hallie615]

Kristen8, I really have no advice to offer except I also have trigeminal neuralgia, and feel your pain. I have delt with it on and off for 5-6 years. Feel free to PM me any time. I have never met anyone else with it.

 

[forr2grls]

kristen and hallie,i frequent a site that has forums and chats about different neurological disorders.there are a lot who have TN.many of them visit the chatroom. if you are interested,pm me...
Paula