Just found out I

[Shel]

have severe orthopedic degenerative disease AKA arthritis in my right knee, and we leave for our 1st Disney World trip since 2000 in 2 months.

Advice please...the good, the bad & the ugly!

(waiting for doctor to schedule my ortho follow up)

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hi Shel.

Hope you get relief.

Maybe look into renting a scooter there at WDW. I did one year, about 3 years ago, when I had a herniated disk. It was a lifesaver. Check the first few threads in the disABILITIES board here. My best.

 

[quadwriter85]

I became disabled in 2008 and I'm also planning my first Disney trip in years for sometime next year. I haven't made any threads at the disablities board yet but I have seen the threads and people seem very helpful there.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest going over to the disABILITIES Forum. One of the first threads is the disABILITIES FAQs. On Post #2 we have a lot of information for people with mobility/stamina problems and information about wheelchair and ECV (scooter) rentals. To get directly to the disABILITIES FAQs from here just click on the link in my signature.

 

[barkley]

let your ortho know about the trip-maybe he/she can schedual some physical therapy so you can learn some exercises/techniques to use.

i have arthritis in my hips-pt taught me how to strengthen portions of my legs to aleviate the stress to my hips.

if you live in a cold weather climate, be prepared for your knee to act as a barometer-it will foretell a cold snap long before doppler radar picks it up.

 

[GeorgeG]

I've had knee problems for years and finally got a knee replacement this May. Dan has some great advice regarding the scooter, at least in Epcot where there is so much more walking. I can add that it always helped me to slow my pace and takes breaks when needed. Don't let it spoil your trip, though. Good luck.

 

[anniemae]

what kind of arthritis? Osteo, or Rheumatoid? If you are seeing an ortho, maybe it is osteo, which from what I understand is the more treatable one.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Sorry to hear about the bummer diagnosis... but it's a diagnosis so now you can move forward!

Did your doctor talk to you about anti-inflammatory regimen before you leave? See if they can give you a prescription strength ibuprofen (at least 400mg) to start about 1 1/2 before you go. Keep taking it during your trip, then ween off of it after you return. (Long term usage of the anti-inflammatories was shown to be bad for your heart last year). That should at least keep your knee from flaring up while on vacation.

You will definitely have to take your time and schedule plenty of stops. Try and squeeze in some of the "lesser" attractions for a good break (ride the Liberty Belle, catch Hall of Pres, check out Universe of Energy, any of the stage shows, etc.). Those will give you time to rest and you're (hopefully) entertained in the process.

Like PP have stated, don't rule out a wheelchair or scooter. You're going to be on vacation - don't try to be a hero.

 

[shortbun]

Yeah, get a scooter if you need one. It's more flexible than a wheelchair and you can get up and get in line like normal just using it for distance. That's what I did one year when I first got the news that my knee was bone on bone.

 

[robinb]

let your ortho know about the trip-maybe he/she can schedual some physical therapy so you can learn some exercises/techniques to use.

I was going to suggest the same thing. Get into see a PT as soon as possible and your trip will be much better. I was also diagnosed with something similar a couple months before my trip in August (but not as severe) and I had little pain by the time my trip started. I needed to stretch the back of my knee and to strengthen the leg around it.

 

[erincon23]

Make sure you wear good, supportive shoes -- no crocs, no sandals (and there really is a difference between the New Balance you buy at Kohl's for $40 and the ones you get at the store for more than $100). That will make a big difference. Figure out ahead of time whether heat or cold makes your knees feel better (it's different for everyone) -- if it's heat, bring some of those instant heat packs; if cold, tote some big ziploc bags and get ice to put on your knees while you sit. I've been dealing with this since I was a teenager. It is manageable, if you get on a good physical and medicine regimen. And with two months, you should be able to have enough time to do that. Good luck! Don't push yourself too hard.

 

[Rora]

No advice, just

 

[Shel]

Thanks everyone for the excellent suggestions!! I appreciate the help & the .

 

[Nancy]

I have osteo in my feet and knees. I actually had to have foot surgery because my big toe wouldn't bend anymore.

I just did a week at Disney a month ago. I just take it slow and don't rush. If I feel the need to get off my feet I do. I do take arthritis strength tylenol to take the edge off...and yes my knees swell up rather nicely.

It can be done..just at a different pace than I did before.

I agree with the good shoes...no crocs/sandals/cheap sneakers.