Kid with health issues. Looking for advice

[Tikestoublie]

New to this board but have been reading it for days and love all the wonderful advice I have seen so far.

My question/concern is this. I will be traveling down with my DD who is 12 and her Grandma. My DD has been once before 2 years ago and loved it, but because it was a short trip she missed a lot, including Splash Mt and Aladdin. So this year we want to go back and stay on site for a week.

The potential problem is that she had an extensive spinal fusion/revision last September. She is healing well and of course this trip is contingent on her doctors ok. From what I have heard and read at 9 months it should be a go barring complications that arise. She really likes the coasters and thrill rides such as ToT and IJ and so on. Has anyone else on here had any spine surgeries or family members who have and then gone to Disney after?

I realize in the end only I can decide what is best/safe. And she is a healthy and active kid. I just want her to have the best experience and not be stuck watching everyone else have the fun. I have told her that I am most likely vetoing ToT as I worry about the compression on her spine, Granted I have not been on it..not my thing...so maybe I am wrong and that one is not so bad.

Sorry this was so long. Just really hope to maybe get some other view points before I finalize any trip plans.

Thanks so much...

 

[blackjackdelta]

New to this board but have been reading it for days and love all the wonderful advice I have seen so far.

My question/concern is this. I will be traveling down with my DD who is 12 and her Grandma. My DD has been once before 2 years ago and loved it, but because it was a short trip she missed a lot, including Splash Mt and Aladdin. So this year we want to go back and stay on site for a week.

The potential problem is that she had an extensive spinal fusion/revision last September. She is healing well and of course this trip is contingent on her doctors ok. From what I have heard and read at 9 months it should be a go barring complications that arise. She really likes the coasters and thrill rides such as ToT and IJ and so on. Has anyone else on here had any spine surgeries or family members who have and then gone to Disney after?

I realize in the end only I can decide what is best/safe. And she is a healthy and active kid. I just want her to have the best experience and not be stuck watching everyone else have the fun. I have told her that I am most likely vetoing ToT as I worry about the compression on her spine, Granted I have not been on it..not my thing...so maybe I am wrong and that one is not so bad.

Sorry this was so long. Just really hope to maybe get some other view points before I finalize any trip plans.

Thanks so much...

First, WELCOME to the boards. It looks like most of the decision process is up to you and her physician's clearance. Hope you have a wonderful time.

Jack

 

[jenniferrose]

I agree with Jack. Talk to the doctor. I would probably say that Indiana Jones would be worse on her back than TOT. TOT you do a lot of floating and I don't remember it being that hard on the back, but I could be forgetting, it's been awhile.

 

[GrandBob]

to the boards.

Never had spine surgery, so along with Jack, I encourage you to discuss this in detail with her doctor.

I'd be especially careful about Indy. It feels very jarring to my middle-aged spine, even without having had surgery.

Have a great trip!

-Bob

 

[LavenderPeach]

Welcome to the disboards!

I can't really help with specifics either but here's what I would do. Definitely talk to the doctor (in as much detail as possible) about what types of rides would be okay. But you can also try posting this question over on the disabilities forum. Most of the info over there is about WDW but i've gotten some very usueful information about DLR from the people there. Here's the link to that forum: http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20 You could also try doing a search (assuming the search feature is working) and see if anyone has posted a similar question. I would also try doing a google search which might lead you to some threads from other, message boards where someone might have posted something similar.

Obviously you should go by whatever your doctor advises but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do your own research too. Unfortunately doctors don't always know what they're talking about it. I guess I'm just thinking that if the doctor says "yes, go ahead and let your DD ride anything she wants", you might want to search for more answers in case he's wrong. Sorry to be negative about doctors but in our experience you can't just go strictly by what they say.

As for jerky rides, my SIL said her back hurt after riding BTMRR but it was better when she sat in the front. Also, the Matterhorn gives me a headache because it's so jerky. And I seem to remember that autopia can be jarring if someone runs into your car when you stop at the end.

 

[Tikestoublie]

Thank you all for the fast replies!

I do agree with Jack and others. The end decision is me and the dr. Feedback still helps though because I have not been on some of these rides. Do agree Indy throws me around...Ouch. Had not done the MH as it always seemed more like a rollercoaster, same with ToT. Hence why getting other perspectives on these rides as well.

Will keep fingers crossed that all is a go. So looking forward to Disney. Course I got 2 trips last year with just the BF which was nice.

Certain shall see more posts from me in other areas as I have plenty of questions and like to lightly plan my trips.

Cheers

 

[PigletGurl]

MEE!! I had a extensive spinal fusion due to Scoliosis and i went to disney 1 year post op. I have been on EVERY single ride. Even Xcelerator at Knotts Berry Farm! No complications whatsoever, but she has to BRACE herself for the bumpy rides like Indy. She kinda has to put her back hard, like u do with the biceps lol Dunno if u get me, but anyways, im doing just fine. I am currently 4 years post op.

 

[Tikestoublie]

Thanks for that. I do get what you mean with the bracing for the bumpy rides. And Indy is indeed that. Glad you are doing so well and have had a good recovery! Hoping my DD goes as smoothly.

 

[pixiewings71]

I always felt a lot jerky on Indy, Matterhorn and Big Thunder, I never felt jerky on ToT....and as much as I hate that ride (I have a major fear of falling, or should I say the landing at the end LOL) I love it just as much. I would listen to your dr and take that advice very seriously. Either way your DD will have fun, she's at DLR for goodness sakes!!

And welcome to the Dis!!

 

[eargal]

DH had spinal surgery with 4 discs fused 8 weeks before our wedding. We hit Disney on the last 2 days of our honeymoon. If your Doctor gives you a green light, my DH said all the rides were fine but that Indy made him feel like he might start having muscle spasms. He never rides Matterhorn since he hates it.

 

[Garthilk]

Hmm,

I know you already know the answer yourself, but no medical clearance is going to prevent something from occuring. The best option is to weigh out the risks and benefits of riding the rides. Get clear information from your doctor about the risks and then make the decision yourself. Remember, that Disney will not be responsible for any injuries that result and that we all make decisions in life. Only you can choose which is going to be the best option for her.