Knee surgery and Disney in 2.5 weeks

[Bamabot]

Has anyone out there been scoped then in two and one-half weeks gone to Disney? I was told today I would need knee surgery next week. We leave in 2.5 weeks for the Fall Break Vacation for Disney. This is a trip I can't cancel because I have promised this to my nephew who has never been. We have our tickets, non-refundable airline tickets, meal tickets, DVC points reserved in into less than 30 days...so all we can is make the best of it.

Any advice and help will be greatly appreciated.

I have been researching ECVs but I would love to hear from someone that has had knee surgery. I have torn cartilage.
Just have gotten to old to wrestle with 180 pound DS.

Any advice about flying and getting on the plane?

 

[Figaro]

Bamabot,

My spouse had knee surgery 9 days ago. The surgery was for torn cartilage. He was back doing his three mile a day walk two days after surgery. He has been able to fully bend his leg since 6 days after the surgery and yesterday after driving, working and walking there was some barely noticeable swelling.

What helped him was first being in fairly good shape, second starting to move and use it as soon as it was safe for him to do so (couple days after surgery), icing it almost continuously the first 36 hours or so after surgery (difficult to get it too cold because of all of the wrapping after surgery), keeping it elevated when he was sitting for the first 5 days or so and taking Bextra (specific anti-inflammatory for knee pain).

In my experience (40 plus knee surgeries), the pain is usually quite a bit less from the surgery than it was from the torn cartilage that was causing the pain and swelling. Just getting rid of the torn stuff improves things quite a bit.

Good luck with the surgery!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

First thing is to IMMEDIATELY contact your airline. Ask for the "Special Needs Desk" and explain the situation and request a bulkhead seat which will give you maximum leg room (they will probably not allow you in an exit row, which also has legroom).

You should renting an ECV. Some information for off-site rentals are:

Here are the URLS:

Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

I have used Walker a few times. They will ask for a credit card and charge it the day before arrival. They will deliver the ECV to your hotel bell services before your arrival and pick it up there after your departure. Their rates, especially for longer than a week, are much better than Disney's. Also, their scooters are much better. Also, they have different sizes and can handle up to about 400 pounds.

You don't say if you are renting a car or what. If you are using a car for getting around, the ECVs
break down into five pieces, the heaviest about 39 pounds. They take about a minute or so to take
apart and about two minutes (once you are used to it) to put it together.

Another suggestion is find out your state's requirements for a temporary disabled hang tag and get the paper work and have your doctor sign off on it. The tag will allow you to use any of the handicap parking areas (which will be a necessity). Also, with the policy of charging for valet parking, with a handicap hang tag the fees will be waived. Also the valets will usually volunteer to assist in loading/unloading an ECV. (If they do help, I will increase their tip to $5.00 from my normal $2.00.) In Virginia I printed the required form from the DMV website. When I
took the completed form to the DMV Office it took less than 15 minutes from the time I walked in
until I had my tag.

A couple of years ago we went with friends where the wifve had a broken ankle with multiple breaks about two weeks febore the trip and had a cast from above the knee.

If you are in a cast, you might want to have the person who puts it on you draw a line with a marker where it will be sawn off. Then bring a "Sharpie" type marker pen with you and have the Characters sign the cast. Warn them when signing to not cross the line. After the cast is removed you will have an interesting souvenir.

You can use a bungee cord to help keep crutches or a folded up walker on the ECV or wheelchair. Usually it would be a short walk with the crutches from the wheelchair or ECV to either an attraction
to ride or a restaurant seat.

Good luck and let us know what finally happens.

 

[Nanajo1]

It probably doesn't need to be said but I'll throw it out anyway. Check with your MD. Find out what the MD says you should expect and ask what you can do to minimize your discomfort. What does the MD think you should attempt, should you limit walking or as I suspect getting the knee moving post surgery is a good thing. Not over doing and recognizing when you've pushed the limit is important. Have a great trip.

 

[cruzmouse]

I am contemplating postponing Disney trip. I too am supposed to have knee surgery meniscal repair and hardware removal from 1st surgery 5 mos ago(who thought softball could be so dangerous???) I wish you the best of luck....I agree with the post before about the med Bextra...it has worked wonderful at keeping my swelling to a minimum after a shift at the hospital.

 

[cupcake]

Did you ask your dr if you have any therapy afterwards? My mom had both of her knees replaced (not at the same time) and she had a strict regime with people coming to the house for quite a while afterwards. I assume that a scope isn't the same, but I would ask just in case. My mom uses the wheelchair service at the airport so she doesn't have to walk to the gate or stand around. It also makes it easier to preboard-- we've had trouble with United not letting us do a medical preboard when she wasn't in the wheelchair. This avoids having to stand in a tight space while everyone else gets settled. If you have problems with steps, note that we have encountered several Southwest gates with steps, not a walkway. Finally, I second the suggestion to get a bulkhead seat.

I also agree with the suggestion to go with the scooter rental. You don't know how you'll be doing in terms of your ability to walk and stand (my mom still has more trouble standing than walking) and it can be quite a walk/stand to get to the park gates, and then you have the concern about availability.

Good luck with your knee!!! My mom is doing so much better now, it really made a huge difference for her. And have a fun trip!

Cupcake