Mission Space/Heart Murmur ??

[indimom]

Okay, being a paranoid mom here.
My son really wants to ride Mission Space (the REAL side). He and his sister both have two heart murmurs (small hole in the heart). They have had all the tests needed to do sports and been okayed for everything. They have never had any issues with this (no faintness, dizziness, anything). DD's doctor told us years ago that 15% of healthy people have one of her heart murmurs and 10% of healthy people have the other.
I know all of this, but can't get the thought out of my head that people with heart conditions have died on Mission Space (kind of hard to forget since the 4yo incident happened when we were there in June 2005). So, what I'm looking for is reassurance that folks with heart murmurs have done this ride with no ill effects. I'm telling myself that tons of folks have to have done this as murmurs are not uncommon.
Reassurances anyone???? Surely the two instances that took place involved more serious heart conditions?? Anyone on the Dis with a heart murmur who has ridden this ride?

 

[fan1080]

I have a heart murmur, I'm in my mid 40's, and I also have high blood pressure (for the last 2 years, meds have it very well under control).

Doc has ok'ed me for all the trill rides I want to go on. I've not had any problems, with the exception of Mission Space, but I suspect that's more motion sickness related.

However, please check with your doctor. Do not make any judgements based on what you hear on this, or any other message board.

 

[RabFlmom]

Live specimen here. Have not ridden the green side. Doctor advises against most coasters because it elevates the blood pressure. You really need to talk to his doctor before deciding to let him ride. He is the one who knows his history and whether he could deal with the heightened blood pressure.

 

[carmiedog]

PERSONAL experience - I have a murmur (congenital stenosis) and have been on the orange side many times with no problems. I have always had related symptoms, but wisely or not, I've never let it stop me from doing anything. That's slowly changing as I get older and my stenosis deteriorates, though! My niece has a small hole in her heart that will eventually need surgical repair. I would *probably* take her on it as well - WITH DOCTOR'S APPROVAL. (Would she be fine? I think so. But is that line between "think" and "know" worth it? I dunno.)

Please check with your doctor, and if you're still not comfortable with it, don't do it. It's just one ride out of many great experiences at WDW and not worth the stress.

 

[Disbabe]

I was diagnosed with a heart murmur in 2005 at the age of 34 and have been to disney 3 times since then and have ridden Mission Space more than once on each visit with no real problems - only occasional palpitations. I have to be completely honest here - I never even gave it a thought about whether I would be able to ride or not!! On the whole I forget that I've got it and get on with my life.

 

[Lynne M]

If you're not comfortable, just have your kids ride the green side of MS. They'll get the entire ride experience, just without the spinning that creates the g-force effects. There are no health restrictions at all on the green side, just a claustrophobia warning.

 

[kmk1180]

It's you life, and your decision.

Will you be ok? ya probably. PROBABLY.
But they put those warnings on those rides for a reason.

I assume you've talked a doctor about this...and know the likelyhood
of something happening....so it's up to you...it the ride worth the chance?

When my wife didn't ride anything questionable when she was pregnant because we didn't think it was worth the chance.
But that was us.
If it was me, I'd say no. But I don't think anyone here is in position to tell you yes you will be ok and should ride. Even if they have a heart murmor and were ok, doesn't mean that applies to you.

Talk to a doctor, not internet message boards.

 

[indimom]

I probably didn't word my post very well. I've already gotten the doctor's go ahead. Our pediatrician (who had the results from the specialists' tests we did for sports last year) has already said this is fine.
I guess I just wanted to hear "from the horse's mouth" that people had gone on the ride with no ill effects.
It's very possible I'll still chicken out of letting him ride, and he may get upset, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.
Thanks again everyone.

 

[larryz]

I probably didn't word my post very well. I've already gotten the doctor's go ahead. Our pediatrician (who had the results from the specialists' tests we did for sports last year) has already said this is fine.
I guess I just wanted to hear "from the horse's mouth" that people had gone on the ride with no ill effects.
It's very possible I'll still chicken out of letting him ride, and he may get upset, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.
Thanks again everyone.

Here's hoping we don't see your family on CNN...

 

[Hannathy]

My middle aged DH has ridden it with a murmur and a valve problem without any issues.

Another thing to think about is how old is your son? if he is a teen he will soon be on his own at places like this and riding what he wants. I think I would rather be there the first time in the very very rare chance there is a problem. Another thing to think about is if he is a teen he probably (let's hope!) crosses the street by himself, well that is statistically more dangerous and you let him do that.

If there was any chance of a problem in this litigation society would the doctor have given the go ahead?

 

[Pats Dragon]

Nothing makes me sick but I was so sick for hours after riding that ride that I had trouble finishing the day. I would not recommend it under any circumstances. The green side is cool and fun. Remember, its only a ride and if something happened on hindsight it would definitely not be worth it. By the way, my doctor would have said its fine to ride anything.

 

[frayedend]

It makes me nervous as well. I'm glad you asked the question. My son has pulmonary stenosis but since he was born we have been told "full speed ahead, no restrictions". He has never been much of a thrill ride person but this year we are planning to try more things. I think we may just do the easy side of MS.

 

[dis75ney]

Murmur/tachycardia patient here...

I've been on every thrill ride at WDW and have had no problems whatsoever. I just made sure to clear everything with my cardiologist. He said that with the amount of regular exercise I do, there is no reason for me to be concerned on any ride...

Have a great trip!!!