Mobility difficulty-beach/ocean

[brady961]

I will be going on the Magic in Jan 2007.

I have mobility issues (imbalance/ataxia, foot drop, sensorimotor polyneuropathy, chronic progressive neurological disease and no muscle endurance. I tire quickly walking/standing even for very brief periods of time.

Anyway, day to day i use forearm crutches, longer distances I use a rollator, and all day trips I use a scooter.

If I have already posted this question forgive me doing so again. I tend to forget things as well. My new nickname is Dory from Finding Nemo LOL

I haven't been able to walk on a beach or go into the ocean in three and half years or so. (I live in Orlando FL).

One of my main goals for this cruise is being able to walk the beach and get into the ocean water on Castaway Cay.

I was informed they have sand wheelchairs on first come basis. So thinking if I can get one of those I can use it like a walker/rollator to get to water's edge. (WDW DCL CM said these sand wheelchairs aren't allowed to be taken in the water).

Next trick is walking into the water and remaining upright. I will probably use a aquatic belt that assists in keeping someone vertical in the water.

I will have crutches, rollator and scooter with me, but none of these can be taken into the water esp ocean salt water.

My physical therapist is also trying to come up with safe ways that I can meet this goal. Of course I think he would prefer me not do either <G>

I fall over very easily even if just a slight bumped, uneven ground, and no idea how I will do walking in loose sand, or even sand that gives when stepping in/on. (Am being fitted for AFO's in the next week or two)

Thought about taking an old used walker that I could basically throw away before leaving island. PT doesn't feel that will be safe, and cause more problems. I thought about two old used canes yet using canes i tend to be wobbly and difficult controling arms weight bearing on canes.

Thought of holding someones arm for support to walk into water, which I think once there I should do ok, as long as i remain upright (this is wehre belt comes in to play). Would prefer though to do this as independently as possible and not have to rely on others.

Ok long enough about me, but wondering if others that have mobility/balance ataxia issues have found a way to safely walk on the sand and into the ocean.

I have 6 months to figure this out but PT wants me to practice however before the cruise.

So if anyone has done this, has suggestions, etc... please share those.

Thanks

 

[Michigan]

I don't see why there is any reason that someone can push you to the water's edge in the beach wheelchair. They are made for that.

If you live in Orlando you should go to Daytona Beach. We go there because they have free beach wheelchairs that you sign out for at the life guard stations and with your handicap pass it's free to drive on the beach.

Cindy

 

[dclfun]

I would not use a walker or cane as either can sink into the sand and neither will then be stable or even level. I wouldn't use your AFO's either as they will not allow your ankles to bend with the sand. Your best bet would be to transfer from the sand wheelchair into one of the beach chairs. Lots of people set these into the water and thus you can sit with the water up to your waist. When I could still do this I'd then put my legs on one of the floats ( but beware of sunburned legs) and had a really relaxing day being lulled by that wonderful ocean water and a very slight "wave". I know this doesn't help you to walk on the beach but with the little seashells, etc. that could puncture your feet, the sinking sand, etc. it might not be safe for you.---Kathy

 

[brady961]

Thanks for the info on Daytona. Since my mobility issues started about three years ago (progressiving) I just felt I could no longer go to the beach, so haven't. But I am ready to find ways to do it again. And priority goal for cruise is to enjoy CC beach and water.

DCL said I can't take sand wheelchair into the water, so I need something to get to be able to water into the water. I can use the sand-chair as a walker so that is probably taken care of. of course its first come first serve, so need to make sure i get there in time to get one.

I have 6 months to practice different ways. and great idea going to daytona (or any beach to practice)

thanks

I don't see why there is any reason that someone can push you to the water's edge in the beach wheelchair. They are made for that.

If you live in Orlando you should go to Daytona Beach. We go there because they have free beach wheelchairs that you sign out for at the life guard stations and with your handicap pass it's free to drive on the beach.

Cindy

 

[brady961]

Thanks. my physical therapist also ruled out using walker, or canes. I haven't gotten the AFO's yet still have to go get fitted. I don't think wearing those on any beach or in water would be a good thing. Correct?

Good idea of getting beach chair and sitting in that in the water. CC rents those chairs right?

I have beach shoes i planned on wearing to walk in sand so at least feet won't burn, cut etc.... For now at least i am able to walk short distances with support. hopefully in 6 months i will still be doing this. unfortuantely just don't know and can't predict even what next month will be in walking.

my DME rep I met with today, he gave me step by step to take to my doctor on looking at 5 years out and possibility of needing a power chair, as a scooter may not work in a few years. I didn't realize insurance only covers such items on a 5 year basis. I already have a scooter which i paid for as insurance wouldn't cover. but with things progressing the DME and PT are looking ahead and starting to talk about power chairs. grrrrr

Not sure I am ready to think that far ahead, as i am still in the acceptance step of needing support all the time now, needing AFO's now, etc.... I have been using the scooter only for all day trips like to WDW. But am finding to go to mall, my scooter is difficult to get around all those displays, and little larger than i would like to use in malls, stores, (works great at theme parks though). So I know soon I will need something to shop in stores, malls, or other outings that just too much for me to load/unload my larger scooter. grrrr

oh well I am thankful i can still walk even though wiht crutches or rollator for short distances.

again thanks for your ideas too. as i mentioned in other post I have 6 months to plan, and figure out what I can do, how etc...

DME rep today said I could rent a Go Go for the week on cruise. I had a Go Go before and its small not bulky which is what I want for cruise, rather than my little larger more bulky one. Yet he also suggested i start working with doc/insurance on long term of a power chair.

Thanks

I would not use a walker or cane as either can sink into the sand and neither will then be stable or even level. I wouldn't use your AFO's either as they will not allow your ankles to bend with the sand. Your best bet would be to transfer from the sand wheelchair into one of the beach chairs. Lots of people set these into the water and thus you can sit with the water up to your waist. When I could still do this I'd then put my legs on one of the floats ( but beware of sunburned legs) and had a really relaxing day being lulled by that wonderful ocean water and a very slight "wave". I know this doesn't help you to walk on the beach but with the little seashells, etc. that could puncture your feet, the sinking sand, etc. it might not be safe for you.---Kathy

 

[videogal1]

Thanks. my physical therapist also ruled out using walker, or canes. I haven't gotten the AFO's yet still have to go get fitted. I don't think wearing those on any beach or in water would be a good thing. Correct?


Thanks

I got some lace-up sand shoes to wear with my all-plastic AFO, thinking that I'd at least be able to get into the water and walk but when I did I found that the sand gets between your leg and the AFO and feels like someone is sanding your foot and leg so forget that. Actually, I have given up on beaches as the sand shifts underfoot too much for me to keep my balance and when I fall I can't get up...a very funny sight!


Hi brady....

 

[cquick]

DCL said I can't take sand wheelchair into the water, so I need something to get to be able to water into the water. I can use the sand-chair as a walker so that is probably taken care of. of course its first come first serve, so need to make sure i get there in time to get one.thanks

Well, there are enough beach wheelchairs that you won't have any trouble getting the use of one. And last year I pushed my son into the water up to his waist in the wheelchair, and he really enjoyed the feel of the water. I even had an umbrella (which I brought from home) that I clipped onto the chair. We went to the Private adult beach, since it's much quieter.

I also think the idea of getting a chair from the shore and putting it in the water and sitting in it is a great idea, you would be much closer to the feeling of swimming.

 

[brady961]

thanks everyone.
i can imagine how the sand would feel between the AFO's and leg/foot OUCH!!!!

did anyone say anything about taking the sandwheelchair into the water? DCL said I couldn't do that but not sure why.

videogal, same reason that my PT suggested I wear a aquatic fitness belt or vest that will keep someone vertical. so if i did fall or begin falling that would help me upright.

so maybe just getting a beach chair to sit in in the water will be enough.

if nothing will work I can still enjoy the island other things or even on-board.

really appreciate everyone offering ideas, suggestions, etc...

 

[videogal1]

videogal, same reason that my PT suggested I wear a aquatic fitness belt or vest that will keep someone vertical. so if i did fall or begin falling that would help me upright.

That will only work when you are actually IN the water up to the flotation device. Tell your PT that entering the ocean with mobility problems is as though she tried it with her feet tied together. No flotation device in the world is going to keep the little waves from digging the sand you're standing on out from under your feet, leaving you with nothing firm to stand on. Then, because you can't just turn the "wave machine" off, it'll take three people to get you back to firm beach sand and out of the moving water. Walking on sand? What a pain! Also, remember that unless you can do a ladder you won't be able to get out of the swimming pool on the ship...Not accessible!

 

[brady961]

thanks again videogal. i am surprised that the pools don't have something else to enter/exit except ladders. well that probably leaves me out of getting in the pools too.

just will find the many other activities to participate in which im sure won't have any problem finding things to stay busy <G>

My PT really isn't in favor of me going on the beach or in water. but since i have been perstitent he has been offering suggestions. he has given me many warnings that I have accepted but still trying to find someway of doing it. but if i can't oh well there are other things I can do on CC.

later gator