Need advice about a back problem and WDW

[disney212]

To try to make a long story short. Due to an accident I had back surgery in 1999 and had a 6 inch titanium rod implanted. No real major problems until about 3 months ago. I started having back pain but chalked it up to yard work. It got worse, went to the doctor, went through muscle relaxers, exercise, etc but it didn't help. Got an MRI and they now say that due to Crohn's arthritis and all the bone thinning meds I take to cure cancer and control the Gerd and Crohn's my spine is deteriorating where the rod is attached. My biggest issue is numbness. It doesn't matter if I walk to much or sit too much I get numb about 10 minutes of doing anything. I leave for a Christmas trip to WDW on 12/15. I see the neurosurgeon on Friday but did ask about my trip. At this point they said I should be ok to go but may want to think about getting an ECV. I have never used and EVC before. I did tell the surgeons off that surgery was not an option until after our trip. We are mid 40's and I just don't want to give into the pain. This year I suffered lung cancer and was able to beat it and then by working out to increase my lung capacity so I would be able to "do Disney" and now I just feel defeated that a 10+ year old injury is going to keep me down. Anyone else have any experience with this type of injury. I have not reserved a EVC yet and am hoping that I can get by without one. We are commando's at the world but I can take breaks in the park if needed. Thoughts?

 

[Piper]

I used to see using an ECV as "giving in" and didn't get one for several years after my doctor began telling me I needed one. I would go a little bit and sit--go a little bit and sit (you get the picture.)

When I finally "gave in," I realized that the ECV allowed me to do so much more--it gave me back my freedom and allowed those with me to enjoy the parks so much more. (And where ever we went at home, too.) It is a tool--like the glasses that help me to see. It is nothing to be ashamed of, but something to be used that gives me a lot more freedom than I would have without it!

My doctor said that those who need an ECV usually fight it, but she cannot tell me how many people have asked for it who don't need it--then get angry when she says "no."

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with Piper.

My Father in Law had the same outlook. He had bad hips and knees and avoided using an ECV for many years because he did not want to give in.
He got to a point where he was walking into a park (slowly), sitting for a while while the rest of us had fun, then we would come back and tell him what we did.
He would move to a bench a little farther into the park, repeat. The same thing going out. He saw very little and he still ended the day in a lot of pain.

One day at Epcot, he finally 'gave in' and at the end of the day, he had seen more than in trips to Epcot for the last 5 years together. Not only that, but it was the first day in about 10 years that had not ended early, in pain.

If you think about it as a 'giving in', that is what it will feel like. As Piper said, it is a tool that can let you do things you want to do instead of letting your pain control what you are able to do.

 

[disney212]

Thanks to everyone! I think I will put on my big girl panties and get the ECV. I don't want my poor DH missing any park time due to me. I go to the neurosurgeon on Friday so everyone keep their fingers crossed that it will be a simple quick fix and I will be back to my old commando self in no time. Seems like back pain affects folks of all ages. Look out WDW crazy lady driver on the loose. I better get to the grocery and start practicing. I think if I am going to do this I will go all out. If anyone sees a brunette on an EVC that is decked out with Christmas decorations from December 15-23 that will be me ( my hubby is a Griswald when it comes to our house he is already figuring out way to light up the EVC). Be sure to say hello!