New cast and suprise WDW trip

[WDWfeelslikehome]

So here's our situation. We fly out Sunday for a suprise vacation, my DS3.5 has no idea. He also just broke his arm over the weekend. We got it casted yesterday, now we are 5 days away, and he has a bright blue fiberglass cast on. He loves to swim, not a problem at home right now seeing as the air temp is 40 degrees, but next week at "Uncle Mortimer's" it will be in the 80's . We're thinking the kiddie pools with the cast bagged, but DS may not be too happy with that. The cast extends 3 inches above his elbow, bent at a 90 degree angle. He's also a climber and loves the play areas, and DW and I wer excited for him to be able to use the F&G play areas, is that still a possibility. He now has a complete understanding of Karma, as he broke his arm running up a slide and falling off to the side. Just like we had told him when we had stopped him from doing htis before, to which he told us, no he wouldn't get hurt. He has personality weel beyond his years. Any shared experiences would be appreciated.

 

[angelat]

Well, I can't say too much about what he will and won't be able to do as far as climbing and such. My DS never had a cast on his arm, but I wanted to point out the good news...perhaps he can get a few autographs from characters on his cast!! I'll bet that will be exciting.

Maybe mom and dad can help him with some climbing around on the playground. As for the pools, I'd ask the Dr. office if they have any recommendations. Is he a swimmer, or does he just like to splash around??

I hope he heals quickly...enjoy your vacation!!

 

[NHdisneylover]

Did the orthopedist tell you not to get the cast wet? Many offices use the waterproof liner by default now (it was the only choice when DS broke his wrist in January in New Hampshire). If you were not told one way or the other call--maybe you will be lucky and he has the waterproof. If not, it is too late now, but for future reference (which I hope you never need) you can usually get the liner on request--you may have to pay the extra cost (insuarance usually won't pay). It was well worth the $30 to us just so DD could bathe without worrying two years ago and swimming was a major bonus. Good luck and have fun.

 

[deedeetoo]

I agree that the waterproof liners are great. Unfortunately it may be too late for the OP. Most people don't even know that is an option the first time they deal with a cast.

They also sell inflatable sleeves that you can put over the cast to keep it dry in water. I've never used one but I've heard they work well.

 

[Donnaly66]

My son broke his arm last summer when he was five and right before our lake camping trip. He is VERY active. We bought a water sleeve to go over the cast so he could go in the water. He had pins in his arms so it was extra important that his cast stay dry. It worked just fine. It's not pretty and I think he was a little embarassed by it (who wants to wear a big blue plastic sock on their arm?). But, it's better than NOT going in the pool.

It was $30+ for the sleeve and we got it at a medical supply store. Make sure you don't under-estimate the size of sleeve you will need. I did and had to take it back to get a bigger one.

As far as climbing and stuff, make sure and get the ok from your orthopedic doctor. If the doc says it's ok, then your son will know what he can and can't do as his pain and soreness will dictate his activity. But remember, too much activity and he will be sore and in pain later.

This is a bummer but it should not greatly affect his ability to have a great time - afterall, it's DISNEY!

 

[NHdisneylover]

I agree that the waterproof liners are great. Unfortunately it may be too late for the OP. Most people don't even know that is an option the first time they deal with a cast.

They also sell inflatable sleeves that you can put over the cast to keep it dry in water. I've never used one but I've heard they work well.

Yes I realize it is probably too late for the OP. However, I wanted to point it out because I know the practice DS went to a few monhsh ago had begun using them routinely a year earlier and apparently did not always specificly mention to parents that they in fact had a water proof liner. Often the staff figured if they did not tell the parents to keep it dry the parents would know it coudl get wet. Yet, I am sure parents often assume it cannot get wet because that is what we all grew up with. It is a remote chance, but was worth mentioning is all.
I am glad others were able to post more information about the sleeves.
OP--I hope you have a great trip with your little guy

 

[WDWfeelslikehome]

Thank you for all of the helpful tips and info. I am going to look for some of the sleeves for the pool. The liner he has isn't waterproof, I had asked, but I guess it wasn't available. I had talked to the Ortho about climbing and playing as well, he said DS is really only limited by pain. He has a "buckle fracture" so it's a little kid type of break. We are going to slow him down on some of the climbing, it's just a little awkward with the cast a few inshe over the elbow and bent at a 90 degree angle. I think some Mickey Premium Ice Cream Heads will distract him just fine though, so they may be consumed in abundance next week. To make him feel better, I'll get one for me each time too. I am sure we'll have a great time. After all he still doesn't have any idea, he thinks he's going to see "Uncle Mortimer", with the big family he just thinks it's someone he may not remember. We have told him that Uncle Mortimer lives where it's warmer, so we need to take a plane. Can't wait to see his face when we pull up to WL. We are getting picked up by car, so not even the ME will tip him off.