Not letting TWO bulging disks bring me down!

[Microcell]

I know I may be crazy, but my husband needs this vacation so badly I gotta try to go! I have had back pain since late May but I am probably 80% better than where I began, but I wonder if I am being realistic.

I plan to rent a wheelchair probably at the parks because walking for long periods still causes me nerve pain. Is there anything i am not thinking of, because alot of people have ECV's at their resorts but I am 38 and otherwise pretty strong, no loss of muscle strength, I just have a central bulge and it makes it painful to stand for long periods or walk long distances. I can do the grocery shopping etc here without help.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[deegack]

DH went to Disney last year with a bulging disk (he actually had surgery a couple months after he came back). He used his cane and our daughter's stroller as a walker. We were close to renting a ecv but he tried a massage instead and that helped a lot.

If you are thinking wheelchair vs ecv I would go with the ecv you would have more independence. He did get a GAC and was permitted an alternate waiting area if needed, but he used it once when our fastpass touring plan broke down (combo of extra long lunch, impromptu shopping etc).

 

[I Love Pluto]

Advice - the sling-type seats of a rental wheelchair will take a toll on your back. This type of seat will only worsen your condition.

I would go with an ECV rental. You will be more independent, and your back will thank you for the solid seat.

Have a great time. You already have a great attitude!

 

[PatsMom]

My husband has tons of problems with bulging discs. He finds the rental wheelchairs make things worse. He mostly walks and we take breaks. It all depends on how he is feeling. When the discs are really bulging, the doctor will prescribe steroids and they help a lot. He also has ankylosing spondylitis in his neck from breakdown of the disks.

He does avoid the jerky rides like Space Mountain. He worries more about his neck than his discs. If your discs are still this bad when it is time for your trip, you might want to experiment with an ECV - ride for a while, then let your husband drive for a while so you can stretch your legs and avoid the aches from sitting for too long.

My husband does find that standing in one place is harder than walking. So we make sure to use fastpasses and have a touring plan. We also go at slower times of the year which helps enormously.

 

[Microcell]

Thanks so much for your suggestions! I am having a good day, and am feeling like the nerve pain may go away soon (I hope!) and there is just the pulling in my back that would be left to contend with! I moved ALOT yesterday because after laying down most of the summer I need to build up stamina, and today feel a little better, so after dinner the kids and I are going to head downtown in our town and get some DQ and walk, walk, walk!

I will avoid the much cheaper wheelchair, and like one of your husbands, I find walking better than standing in one spot for sure!

Thanks again!