Officially overwhelmed and time is short

[danacath]

A bit of background: Last week I injured my right foot. I got a 2x2 inch swollen bruise on the bottom outer part of my arch, that also wrapped around to the top side of my foot. The podiatrist thinks it's tendinitis, or other soft tissue damage. Judging by the x-ray, he doesn't think it's a stress fracture, but he's not 100% sure. At first it was painful to walk on, but now that I've been using crutches all week, it's not as painful or inflamed at this point. I could probably bear weight on it now, but I'm still hesitant to do Disney mileage on it. Also I had left knee surgery in May for a meniscal tear so my left leg has just recently gotten strong again.

So, I leave for a 5-night stay in 3 and 1/2 days. I'm supposed to fly down and meet my DH at MCO. He's attending a conference at WDW, and I was coming along to enjoy a little getaway trip with him. I've been looking forward to it for a LONG time.

Now with this new injury, I have so many questions and decisions to make and the clock is ticking... Should I take crutches-- one or two? Or should I get a boot, like the doctor suggested, and leave the crutches at home? Do I need to call ahead for wheelchairs at all airports? Do I need a medical form from the doctor? What about when I get to CSR? Should I be calling ahead to let CSR know, and request something? How will I get around the resort? It's huge, DH will be at the conference and we won't have a car. I'll also be at the parks by myself for 2 days-- do I try to get a scooter there? (I've never used one.) Would a CM at the park entrance store my crutch(es) while I use a scooter? I briefly read the thread about scooter rentals from various companies and quickly got overwhelmed at finding one at the last minute like this and the thought of having to maneuver that thing onto a bus or a boat by myself when I've never even ridden one.

On the other 2 park days, DH says that he can probably push me in a wheelchair. I can hobble around for short distances, and I may actually be okay to walk for a bit, once I give it a try. I just don't want to flare up the injury all over again.

Sorry this got so lengthy and I'm probably coming across pretty wimpy... Making decisions is not my strong suit, let alone having to make QUICK decisions, and making a lot of them all at once. Any words of wisdom for me?

 

[GrammyJudy]

Ok calm down..this can all be worked out.
My suggestions:
1. Call the airline and request a wheelchair from curb to gate and gate to magical express
2. Rent a scooter. I use Apple Scooter. The 3 wheel is easier to maneuver.
3. Go to WalMart or another store and practice on their scooter but know that the rental is much easier to drive.
5. The bus drivers are great. If you have trouble they will often offer to park it for you. Just smile and apologize if you have trouble.
6. Have fun

 

[heidibilotti]

Get the boot. It helps take the pressure off and you won't be as likely to reinjure it. I would call ahead and let the resort know that you would like to be close to the bus stop or main building as it will make it easier. Take your time and have a blast. I know when I hurt my foot soaking in the pool made it feel lots better.

 

[danacath]

Thanks for the replies, GrammyJudy and heidibilotti. So is that one vote scooter and one vote boot? Or get both? And BTW, soaking my foot in the pool sounds wonderful right now!

I know I probably sounded a bit "worked up" in my original post. The past couple of years have been stressful for our family for various other reasons--job, health, relationships, etc. and this is just one more "irritant" being added to the pile. I do realize that on its own, it's a pretty minor inconvenience and could be much worse.

So, I just got off the phone with my podiatrist. They'll be fitting me for a boot tomorrow morning. The only kind they have goes all the way to the knee. My knee therapist had advised me to try to get the lightest, thinnest boot possible, so that I don't aggravate my left knee and hip/groin by being too lop-sided. (Injured the hip last fall.) But this is the only kind of boot my podiatrist has and it's what he recommends. Hope I'm doing the right thing!

When I go to get my boot, should I get some sort of doctor's note for the airports, as well as for Disney parks? I read about a medical form being needed at airports to prove you actually do need assistance. I'm going to have a connecting flight in Chicago, so I'll need help there, too. I also read that if you tip well, you get treated well. I hadn't really thought about having to tip my wheelchair assistant... Any experience with that?

I'm thinking about taking one crutch along... sure wish I had a collapsible cane, though!

Is there a wheelchair at CSR to help me get to my building, or a golf cart they could take me on? I'm wondering how I get my luggage and myself across the resort after check-in.

I'm still mulling over the scooter decision, whether to go with Apple or just get one when I'm at the parks. I guess I have to figure out if I can get by without a scooter when I'm on my own at the resort. If it wasn't for my klutziness, I'd have the decision made. But I'm the type that will run into someone, run over their foot, go forward when I need to go backward, get stuck in the gate, etc. When I voiced this to DH, he laughed and promised not to laugh when (not if) it happens. Yeah... typically he's the first one to laugh!

Sorry for all of the questions. Normally I research a lot of things on my own, but since I'm short on time, I'm hoping that some of you can help me out a bit. Thanks so much!

 

[jmartinez1895]

I vote for the boot/ scooter combo. The boot would help you out when you are walking and the scooter will make getting around the parks so much easier for you. What would you do if your foot started hurting and you where in the back of a park? I say it's better to be cautious.

 

[GrammyJudy]

Get the boot and scooter. If the boot irritates take it off and just use the scooter. I bought a folding cane for $20 at WalMart. It fits in the scooter basket and my caryon bag and I love it. In fact I have one I leave in my car and one in the house in case I need it. I have bad arthritis in my back and knee. The resorts do have loner wheelchairs on first come first serve basis. I'm not sure bout a golf cart. Are you traveling alone?

 

[peemagg]

I vote also for the scooter/boot combo. I also vote to get a scooter from Apple then you are guaranteed to have one. Those at the parks are first come/first served and there are a limited number of them. Your only choice then would be a manual chair.

As for trying to just walk it with the boot, I am speaking from experience that those things are hot and heavy. I don't think you would last more than an hour or two walking with one especially since you won't have had it for long.

I agree to go to a store and use their carts and practice with them to get a feel as to how the things work. Try going forward and backward and practice backing it into places.

 

[Granny square]

If you are on the smallish side the little scorer that everyone offers is really easy to deal with. We've rented from walker, randy's, Petes mobility and are looking at some other company that was cheap the next trip down there.

And the boot and cane would work well.

I hope you feel better quickly!

 

[catra121]

I would definitely go with the boot and scooter (rented from offsite so you have it at the resort). If you feel you can walk a little then you can always park the scooter outside attractions/shops (where it might be more difficult to maneuver)...but don't be afraid to take it in if that makes things easier for you. Don't push yourself too much...just being in Disney is enough of a push.

Also agree that a fold up cane wouldn't be a bad extra to have as well...especially if you want to try walking a little in shops or queues. Could help take extra weight off that boot and make you a bit more confortable. It folds up easily and fits in my purse (or my walker if I am going bag free).

 

[utterrandomness]

I recommend taking along a box/handful of ziplock baggies for ice in the parks. I believe you can get ice packs from first aid, but it's nice to be able to get ice wherever you are.

 

[danacath]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your input!

Just to clarify, DH and I are flying out of separate airports in separate cities. (We were trying to be frugal by using our Southwest reward miles and our United rewards miles. It seemed like a good idea at the time. ) He'll drop me off and then head to Omaha for his flight. Thankfully, DH is checking both of our suitcases since he's flying SW and doesn't pay for baggage, so I won't have to worry about that. Our plan is to meet at MCO and take ME together to CSR.

DH will be at a 2-day conference at the Contemporary. (It just got relocated last week, unfortunately.) On those 2 days, I'll only plan to be in the parks by myself from park opening til about 1 PM. (BTW, I wasn't ever considering walking the parks in my boot...only around the resort.) Then back to CSR for pool time until DH can meet me for dinner-- Raglan Road one night and Boma the other. (Free dining!! )

I have kind of sensitive skin so I'm wondering how I'll do in the heat with the boot. Is there some tip you have for that, like a special sock or powder? Gosh, and I hadn't even thought about what to do if it starts raining and the boot gets wet...

 

[nemajovc]

Just call airline customer service no ( I get it from website) and give your flight info saying u need a wheelchair from curb to gate and gate to transportation that u can use crutches for transfer to plane. Southwest and most others incl United are very accommodating. I've done this too often for relatives so I know. Don't forget a little cash to tip person pushing chair especially if they help with luggage. It's better to reserve a chair so you'll get taken ahead of those just showing up.
I don't know about chafing with boot but would ask the person putting it on as they often have good suggestions.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[danacath]

Just call airline customer service no ( I get it from website) and give your flight info saying u need a wheelchair from curb to gate and gate to transportation that u can use crutches for transfer to plane. Southwest and most others incl United are very accommodating. I've done this too often for relatives so I know. Don't forget a little cash to tip person pushing chair especially if they help with luggage. It's better to reserve a chair so you'll get taken ahead of those just showing up.
I don't know about chafing with boot but would ask the person putting it on as they often have good suggestions.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Thanks for your message. My sweet DH went online for me and added my request to my flight info, so hopefully I'll be all set.

I've seen different tip amounts from $5 to $15 recommended for wheelchair assistants, depending on distance, etc. (No one will have to deal with my luggage-- the only thing I might ask them to do is stop at a restroom.) What would be a good tip to give? And what if I'm put on a larger vehicle with more people on it? Do those drivers get tipped, too, but not as much? I want to be fair to everyone that helps me-- not going overboard on the amount, but not being a cheapskate, either.

 

[BSchaal57]

Hi danacath, I share your concerns about the scooter as to whether to rent from parks or off site. After talking with my agent about it,I had done some checking into it. I found that it is $60 a day to rent a scooter at the park and $200 for 7 days at a rental agency (walkermobility). If you rent from the parks, you cannot take the scooter from park to park. Also, if you decide to go back to resort and rest, and then decide to go back to parks, you may be out of luck if there are no scooters left for you to use. With Walker Mobility, they will bring it to your resort for you and it is yours until the day you leave. I am going to Walker Mobility,that way I know I always have a scooter and can enjoy my WDW trip to the fullest!!!

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I agree with the boot & scooter rented from offsite combo. If you're worried about the scooter, spend some time around the resort practicing. If you can get to a big box store and practice there before you go, even better. The big box store scooters are far more bulky and harder to maneuver than what you rent from an offsite rental place so if you can use those, you'll be fine with the rental. You can bring the scooter through most queues for rides. Those you can't bring it through, will have wheelchairs you can use. I'd suggest saving those for days when you're with your husband. (I believe the FAQ Sticky on this board has a list of which rides that may happen for.)

I'd ask the doctor about what to do for sweating/itching under the boot, especially if you already know you have skin issues. The good thing about it being a boot is that at the worst case, you can take it off for period of times. Also, bring stuff you can put ice in as well (you can get it from CS restaurants on request), whatever NSAID you use (possibly ask about other pain medication that you can at least take at night), and anything else that you've found helps reduce the pain. I'd suggest buying the folding cane. I've seen them at CVS, Walgreens, and RiteAid for about $20 so you should be able to find one easily.

I'd say to plan in $5-10 per assistance person at the airports. So figure, no more than $30 for one direction (pre-flight, between flights, and between aircraft and DME). Using DME means that you won't have to worry about your bags and if, for some reason, the scooter you rent isn't at the resort when you check-in, last I was there CSR used golf carts to help guests with mobility issues get to their rooms. If you order from Apple or one of the other "preferred" vendors (preferred vendors just have a deal with WDW that allows them to drop/pickup scooters with Bell Services and to come into the parks to provide any service needed in the rare case that one of their scooters breaks down in a park), the scooter should be with Bell Services when you arrive, though.

Will you need any assistance as far as the room at the hotel? I don't know if you could change to an accessible room at this point, but you should still be able to request a shower chair and possibly a toilet raiser if needed. I agree with those who suggest spending time in the pool. Even better is that due to an amendment to the ADA, the pools all now have accessible ways to enter them if you find you can't get in safely using the regular access points. Don't be afraid to use accommodations you need.

WDW is one of the best places to go if you have a mobility impairment for any reason. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. And anything you can't do this trip will be around for future trips. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[KGK]

Ok calm down..this can all be worked out.
My suggestions:
1. Call the airline and request a wheelchair from curb to gate and gate to magical express
2. Rent a scooter. I use Apple Scooter. The 3 wheel is easier to maneuver.
3. Go to WalMart or another store and practice on their scooter but know that the rental is much easier to drive.
5. The bus drivers are great. If you have trouble they will often offer to park it for you. Just smile and apologize if you have trouble.
6. Have fun

GrammyJudy is spot on. Apple is great. You'll need a scooter to get around. It's your husband's mini vacation also, don't make him push you. Crutches are a pain. Average guest walks about 7 miles/day... Remain calm and have fun.

 

[peemagg]

A good thing to use in your boot to help with sweating and chaffing is knee high socks and Gold Bond powder. That is what I use in my knee high braces and when I used a boot. They kept all sores at bay.

 

[danacath]

I really appreciate all the great comments!

Well, I went and got my boot this morning. The assistant strapped it on my right foot, pumped it full of air, and then I hobbled out to my car. I started to climb in behind the wheel and realized, "Duh, you can't drive in a boot!" All that effort and I only wore it for 5 minutes. Made 3 other stops looking for a cane, so I never put it back on. Got by with crutches okay.

I did get a travel cane, but I notice that it isn't as stabilizing as my crutch. When I put any weight on it, my hand wobbles all over the place. It doesn't make me feel very secure. Am I gripping it wrong or ??? I've never used a cane and I'm very familiar with my crutches, so I'm sure that's part of the problem. Or are there certain brands that would be better than others?

I also got an elasticized cover for my boot ($10) in case it rains. It's that time of year in FL when those afternoon showers sneak up on a person so I didn't want to get caught in the rain and end up in a soaked boot.

The assistant didn't have suggestions for boot irritation other than to wear a compression sleeve on my leg. If I have time, I'll shop for knee socks. Any certain kind? Otherwise, I think I'll give the powder a try. That would probably help keep the boot from smelling too bad as well. I don't have any Gold Bond, though. Would regular baby powder or cornstarch baby powder work instead?

Next up: scooter decision!

(Of course, now that I've gotten the boot and cane, my foot has been looking and feeling great today, so then I start to second-guess if I truly need to be going to all this trouble and expense. But I also realize that it's a bit of a gamble if I don't!)

 

[peemagg]

I suggested the Gold Bond powder is because it has something in it that has a cooling action.

As far as the cane goes, it should be in the opposite hand of the injured foot. It sounds like to me you are putting too much weight on the cane. That is why it wobbles around. A cane is better for balance than taking full weight. It will take some, but if you are putting so much on it that it wobbles, then you need to use the crutches instead. They are meant to take the weight.

I use just basic lightweight knee highs that you can buy almost anywhere. I try to stay away from things with ribbing or any type of texturing that could make them more uncomfortable.

 

[danacath]

It sounds like to me you are putting too much weight on the cane. That is why it wobbles around. A cane is better for balance than taking full weight.

Yup, you're right about that. I've used crutches quite a bit in the past year for various reasons (injuries and surgery) and I'm used to being able to put quite a bit of weight on them. With the cane, I feel like I'm balancing the cane, rather than the cane balancing me. Hope I won't regret my purchase.

I did go ahead and reserve a scooter from Apple for the length of our stay. I just decided to cover all the bases and get the boot, the scooter and the travel cane. Once I'm there, I can decide what combo will work best for the different plans that we have. I went ahead and rented a scooter cover, too. It looks like a good chance of rain each day that we're there, so I'd rather not be sitting on a wet seat if I can help it! I'll bring my poncho to wear, too.

Let me know if there's anything else that would be helpful to bring. Tomorrow is packing day!