Oxygen and wheel chairs

[jenniferlt]

My mother was just diagnosed with interstitial lung disease and may even need a transplant. She is still planning to go to WDW with us at the end of May. I am trying to plan a stress free trip for her. I think we will rent a scooter or motorized wheelchair for her. We are staying at the Poly so that should be fairly easy. At AK or MGM we'd have to use busses. Does anyone know if the scooters or wheelchairs come apart or could be loaded into the back of our van in case we decide to drive?I hate waiting for the busses at night. Also, will we need spare batteries in case she tries to go all day? (most likely we will do an afternoon break, but you never know.) Any suggestions re. what is better wc or scooter? Also we are trying to figure out the oxygen thing. She really should have it 24/7. Can she bring it on all the rides? (no TOT for her) What about the water parks? She'd like to come to typhoon lagoon. Of course she won't be climbing any stairs or plunging down any summits. But she loves the lazy river. I am guessing she couldn't wear her oxygen in that. SInce it is so relaxing I think she could do without for a little ride. Mostly we watch the kids at ketchakiddie creek and enjoy a cold drink. I am just trying to think of all possible issues. I'd appreciate all comments. It is a new diagnoses and we are all very stunned still. My coping method is to learn and plan (giving myself the illusion of control!)

 

[SueM in MN]

I think we will rent a scooter or motorized wheelchair for her.

You can rent a manual (push) wheelchair or a motorized scooter for her. There are some companies listed in the disABILITIES FAQs thread that DIS posters recommend.
Most of the companies won't rent a motorized (power) wheelchair unless someone is experienced with using one. Even if some company would rent one, I would recommend against a power wheelchair because they do take more practice to drive. Both the speed and the direction are controlled with a joystick. It looks easy, but does take time and practice to get the hang of. An ECV (scooter) is much easier and more straightforward to drive.

We are staying at the Poly so that should be fairly easy. At AK or MGM we'd have to use busses. Does anyone know if the scooters or wheelchairs come apart or could be loaded into the back of our van in case we decide to drive?

Wheelchairs and scooters can be loaded right onto the monorail or bus.
Manual wheelchairs can be folded and would fit into your van.
When you rent the ECV, let them know that you might be transporting it by van and you want one that can be taken apart for the van.
There is a section of the disABILITIES FAQs thread about using the buses and there is an explanation of taking apart an ECV. Some of the rental companies also have links to instructions in their website.

Also, will we need spare batteries in case she tries to go all day? (most likely we will do an afternoon break, but you never know.)

No, you won't need extra batteries. Most scooters can go 10-15 miles on one charge. If you are worried about running out of power, take the power cord with you and she can ask a CM where to find a power outlet while she is eating or resting. Or, if you are going back in the afternoon for a break, plug it in while she's back at the resort.
Any suggestions re. what is better wc or scooter?[/quote]
A scooter would give her more independence and no one would have to push her. But, she would also have to be more alert while driving it to what is going on around her. People step out in front of you with no warning. She may get more mentally tired from watching while she's driving.

Also we are trying to figure out the oxygen thing. She really should have it 24/7. Can she bring it on all the rides?

When you rent the ECV or wheelchair, ask about getting an oxygen holder for it so you can carry her tank with you.
In general, the rides with warnings for people with back, neck, high blood pressure, etc. would be the rides that oxygen would be a problem on. Because of her health, she would probably not be going on them anyway.
Here's a list of the rIdes with warnings
You can look at the park maps for the attractions with warnings - they are marked with a red triangle on the map and also on a sign at the entrance to the queue.
For Epcot here are the attractions with warnings:

• Mission Space
• Test Track

For Magic Kingdom:

• Splash Mountain
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
• Space Mountain

For Disney Studio

• Star Tours
• Rock N Roller Coaster
• Tower of Terror

For Animal Kingdom:

• Kilimanjaro Safari
• Kali River Rapids
• Expedition Everest
• Primeval Whirl
• Dinosaur

What about the water parks? She'd like to come to typhoon lagoon. Of course she won't be climbing any stairs or plunging down any summits. But she loves the lazy river. I am guessing she couldn't wear her oxygen in that. SInce it is so relaxing I think she could do without for a little ride.

My guess is no oxygen on the lazy river, but I'm sure Cheshire Figment could answer that question.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I know that oxygen could not be used on any slide as it would be dangerous.

As far as the lazy river, that would have to be checked with the lifeguards. My thought would be that it should not be a problem. You sit/lean in a large truck-tire-size tube. As long as the oxygen tank is not very long it could be carried along. Also, you might want to check with the supplier about what may happen if the regulator got under water by accident.

Also, if she will be needing more than one oxgen tank and the rental ECV cannot handle all the tanks, the spares can be stored at first aid.

 

[Mary976]

You might check to see if a portable oxygen concentrator would work for her. My father in law uses one when he travels. The one downside is that they are heavier that the small, handheld O2 tanks, but he sticks it in between his feet on his ECV. The one big advantage we have found is that most airlines (but NOT United) allow the concentrator to be used in flight, as long as you have paperwork from the doctor. There are also no tanks to change, as the concentrator runs off a battery that is recharged by plugging it in.


Mary

 

[jenn-n-okla]

My mother was just diagnosed with interstitial lung disease and may even need a transplant. She is still planning to go to WDW with us at the end of May. I am trying to plan a stress free trip for her. I think we will rent a scooter or motorized wheelchair for her. We are staying at the Poly so that should be fairly easy. At AK or MGM we'd have to use busses. Does anyone know if the scooters or wheelchairs come apart or could be loaded into the back of our van in case we decide to drive?I hate waiting for the busses at night. Also, will we need spare batteries in case she tries to go all day? (most likely we will do an afternoon break, but you never know.) Any suggestions re. what is better wc or scooter? Also we are trying to figure out the oxygen thing. She really should have it 24/7. Can she bring it on all the rides? (no TOT for her) What about the water parks? She'd like to come to typhoon lagoon. Of course she won't be climbing any stairs or plunging down any summits. But she loves the lazy river. I am guessing she couldn't wear her oxygen in that. SInce it is so relaxing I think she could do without for a little ride. Mostly we watch the kids at ketchakiddie creek and enjoy a cold drink. I am just trying to think of all possible issues. I'd appreciate all comments. It is a new diagnoses and we are all very stunned still. My coping method is to learn and plan (giving myself the illusion of control!)

My daughter has Interstitial Lung Disease as well.... We use a portable oxygen concentrator (Inogen One). She was able to take it on most all of the rides. The ones she couldn't we just left the machine with a cast member till we got off. She used the "stroller = wheelchair" on her Guest Assistance Card so most of the time if she wasn't allowed to have the machine on the ride we just left it in the stroller with the cast members.
I think Poly is the best choice for disAbled guests. We have stayed at all of the value resorts and the wait for the bus at night is horrible. The $$ for the nicer hotel will be money well spent.
I had a thread about using POC in the parks. You will have to hunt for it.
Jenn

 

[SueM in MN]

I had a thread about using POC in the parks. You will have to hunt for it.
Jenn

No need to hunt, I put a link to the thread in the disABILITIES FAQs thread; it's in post #3 of that thread.

 

[jenniferlt]

wow Thank you so much for all the great suggestions. At her last check up her doctor said she didn't have to use the oxygen every minute if she felt okay so hopefully she will be able to do some rides or floats without it. I really appreciate all the advice on this board. Her doctor is also concerned about heat and humidity. I think we can pace ourselves okay, but I wonder if the lines are long, would a GAC enable her to wait in an air conditioned place instead? We were thinking we didn't need one, but I am trying to anticipate anything. I am trying to plan our activities to allow for more shows and inside events. Thanks for the many helpful ideas.

 

[jenn-n-okla]

wow Thank you so much for all the great suggestions. At her last check up her doctor said she didn't have to use the oxygen every minute if she felt okay so hopefully she will be able to do some rides or floats without it. I really appreciate all the advice on this board. Her doctor is also concerned about heat and humidity. I think we can pace ourselves okay, but I wonder if the lines are long, would a GAC enable her to wait in an air conditioned place instead? We were thinking we didn't need one, but I am trying to anticipate anything. I am trying to plan our activities to allow for more shows and inside events. Thanks for the many helpful ideas.

I would get a GAC. Just because you have it doesn't mean you have to use it at every attraction, but it certainly would give her access to a shaded or ac place to wait and using the scooter would allow her to conserve her energy to enjoy the world instead of using it all to just breathe while walking through the huge parks.
I know all about the "pride" issue....trust me I struggle with it still, but with WDW it is time to "put the pride to the side" so you can enjoy yourself.
Jenn (mom to Julia age 6 1/2 with Children's Interstitial Lung Disease) www.childfoundation.us

 

[minkydog]

My DH has severe interstitial lung disease, too. The last time we went to WDW he used an ECV and took his little oxygen concentrator. It was a snap! The ECV practically saved the vacation--all the walking would have done him in before 10am. And when he is fatigued his need for oxygen increases, so we always take his little portable unit.

We always get a GAC, but it has never been a big problem.Some of his meds make him tired and photosensitive, so staying out of the sun is imperative.

Depending on the severity of your mother's lung disease, you may need to plan rest times. I know with DH, he can't just go sit in a quiet place and rest & recuperate. He has to get horizontal and SLEEP--for at least 2 hrs--in order to recover. He takes at least 2 of these naps every day. With his oxygen, of course.

May I just say how much i hate lung disease?