Passing out/falling

[familygirlsc]

I have a condition called dysautonaumia. It causes me to at times get lightheaded, dizzy and faint. I am going to Disney (just MK really) with my DH and DDs, 4 and 6 for their birthday at the beginning of Feb. I am concerned bc when it gets hot or I get stressed it happens quite often....my BP drops extremely low and I fall maybe 6 or 7 times in only a few hours. My question is, how do I go about renting a ECV. I hate having to get one up front, but I would also hate to wait until too late and need one or even worse, fall and get yet another concussion I hate people staring at me cause I don't LOOK sick but I don't want to ruin everything for my family either.

This is the first time I'm going to be at Disney since my HS band played in a parade there 14 years ago!!! Is the rental place as soon as I get into the MK?

 

[McCall]

If you get light-headed and pass out Please don't rent an ECV as much as you don't want to use one, get a wheelchair. There are many places that rent both ECV's and wheelchairs and they will deliver to your hotel on site. You can also rent them as you enter any of the parks, but particularly with the ECV they run out of them.
Honestly though with a situation like yours you want someone else. your husband I assume in this case to be responsible for pushing and manuvering you about.. On an ECV there is much greater chance of you or someone else being injured.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

As can easily be seen you have a mixed situation.

Normally we will suggest that you rent an ECV from an off-site location so you will have it available both at your Resort as well as in the Parks, and that you don't have to worry about them running out of ECVs.

Generally I would tend to agree with McCall. However, it seems that your husband will have his hands full, with the 4yo being in a stroller (and possibly the 6yo also) and be unable to push a wheelchair.

A redeeming item is that you recognize that you are getting lightheaded. If this happens and you are on an ECV will you be able to at least remove your hands from the controls? Becuase without pressing on the lever the ECV will stop.

Please make sure that you stay very hydrated. He heat can sneak up on you.

And also each of the Parks has a First Aid station staffed by at least two RNs at all times. If needed you can go to one of them to rest for a while and have your husband take the girsl.

It can be done, but it does take care and planning. You are getting a good start by coming here.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Post #2 discusses renting of wheelchairs and ECVs.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

 

[LauraVV]

I have a condition called dysautonaumia. It causes me to at times get lightheaded, dizzy and faint. I am going to Disney (just MK really) with my DH and DDs, 4 and 6 for their birthday at the beginning of Feb. I am concerned bc when it gets hot or I get stressed it happens quite often....my BP drops extremely low and I fall maybe 6 or 7 times in only a few hours. My question is, how do I go about renting a ECV. I hate having to get one up front, but I would also hate to wait until too late and need one or even worse, fall and get yet another concussion

Hi there! Me too! When we went to Disney last year I purchased an EVC at Farm and Fleet. It cost just twice the weekly rental. I thought it was worth this so that I could have the scooter for things like Trick or Treating with my daughter.

I've been having more symptoms lately. I'm now having atrial fibrillation and pulmonary problems. I have mind numbing fatigue. I have switched jobs several times and now work sitting on my behind. My doctor is probably going to take me off work within the month because I can't take the stimulants with the new cardiac problems.

My son has a service dog because of falls caused by dysautonomia. The agency we used for him has asked me several times when I'm getting a dog. I'm not ready yet. It's been tough to accept these things. The next vehicle we get will need to have a w/c lift. I'm going to need a handicapped placard too. For some reason, it was OK to have one for my daughter but I've had problems dealing with needing one for me!

I had no problem with the EVC at Disney. They were very accommodating even though I don't appear to have a problem. I will say that I was more unsteady at Disney than usual. All that activity is hard on the system.

You might want to make sure you have cold water to drink all the time and can get in the shade if you have temperature control problems as I do. The EVC allowed me to spend more time at the parks with my kids.

 

[mechurchlady]

I agree with Cheshire Figment. Also the ECV would save you lots of energy and save your husband lots of energy since the pushing can wear out even the strongest person.

There is a device I saw a while back that is used for drowsy drivers.
It fists on the ear and buzzes loudly when the head drops down. Good for drivers but not for a person who bends over a lot. It has an off and on switch though.
http://www.thenonap.com/nni-fd.htm

 

[familygirlsc]

Thanks everyone!

Laura, Its nice to see someone else with my condition! Feel free to email me....I could use the support!!

About the scooter....the thing with my condition is that I don't fall from the sitting position, just from the standing. Its almost like my legs give out and I feel weak and sleepy.

We are only going to be at the MK for one day and the next day we will find things to do off and on around the resort, but no parks.


I hope that I don't need a scooter around here. Usually I just work from home when I get really sick.