possibly a frequently asked question but i need help

[itsdisneytime]

Hello friends
I'll keep it quick - I've been fighting thyroid caner for going on 2 years July 21st. ... Ive been to Disney once since this ordeal started and I was able to take it slow and steady. ** my dd 9 and I travel alone **

things have complicated just a tad and the medications I am on combined with my treatments are making me very unpredicatbly nauseaus and (cant believe im saying this but ... ive developed IBS out of nowhere from meds) ...

while I REFUSE to roll around on a scooter and scare my daughter to death, I still know that I am in a different predicament then before and may have issues this time therefore I am bringing a friend and her dd 9 also ....

question: how would a gac card benefit me? My nurse suggested this (luckily for me, she too is a Disney fanatic) and while I wait for doc and such, we chat it up. If I had to say my BIGGEST concern is being in line and having to search for the closet trash can to vomit in or make mad dashes to the restroom (which folks are known to be horribly mean when you say your catching up to your family when reentering the line) ... actually, I wouldnt even feel comfortable doing that so what can I do for this trip we are taking for my dd's birthday?

 

[peemagg]

I would think a GAC would help you. They may be able to give you an special stamp or something to allow you to be in a quieter area that you should be able to get out of line quickly from if needed.

I think to help yourself, I would figure out a way to handle the vomiting (maybe the Dr can give you some sort of anti nausea meds) if in line and can't get out. I think I would carry some ziploc bags in another bag to vomit in and cover it up a bit if needed.

To help with the IBS, a few adult diapers or disposable underwear might be a good idea just in case you can't get to the restroom in time. I know not a great thought to have to deal with, but we all have to do what we can to make our trips more fun.

 

[mickeyluvsjess]

Good luck on the trip, I wish you well. I would study the park maps and make sure I knew where all the restrooms were ahead of time. Also make sure you know where the first aid centers are in each park in case you need a rest. (I'm sure your friend will watch your daughter and distract her as not to scare her..you could make plans to meet later) But you know in Disney EVERYONE is on an ECV. If you need one maybe you could come up with a "little white lie"(maybe a blister?) Anything that will make you more comfortable will make everyone happier.Also maybe try to keep some little plastic bags like people use to dispose of diapers in case you get nauseous and can't make it to the bathroom. I had very made "morning" sickness when I was pregnant and very rarely made it out of the house without getting sick/ they came in VERY handy. As for the GAC both my kids have autism and the GAC was helpful to us. People tend to be nice in Disney but as for rejoining your family I would still maybe come up with a meeting place in case you need to clean up or don't feel well enough to return to an attraction or ride. I hope you have a magical trip.

 

[SueM in MN]

Look at near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Post #6 of that thread is about Guest Assistance Cards.

It may not be able to help you as much as you are thinking - other people with needs to get out of line quickly or unexpectedly have found a GAC was not very helpful to them. I’m not saying not it won’t help at all, just that there are many places where it will not necessarily help you to get out quickly.
The places most likely to have a separate waiting areas are the shows, which often have a roped or chained off area to the side of the general waiting area. This is an example, from Laugh Floor at Magic Kingdom.

The general waiting area is to the left side of the picture and the handicapped/accessible area is to the right of the picture.
You would be waiting with fewer people, but not necessarily easier to get out. For many shows, you move from one waiting room to another waiting room before getting into the show.

As peerage mentioned, you should have some preparations in case you do have a problem in line or in an attraction and can’t get out.

I would also suggest that you look into touring plans, like TourGuide Mike that would help you to be in the least busy part of the least busy park. That will help you with your waits and also help in situations where a GAC can’t help - such as waits in restrooms and lines in restaurants.
Also, using Fastpasses will help you - you have to show the Fastpasses to the CM at the line entrance to get into line, but another CM collects the Fastpasses not long before boarding. If you need to leave the line before the point where the Fastpasses have been collected, your whole group can leave the line without handing in the Fastpasses. Then, when you are ready, you can all get back into line. That is likely to be an easier route than using a GAC.

You also will want to be aware of the length of some of the attractions - for example, Ellen’s Energy Adventure is approximately 45 minutes long and once you have gotten into the attraction car, it is not possible to leave.

For shows and movie type attractions, all of them ‘load’ on one side of the theater, usually at one end of the rows of seats. The exits are at the other end of the row. So, if you want to make sure you can leave easily during the show if you need to, continue into the theater all the way across the row to the end opposite where you came in. You will also see clearly marked Exit signs above the exit and there is usually a CM in the theater during the show to help people who might need to leave.

Cell phones would be helpful - if you have to leave and your family stays in the show, you can connect up later if you both have cell phones.

 

[dclfun]

Good luck- IMO there's nothing worse than being nauseated. I really can't think of how a GAC would help at all. There really isn't a separate line that's easy to get in/out of like Sue mentioned and there is no expedited entrance either. The GAC will clearly say that it's use will not shorten wait times for this reason. I know in most of the queue lines it's not possible to join your family later in the line without going past other Guests if you've had to leave and return. I would also ask if there are anti-nausea meds you can take and then avoid rides that might exacerbate that feeling. Does it help to have ice chips? You can always ask for free cup of ice at any of the stands, or perhaps sucking on ginger candy or wearing the accupressure bands that people use for seasickness might help.---Kathy

 

[brat]

First talk with your Doctor about meds to treat the IBS and nausa.If that does not get you control because the med induced IBS can be stuborn get a referal to gastro and a nurtionist.

Tools that help in case, Morning chicness bags or red e bags, adult underwear is like a pull-up or adult diapers with the tape/velcro and baby wipes.

Have fun at Disney

 

[Bete]

is to time your activities. If you just had a bout with one or the other problem or both you are less likely to be at risk; so, then I would try the lines that you can't turn around in or that are very long.

Not sure but maybe trying to go to a restroom before you enter into a longer wait ride would be advisable. Sometimes by association (being in bathroom) you may have some luck. Also, I would suggest after eating to stick to rides and such where you have easier access to leave.

I agree there may be meds that can help you with both situations. Also, using aids like special underwear is a good idea. Take an extra set of underwear and pants with you to the parks for a changeover. And as others stated I don't think a GAC will help that much.

Maybe, keep your big meal until later in the evening when you don't necessarily have to go on rides and such, but enjoy the fireworks and such.

When you can stay close to a bathroom. For example, during a parade viewing be near a bathroom area. Knowing where all the restrooms are will be crucial to you having a better trip.

For many sitting down helps IBS; so, using a scooter would maybe help greatly in that way and it sure would be faster getting to a restroom when you need it. Of course, if you are in a ride queue then I would exit on foot and let your friend watch the scooter until you could get back..

 

[jmartinez1895]

In our experience, we have had to get out of line before because of tummy issues. Our child uses a mobility aid so we use the areas that Sue pointed out in her photo. If you are in an area like that and another group with a wheelchair or ECV comes in, you can almost forget about getting out. They tend to make the line just big enough for a wheelchair to comfortably fit through. I would imagine that if you are having a tummy emergency then you would be making a mad dash for the door and and trying to climb over other people and squeeze through might slow you down. At one ride a lady I saw turned around in the line and yelled " I'm gonna be sick" and started to run and you should have seen how fast the other people in line got out of her way ( not discreet, but it worked for her). A touring plan, like was already said, would be great. Also, if you are staying on property then take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

From a fellow thy cancer dis er:

I use a wheelchair as a walker. I dont like a scooter/ecv. If I am tired I will sit in the wheelchair, mostly during parades, long lines etc. I had my L neck dissected and the nerve was cut too so my L arm is not so great, so I use it to balance too. You can rent one in the parks or rent one from an off site dealer.

Have your asked your dr. about compazine, zofran or regulan for the nausea.

As other posters have said, I might bring a zip lock baggie for the nausea and put it inside a plastic disney bag you could get from buying a souvenir etc. Would blend in.

As far as the bathrooms I know where most of them are in the parks. As the other posters have said I might consider depends as an alternative just in case.

Also make sure of the first aid locations in each park if you need them.

If you are going in summer, make sure to stay hydrated. My salivary glands were ruined by the rai.

I am sure your dd will understand your limitations.

Just curious as to what type you have? I have papilary but with the rare and agressive columnar cell variant. You can also chat with other disers with thy ca on the coping and compassion board under the thyroid thread. I get alot of info and support there.

Hope you have a great trip.

 

[pbrim]

This may be TMI, but I just had to toss in something most people don't know about nausea meds:

I have a friend who has really bad nausea associated with migraines. At one time she was having real problems because, while there were meds that would help, sometimes she couldn't keep pills down, and hard vomiting would dislodge suppositories. She finally found a compounding pharmacy in our area that will take the anti-nausea meds and create a cream. She spreads it on her wrists and the meds absorb through the skin. It's made a big difference in her quality of life.

 

[itsdisneytime]

From a fellow thy cancer dis er:

I use a wheelchair as a walker. I dont like a scooter/ecv. If I am tired I will sit in the wheelchair, mostly during parades, long lines etc. I had my L neck dissected and the nerve was cut too so my L arm is not so great, so I use it to balance too. You can rent one in the parks or rent one from an off site dealer.

Have your asked your dr. about compazine, zofran or regulan for the nausea.

As other posters have said, I might bring a zip lock baggie for the nausea and put it inside a plastic disney bag you could get from buying a souvenir etc. Would blend in.

As far as the bathrooms I know where most of them are in the parks. As the other posters have said I might consider depends as an alternative just in case.

Also make sure of the first aid locations in each park if you need them.

If you are going in summer, make sure to stay hydrated. My salivary glands were ruined by the rai.

I am sure your dd will understand your limitations.

Just curious as to what type you have? I have papilary but with the rare and agressive columnar cell variant. You can also chat with other disers with thy ca on the coping and compassion board under the thyroid thread. I get alot of info and support there.

Hope you have a great trip.

YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW HAPPY YOU JUST MADE ME. I had papillary thyroid, they did a total removal BUTT my doctor also accidentally took out 2 of my parathyroid glands which left me with a blood calicum disorder. Its been almost 2 years of critically low blood values, and tingling/numb hands and arms - FATIGUE - IBS - NAUSEA ... and I have the pleasure of once a month blood tests and iv's. I did my first round of radiation as a pill which I was in isolation for 10 days as I was radioactive.... this past time Ive done 6 weeks of daily spot beam treatments and this is what has made me horribly ill ... ontop of no taste buds right now (everything still tastes like metal) i suffer horribly from the worst burning / peeling feeling in my throat and horrible slime that makes me gag at moments notice causing me to throw up.

Thanks everyone for the great information .... maybe Ill just go and avoid those tight situations by just not riding anything. Im scared about having to hop over people. I think Ill just not ride this time but still be able to see her have fun ... we can have fun together in the pools or something else later. It sure is good to have people understand.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

sent you a private message

 

[restful urchin]

I second whom ever mentioned zofran. I find that to be great stuff. I don't get any side effects from it at all.

My other little trick for a barf bag is to use the bags that I fill up with coffee beans from the store. I just save the bags when I'm done with the coffee. I line them with a bag that I've put veggies or fruit in. ( yes Safeway comes in handy!). The original bag smells slightly of coffee beans which is kind of nice. Plus you can close it up, it's not see through, and with the added bag as a liner (even though the liner bag is big)... It stays fairly neat and clean until you find a prper place for disposal.
I've used these a few times and it's like the air sickness bags on an airplane.

I'll be praying for a good trip for you!!!

Liz

 

[KPeveler]

I second whom ever mentioned zofran. I find that to be great stuff. I don't get any side effects from it at all.

Liz

OMG! Godsend! I just took some this morning! I was SO sick, and just one little pill (they melt in your mouth, so i dont even have to swallow!),and I went from feeling wretched to feeling normal-sick.

I should mention that I deal with amazing amount of chronic pain and injuries as a result of my illness, but if I have an upset tummy I turn into a whinging six year old!

Zofran is something that can be taken as needed, so no need to add yet another daily pill! And the ones I have dont even require you to take them with water or food. You could slip one into your mouth and your DD would never even know!

 

[itsdisneytime]

Thanks so very much -- I swear, its AMAZING the ideas you creative ladies (and gents?) have.

I am overwhelmed at the amount of support and understanding - i certainly wish I had you all there with me on my trip.

I know Im going to sound pathetic when I say this -- but, Ive been muddling through my life these past 2 years silently worrying and feeling like kaka (for lack of a nicer word) and Disney really is my escape from reality -- Its a shame that I dont have a "one of yall's type" in my direct life -- someone kind hearted, fun loving, and nurturing.... sometimes I just want someone to say CANCER SUCKS ... we know it, we understand you cant always feel good and were here for you if you need to scream and yell and cry about it or if you just want to talk.

This is where you all become my whipping boy ... and Im glad I found the dis board and even happier that im going over to the thyca board. Maybe Ill get further understanding for myself about "the new me" that ive got to learn to cope with.

xoxo

 

[brat]

itsdisney

You got that right "cancer sucks big chunky boulders through a straw" to quote a friend of mine from childhood.

Wish you had people close but remember we are as close as your computer.

I know I have days when everything feels like its uphill.My battle with cancer was back when I was a kid.Now I caretake my Mom through her battle with cancer.My SIL keeps saying to me she does not understand my caring for her when my Brother is willing to pay for care for Mom, I just say its pay back. My Mom understands its just Love.My Kids love helping my Mom as well.

Remember to ask folks for help when you need it, sometimes they are just to polite to ask you if you want help.