tazdev3225
<font color=darkorchid>I sucked my thumb up with t
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2008
- Messages
- 5,106
Good evening everyone. I have read everything but am behind so hugs to all.
I will try and add a few pictures but I did say I would do a trip report from my DIsney trip. Time got away from me so I will at least do something tonight while my husband watches the Eagles. I am boycotting them this year.
We went to Disney World from December 7th to the 14th. Until a week before we left I wasn't sure how we were getting to the airport and home. Thankfully my mom drove us down and my son was able to pick us up. He started a job where his best friend is his boss, so he has some leeway there.
Our flight was early, and I was a bit worried about getting through TSA. Traveling with a man who is disabled, although he won't admit it, causes some added difficulties. We flew on Southwest and thankfully luggage flies free. I had 2 back packs, a carry on and 3 pieces of checked baggage. With his issues I needed to bring everything but the kitchen sink, and it was a good thing I did. He cut his arm and his foot somehow. Being on blood thinners and prone to infections I had a full medical kit with me. The flight wasn't that bad, even wearing the mask. I had 100 KN95 masks and 20 bottles of Bath and Body works hand sanitizers, plus anti-bacterial wipes and bleach wipes so I was well prepared. I was able to wipe down the surfaces before we sat down. Disney actually had hands free hand sanitizers everywhere, so I didn't need all I had with me.
The airport was not fun when we landed. I felt like a pack mule carrying all that luggage. I really missed the Luggage being picked up by Disney. We had a small wait at the airport but our room was ready so that was a plus. We landed at about 9:30 AM and I wasn't expecting that. The ECV was also delivered as soon as we got to POP Century. I had my husband drive that while I handled the luggage. That did not work well as I tripped over all of it right into a very nice young man, who fortunately kept me from going down. He then helped me get the luggage to our room and when I tried to give him a tip refused it. His parents raised a wonderful young man.
One of the advantages of POP is the SkyLiners. They were very convenient, and our building was close to them so that was a plus. The downside, and we found that out later that night, is that buses don't run to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios because of them. Even with long lines they move very quickly, and we enjoyed them. As I said though the buses to not operate from the 2 parks and we found that out the hard way. At the end of the 1st day, we had to take a bus to Hollywood Studios and catch the SkyLiner there.
We did try almost all of the Food Booths over the course of the trip and did the Cookie Stroll. I was surprised that this was free and had a nice cookie and small sundae for completing it. We shared pretty much everything we sampled except that sundae. It was MINE!!! I did the Olaf Expedition but cheated. I googled the locations. The prizes were still not in, so I got a cheap plastic Mickey bowl. I will probably give it to one of the grandkids. I also did the Christmas Tree Stroll in DIsney Springs. One thing I did find to be a negative was food. There were very limited choices everywhere. Thankfully I did find some restaurants with more than hamburgers. The food court at POP had no variation at all the entire trip. I am hoping as things open up more that will change.
The first day I wasn't too worried about going on rides. Our 2nd day was at Magic Kingdom, and I did get a DAS for my husband. Between his mobility and vision issues they gave him one. This worked really well for rides since I could plan ahead once we were in the parks. We were able to access the Lightning Lanes that way. I wasn't sure I would ever pay for that, but I may on solo trips. Rides did prove to be a challenge as he had trouble on a few of them loading and unloading. Even rides I thought he would be able to handle with no problem were difficult.
We managed to all the parks, and I did one day solo. He stayed in the room and watched football while I did Disney Springs and EPCOT. This enabled me to go on Spaceship Earth. The separation was a good thing as I needed a break from him. I don't say that to be mean, but I will get to that. We did enjoy the fireworks and light shows at the parks. He managed to find people to chat with everywhere so that was a good thing.
The trip home was even harder on me. I had got push him in the wheelchair and handle the luggage. There were no people available to help. At this point I was worn out. When we landed in Philly I had to push him again or wait. While he sat, I got the luggage and got it out to my son's car. He wanted me to push him again. I refused. Seriously he wanted to walk all day in the parks and couldn't walk 50 feet to the door? My son just laughed when he heard that.
The trip overall was a good trip, don't get me wrong. We did things at a much slower pace than before which was enjoyable. He understands my need to take pictures of every little thing. I get that he likes to sit and talk to strangers. I think the hard part was he had to face his limitations and he wasn't ready for that. He wanted to walk but he has bad balance issues. He needed the ECV. The problem with using that is he has very limited vision, especially at night. He ran into poles, curbs and a few times I had to yell STOP before he hit people, I have to get used to the fact that even though he looks miserable he is happy, another side effect of the strokes. He isn't a huge fan of Disney anyway and said that he is done. He wants me to go back to solo trips. I can understand his reasoning, but I feel like I'm a bad wife for wanting to do it. I told him that if he insists, I will do shorter trips.
The trip made me realize I have been "angry" at him subconsciously since he had the strokes. I let him handle his health issues, thinking he was. When he broke his foot and walked on it for 3 or 4 months because he didn't feel any pain, I didn't even know it had happened. When we went to all the visits leading up to the surgery, I had to face how bad his health was. He has severe neuropathy in both feet. His sugars were really bad. His BP was high also. I worked hard to get those things under control as much as possible. The strokes took almost all of his vision in his left eye. He still thinks it will get better. Then when my son cleaned out his truck to get rid of it for me, we found out that he was referred to a Retinologist for at least 4 or 5 years prior and he ignored it. All the referrals were in the truck. He will never drive again so our plans for travel are gone. We wanted to drive the country, but I can't do it. I was also angry at the doctors, the hospitals, the lawyers who refused to take his case and I felt like I failed him. He was a stroke risk and a fall risk, and they only realized he had a stroke when they found him lying on the floor when he fell out of the bed. I am fairly sure he was having the stroke or about to have it while I sat by his bed in the hospital. I didn't know the signs that were evident to medical personnel. The lawyers said because he lived the case wasn't worth anything. I never wished he died. I would rather be poor and have him annoy me, than be rich and he is gone.
I knew this trip would have challenges; I just didn't realize how many challenges. He was a bit angry at me for making him go with me. I wanted him to get out of the house. Living with a person with disabilities is a challenge, especially when they take away his mobility and freedom. We will still take trips but shorter. We are definitely taking the cruise in July, I hope, but it will probably be the last long trip. He isn't sure he wants to go on the trip with LJ for his 1st visit to Disney. I think he is afraid he will be a burden. He doesn't want to be away from our dog anymore. She was very homesick and didn't eat for at least 4 days while we were gone. She was at my son's house where she has stayed before, but for some reason she took this trip hard. Since my husband had his strokes, she is always with him and I really think she was worried.
I have learned that I may overpack a bit and I want to get one BIG suitcase instead of 2 medium sized ones. Then I can put all the extras in a smaller suitcase. I also need one carryon for meds and electronics and one smaller one for everything else. I took my laptop and did use it, but I can probably do without it.
And a few pictures
We have to have Donald's 50th Anniversary Gold Statue
ANd believe it or not this is Jim having fun
And I decorated our window
Have a good night and if you are in the path of the storm heading to the I95 Area again stay safe. We are expecting icy rain and dangerous road conditions in the morning.
I will try and add a few pictures but I did say I would do a trip report from my DIsney trip. Time got away from me so I will at least do something tonight while my husband watches the Eagles. I am boycotting them this year.
We went to Disney World from December 7th to the 14th. Until a week before we left I wasn't sure how we were getting to the airport and home. Thankfully my mom drove us down and my son was able to pick us up. He started a job where his best friend is his boss, so he has some leeway there.
Our flight was early, and I was a bit worried about getting through TSA. Traveling with a man who is disabled, although he won't admit it, causes some added difficulties. We flew on Southwest and thankfully luggage flies free. I had 2 back packs, a carry on and 3 pieces of checked baggage. With his issues I needed to bring everything but the kitchen sink, and it was a good thing I did. He cut his arm and his foot somehow. Being on blood thinners and prone to infections I had a full medical kit with me. The flight wasn't that bad, even wearing the mask. I had 100 KN95 masks and 20 bottles of Bath and Body works hand sanitizers, plus anti-bacterial wipes and bleach wipes so I was well prepared. I was able to wipe down the surfaces before we sat down. Disney actually had hands free hand sanitizers everywhere, so I didn't need all I had with me.
The airport was not fun when we landed. I felt like a pack mule carrying all that luggage. I really missed the Luggage being picked up by Disney. We had a small wait at the airport but our room was ready so that was a plus. We landed at about 9:30 AM and I wasn't expecting that. The ECV was also delivered as soon as we got to POP Century. I had my husband drive that while I handled the luggage. That did not work well as I tripped over all of it right into a very nice young man, who fortunately kept me from going down. He then helped me get the luggage to our room and when I tried to give him a tip refused it. His parents raised a wonderful young man.
One of the advantages of POP is the SkyLiners. They were very convenient, and our building was close to them so that was a plus. The downside, and we found that out later that night, is that buses don't run to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios because of them. Even with long lines they move very quickly, and we enjoyed them. As I said though the buses to not operate from the 2 parks and we found that out the hard way. At the end of the 1st day, we had to take a bus to Hollywood Studios and catch the SkyLiner there.
We did try almost all of the Food Booths over the course of the trip and did the Cookie Stroll. I was surprised that this was free and had a nice cookie and small sundae for completing it. We shared pretty much everything we sampled except that sundae. It was MINE!!! I did the Olaf Expedition but cheated. I googled the locations. The prizes were still not in, so I got a cheap plastic Mickey bowl. I will probably give it to one of the grandkids. I also did the Christmas Tree Stroll in DIsney Springs. One thing I did find to be a negative was food. There were very limited choices everywhere. Thankfully I did find some restaurants with more than hamburgers. The food court at POP had no variation at all the entire trip. I am hoping as things open up more that will change.
The first day I wasn't too worried about going on rides. Our 2nd day was at Magic Kingdom, and I did get a DAS for my husband. Between his mobility and vision issues they gave him one. This worked really well for rides since I could plan ahead once we were in the parks. We were able to access the Lightning Lanes that way. I wasn't sure I would ever pay for that, but I may on solo trips. Rides did prove to be a challenge as he had trouble on a few of them loading and unloading. Even rides I thought he would be able to handle with no problem were difficult.
We managed to all the parks, and I did one day solo. He stayed in the room and watched football while I did Disney Springs and EPCOT. This enabled me to go on Spaceship Earth. The separation was a good thing as I needed a break from him. I don't say that to be mean, but I will get to that. We did enjoy the fireworks and light shows at the parks. He managed to find people to chat with everywhere so that was a good thing.
The trip home was even harder on me. I had got push him in the wheelchair and handle the luggage. There were no people available to help. At this point I was worn out. When we landed in Philly I had to push him again or wait. While he sat, I got the luggage and got it out to my son's car. He wanted me to push him again. I refused. Seriously he wanted to walk all day in the parks and couldn't walk 50 feet to the door? My son just laughed when he heard that.
The trip overall was a good trip, don't get me wrong. We did things at a much slower pace than before which was enjoyable. He understands my need to take pictures of every little thing. I get that he likes to sit and talk to strangers. I think the hard part was he had to face his limitations and he wasn't ready for that. He wanted to walk but he has bad balance issues. He needed the ECV. The problem with using that is he has very limited vision, especially at night. He ran into poles, curbs and a few times I had to yell STOP before he hit people, I have to get used to the fact that even though he looks miserable he is happy, another side effect of the strokes. He isn't a huge fan of Disney anyway and said that he is done. He wants me to go back to solo trips. I can understand his reasoning, but I feel like I'm a bad wife for wanting to do it. I told him that if he insists, I will do shorter trips.
The trip made me realize I have been "angry" at him subconsciously since he had the strokes. I let him handle his health issues, thinking he was. When he broke his foot and walked on it for 3 or 4 months because he didn't feel any pain, I didn't even know it had happened. When we went to all the visits leading up to the surgery, I had to face how bad his health was. He has severe neuropathy in both feet. His sugars were really bad. His BP was high also. I worked hard to get those things under control as much as possible. The strokes took almost all of his vision in his left eye. He still thinks it will get better. Then when my son cleaned out his truck to get rid of it for me, we found out that he was referred to a Retinologist for at least 4 or 5 years prior and he ignored it. All the referrals were in the truck. He will never drive again so our plans for travel are gone. We wanted to drive the country, but I can't do it. I was also angry at the doctors, the hospitals, the lawyers who refused to take his case and I felt like I failed him. He was a stroke risk and a fall risk, and they only realized he had a stroke when they found him lying on the floor when he fell out of the bed. I am fairly sure he was having the stroke or about to have it while I sat by his bed in the hospital. I didn't know the signs that were evident to medical personnel. The lawyers said because he lived the case wasn't worth anything. I never wished he died. I would rather be poor and have him annoy me, than be rich and he is gone.
I knew this trip would have challenges; I just didn't realize how many challenges. He was a bit angry at me for making him go with me. I wanted him to get out of the house. Living with a person with disabilities is a challenge, especially when they take away his mobility and freedom. We will still take trips but shorter. We are definitely taking the cruise in July, I hope, but it will probably be the last long trip. He isn't sure he wants to go on the trip with LJ for his 1st visit to Disney. I think he is afraid he will be a burden. He doesn't want to be away from our dog anymore. She was very homesick and didn't eat for at least 4 days while we were gone. She was at my son's house where she has stayed before, but for some reason she took this trip hard. Since my husband had his strokes, she is always with him and I really think she was worried.
I have learned that I may overpack a bit and I want to get one BIG suitcase instead of 2 medium sized ones. Then I can put all the extras in a smaller suitcase. I also need one carryon for meds and electronics and one smaller one for everything else. I took my laptop and did use it, but I can probably do without it.
And a few pictures
We have to have Donald's 50th Anniversary Gold Statue
ANd believe it or not this is Jim having fun
And I decorated our window
Have a good night and if you are in the path of the storm heading to the I95 Area again stay safe. We are expecting icy rain and dangerous road conditions in the morning.
for all you are going through. I totally understand some of your frustration, being in the same position with my husband who has all those health issues. I am glad that you went, and I thank you for your report and the pictures. I am sure it's hard for your husband too, which may be why he no longer wants to go. As long as you have someone at home to keep watch over him, I hope you do take some more solo trips. They will probably do you a lot of good. We all need to 'escape' sometimes!
!
The one last week we all loved was not allowed to come to the USA (rules have changed in the past year due to a dog from out of the country that came here with rabies) which I didn’t know from the profile (you have to do a whole application before they will even talk to you). Some aren’t allowed to come to MA because of some agricultural rules (that rescues either choose to comply with, or not, from what I can tell). One dog last month was the only one they thought our home might be too busy for because it was a rescue from the asian meat trade and was terrified of people coming into the home, which wasn’t stated in its profile; I didn’t find that out until we were well into the process.
