Question about Migraines

[3smithboys]

I have suffered from migraines for years; however, they have gotten much, much worse since they last time we've gone to Disney. Since DH and I are teachers, we can only go to Disney this summer when it will be very hot and heat is a major trigger for my migraines. I am very worried about the crowds and having to wait in lines. We are planning on getting to the parks early, leaving after lunch to rest at the resort/swim, and then go back in the evening.

A friend suggested that I ask here about possibly getting a GAC to possibly be able to wait somewhere cooler instead of having to wait in the heat. I do not want to do anything that would be seen as taking advantage in any way! Even though I can have up to 15-20 (or more) migraines a month, I do not want to diminish in any way the guest who have more severe disabilities.

I guess my question is - is there some place I could wait that is not in the heat? I don't mind waiting my turn, I just don't want to end up sick and ending up back in the hotel for the rest of the day.

Thanks so much for any help or advice you can give!

 

[minnie mum]

There is no such thing as a GAC any more. There is the DAS, which you could ask for at Gues Relations in any park. There is a comprehensive sticky about the DAS at the top of the DisABILITIES main page.

Florida is surface of the sun hot during the summer. If your migraines are made significantly worse by heat, you may want to consider going during a different school break. Even if you can hide out in a gift shop or CS restaurant while waiting for a ride return time, you still can't avoid spending a good part of your day outside.

You can try all the usual tricks- wear a hat and loose, breathable clothing. Keep hydrated. Use frogg toggs or other cooling towels. Use a misting fan. A cooling vest is necessary for some people with certain medical conditions. I have no idea how expensive they are, but I imagine they're costly.

 

[3smithboys]

There is no such thing as a GAC any more. There is the DAS, which you could ask for at Gues Relations in any park. There is a comprehensive sticky about the DAS at the top of the DisABILITIES main page.

Florida is surface of the sun hot during the summer. If your migraines are made significantly worse by heat, you may want to consider going during a different school break. Even if you can hide out in a gift shop or CS restaurant while waiting for a ride return time, you still can't avoid spending a good part of your day outside.

You can try all the usual tricks- wear a hat and loose, breathable clothing. Keep hydrated. Use frogg toggs or other cooling towels. Use a misting fan. A cooling vest is necessary for some people with certain medical conditions. I have no idea how expensive they are, but I imagine they're costly.

Thanks for your reply! I will check out the sticky! We've been in the summer before, so you are quite right about surface of the sun hot!! Yeah, I will only be able to spend a couple of hours in the parks in the mornings and then again in the evenings... Since DH and I don't work in the same school District, our vacations don't line up very well - the only other time we can go is over Winter Break, which we've done before but since we are taking this trip without the kids we couldn't do it over Christmas!

So far we have misting fans, and we have also have Frogg Toggs. I always wear a wide brim hat... I guess when I get there I can talk to Guest Services and see if they can help. I've also booked dining reservations to give us a nice break....

 

[gap2368]

here is what I would do

try and do rope drop every morning
here is what you could do for one day at the MK book FP for 11ish then eat lunch then another one around 1 find a spot in the shade to watch the parade then book your last FP for after the parade pick up a 4 FP and so on.
-with good turing planes you really do not have to wait longer then maybe 20 minutes
-do some indoor things like the hall of presidents or COP.
-go back to your hotel room heat of the day
- first aid if you just need some where quiet to rest ( most of the time it is and you can turn off the light in your room)
-stay hydrated water ( free ice water at quick service ) and poweraid
- I like the omni freeze and zero shirts
- fain with mister
you can go and talk to GR they may or may not give you a DAS card. some times I think it is the CM and how they feel that day ( I have been in GR when someone just ask for the card where they do not have to wait in line) if the CM tells you no then I would try it with out it if you find that you are having problems then go back and say I have tried this and this is not working because of this. ( when the DAS first came out they did not give them to people that had problems with heat at all, was at GR for a good 30 minute and the guy next to me was going crazy at the CM because he could not be in the heat, but I think they are getting less strict on giving out the DAS card) but I would plane your trip as if you would not get one then when you get it you will be fine.

 

[3smithboys]

here is what I would do

try and do rope drop every morning
here is what you could do for one day at the MK book FP for 11ish then eat lunch then another one around 1 find a spot in the shade to watch the parade then book your last FP for after the parade pick up a 4 FP and so on.
-with good turing planes you really do not have to wait longer then maybe 20 minutes
-do some indoor things like the hall of presidents or COP.
-go back to your hotel room heat of the day
- first aid if you just need some where quiet to rest ( most of the time it is and you can turn off the light in your room)
-stay hydrated water ( free ice water at quick service ) and poweraid
- I like the omni freeze and zero shirts
- fain with mister
you can go and talk to GR they may or may not give you a DAS card. some times I think it is the CM and how they feel that day ( I have been in GR when someone just ask for the card where they do not have to wait in line) if the CM tells you no then I would try it with out it if you find that you are having problems then go back and say I have tried this and this is not working because of this. ( when the DAS first came out they did not give them to people that had problems with heat at all, was at GR for a good 30 minute and the guy next to me was going crazy at the CM because he could not be in the heat, but I think they are getting less strict on giving out the DAS card) but I would plane your trip as if you would not get one then when you get it you will be fine.

Thanks so much for you advice! I will definitely be at RD every day. I don't think we will even be in the parks for the afternoon parades... that will be too late/hot for me.... and I'm ok with that. We will have to be very strategic with our FP's for sure. I will go assuming that I will not be able to get a DAS card, and if I can, great... if not, we will work it out.

 

[mikie1011]

i get headaches all the time and it hurts i have sinus issues and i think my autism has something too do with my headaches how do i get rid of headaches because they hurt so bad i take sinus meds adhd meds stomach meds im only 24 please help

 

[gap2368]

i get headaches all the time and it hurts i have sinus issues and i think my autism has something too do with my headaches how do i get rid of headaches because they hurt so bad i take sinus meds adhd meds stomach meds im only 24 please help

You need to talk to your DR about this

 

[KBoopaloo]

Hats are my headache savior at WDW and also making sure that I get out of the heat/sun as soon as I even think a headache is coming on. I am always tempted to ride it out at the parks because I never want to stop the fun but I always end up paying for that choice. It might be helpful to plan on alternating air conditioned shows with any significant time outside so you give yourself a decent break from the heat at regular intervals. I'd also stop frequently for cold drinks INSIDE. It is always so easy to go, go, go at WDW and not give yourself enough time to rest but it always helps me in the long run. Good luck!

 

[minnie mum]

I'm assuming that you may have a migraine rescue med that you use, like one of the triptans, or maybe just Excedrin migraine. If you feel one coming on and need to lie down while the meds kick in, you can always go to First Aid. They can give you a bed in a cool, quiet room for a while.

 

[3smithboys]

I'm assuming that you may have a migraine rescue med that you use, like one of the triptans, or maybe just Excedrin migraine. If you feel one coming on and need to lie down while the meds kick in, you can always go to First Aid. They can give you a bed in a cool, quiet room for a while.

I do... I take Zomig and Naproxen... and must take it as soon as I feel one come on, or I am done for the day. I also take take daily preventative meds too, but they don't work as well as my dr and I would like. I just got off of an 18 month drug trial that is very promising.... but my time on the study was over, and it will be years before this drug makes it to open label and onto the market. So, until then, I'm back onto what I was on before the trial and doing the best I can. Luckily, I am being treated by one of the top migraine specialists in the US.

 

[SueM in MN]

My mom had migraines and 2 of the things at WDW that really affected her were reflections on the water and flickering on some of the wide screen movies like the 360 movies in China and Canada. Soarin' movie also bothered her.
The large expanse of water at Epcot's Sorld Showcase was an issue for her.
Sunglasses and a wide brimmed had were very helpful for her.

 

[lanejudy]

Some of my migraine triggers include fatigue, hunger, and stress/anxiety -- all things that can easily occur at WDW. I try to keep to a relatively normal mealtime and sleep schedule, with snacks and breaks several times throughout the day. Wide screen movies like China get me as well. I have literally sat on the floor there with my head down and eyes closed, so now I tend to wait outside that one.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[3smithboys]

My mom had migraines and 2 of the things at WDW that really affected her were reflections on the water and flickering on some of the wide screen movies like the 360 movies in China and Canada. Soarin' movie also bothered her.
The large expanse of water at Epcot's Sorld Showcase was an issue for her.
Sunglasses and a wide brimmed had were very helpful for her.

Thank you for this information. I never travel without my sunglasses and hat, but I hadn't thought about the movies. I don't know if they will bother me, but the reflections on the water will...

 

[3smithboys]

Some of my migraine triggers include fatigue, hunger, and stress/anxiety -- all things that can easily occur at WDW. I try to keep to a relatively normal mealtime and sleep schedule, with snacks and breaks several times throughout the day. Wide screen movies like China get me as well. I have literally sat on the floor there with my head down and eyes closed, so now I tend to wait outside that one.

Enjoy your vacation!

Thanks! Since it's just the two of us, we are planning a very slow trip - RD and just going for a few hrs to the parks and then spending a lot of time by the pool during the heat of the day or napping. Then we can go back at night. If I can get a DAS card to help, great, but I'm not going to plan on it. Since we have the DP, I have booked a lot of meals for us to have breaks.... and we are even paying for some OOP to get some extra breaks during the heat of the day.

You are right about stress, fatigue, and hunger being triggers too. It's amazing what can set migraines off. (I think I will be avoiding that China movie!!)

 

[stitchlovestink]

I'm assuming that you may have a migraine rescue med that you use, like one of the triptans, or maybe just Excedrin migraine. If you feel one coming on and need to lie down while the meds kick in, you can always go to First Aid. They can give you a bed in a cool, quiet room for a while.

Just an FYI....a reg Dr might not know or tell you this but Neurologists tell patients who suffer from chronic migraines to stay away from OTC products like Excedrin Migraine as they are known for causing rebound headaches. They are not a good choice for treating a migraine.

I do... I take Zomig and Naproxen... and must take it as soon as I feel one come on, or I am done for the day. I also take take daily preventative meds too, but they don't work as well as my dr and I would like. I just got off of an 18 month drug trial that is very promising.... but my time on the study was over, and it will be years before this drug makes it to open label and onto the market. So, until then, I'm back onto what I was on before the trial and doing the best I can. Luckily, I am being treated by one of the top migraine specialists in the US.

I used to use Zomig (the strongest milligram) and then it stopped working. Imitrex never worked. I forget the name of the one I use now because the name is so lengthy. It cost me $36 a pill. Ugh!
That is awesome that you have a top migraine specialist. My preventative isn't doing very well right now but I am worse without it and it's the best we have been able to find. I often suffer from as many as 5 per week.
I would go to Guest Services and speak with them about a DAS. No one here can say who will or will not qualify for a DAS as only Disney has the power to decide that, but I think you have an excellent chance. Hope you have a fabulous trip!

 

[DisneyOma]

Luckily, most of the queues at WDW are covered, and have large fans. Get good, wrap-sided sunglasses to cut down on reflection glare.

I like your plan of going early, taking that break, going back later. Schedule your 3 FP+ for the afternoon part of your day, and you'll be pleasantly surprised how much you can get done each day.

Also, there's so much more exposure to the heat and light outside of the queues than when you are in the queue. Maybe bring an umbrella for shade while you are waiting to get into the park, waiting for the bus, tram, etc. You'll want to skip the afternoon parades too.

I have chronic migraine issues. I have to avoid the 'spinning' rides at WDW now, including the carousel. We always go in August, and I've found that as long as I keep my caffeine level up and stay hydrated, and stay off the spinny rides I can stay in the parks all day. The queues are where I have my break from the sun.

 

[gap2368]

Luckily, most of the queues at WDW are covered, and have large fans. Get good, wrap-sided sunglasses to cut down on reflection glare.

I like your plan of going early, taking that break, going back later. Schedule your 3 FP+ for the afternoon part of your day, and you'll be pleasantly surprised how much you can get done each day.

Also, there's so much more exposure to the heat and light outside of the queues than when you are in the queue. Maybe bring an umbrella for shade while you are waiting to get into the park, waiting for the bus, tram, etc. You'll want to skip the afternoon parades too.

I have chronic migraine issues. I have to avoid the 'spinning' rides at WDW now, including the carousel. We always go in August, and I've found that as long as I keep my caffeine level up and stay hydrated, and stay off the spinny rides I can stay in the parks all day. The queues are where I have my break from the sun.

I have heard about 3 GR CM tell people who ask for a DAS just this that you are in the sun more out side the lines then you are in( and no I am not telling the OP they will not get a DAS or should not ask for one I am just saying what I heard ) but I think you have some very god information I would all so suggest to use an umbrella in lines ( where there is no shade ) like at space ship earth

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Poor you migraines are pita. I suffer too. Sunglasses here too. Also those frosty towels on your neck help. You can buy them before stick them in the fridge in the room or buy them at spots in the parks. They are great. I also wear a hat that is high quality uv proof and all my clothing also.

I now take topamax which has reduced them by 50% there are side affects but for me it has been worth it. One thing I learnt when they come. Sing let it go! I just accept it now. My wife gets us a take away and we stay in the room. I don't try to do things I can't. Resistance is futile! Treasure the good days.

 

[lanejudy]

Just an FYI....a reg Dr might not know or tell you this but Neurologists tell patients who suffer from chronic migraines to stay away from OTC products like Excedrin Migraine as they are known for causing rebound headaches. They are not a good choice for treating a migraine.

OTC NSAIDs can cause rebound headaches if abused (taken too often), that's correct. However, as to whether or not it may be the appropriate treatment depends on the individual patient. Excedrin is the ONLY rescue med I have found that touches my migraines and I've been using it for probably 20 years now (before they even marketed "Excedrin Migraine" with the migraine indication). I cannot take triptans. I have tried other Rx meds but none worked any better for me than Excedrin. Anyone who experiences migraines knows it can be trial-and-error to find what works best for them.

 

[SueM in MN]

OTC NSAIDs can cause rebound headaches if abused (taken too often), that's correct. However, as to whether or not it may be the appropriate treatment depends on the individual patient. Excedrin is the ONLY rescue med I have found that touches my migraines and I've been using it for probably 20 years now (before they even marketed "Excedrin Migraine" with the migraine indication). I cannot take triptans. I have tried other Rx meds but none worked any better for me than Excedrin. Anyone who experiences migraines knows it can be trial-and-error to find what works best for them.

that was actually my mom's experience too (she's deceased) and my younger sister's.
Both of them had/have frequent migraines.
I have infrequent migraines, but those medications also work for me