Question for my dad

[PlutoTheDog89]

Not sure where to ask this... I wouldn't qualify this under DISabilities. I guess I'll put it here and the mods can move if it fits someplace better.

Okay... gonna try and get through this without seeming like I'm coming off selfish, etc.

My dad recently found out that he has a very leaky aortic valve in his heart. The doctor more or less said he'll need open-heart surgery or it can one day lead to a fatal heart attack.

Obviously we're in shock. Dad is a stage 2 cancer survivor, so while he's obviously nervous, he has this mentality of "I've been through worse."

Anytime I have negative thoughts, I try and supplement them with something positive: "hey, we have our Disney Christmas trip planned this year. Dad is gonna get surgery, feel a million times better, and be able to walk around without feeling out of breath!"

So, yeah.. we have a Christmas trip planned from 12/24-1/1. I'd imagine if my dad has the surgery (he has a few tests remaining) it'll be in July or August. Let's assume 6-12 weeks to fully recuperate—that's October-Novemberish.

I'm not being selfish. My dad's health is the number one concern and if we need to cancel the trip, poof—it's gone. But just like after his bout with cancer...and after my house was flooded by Sandy... assuming all goes right and the timeline is in tact, boy is he and my family gonna need this vacation.

As for specifics, though... without getting personal... has anyone had this surgery and gone to Disney? My main concern is the amount of walking, but we can get him an ECV. He always jokes about getting one and being first in line (we know this isn't the case, but he jokes). Maybe I'm in one of those weird stages of grief where I wanna assume everything will go as planned and be normal. Who knows.

Sorry for the long rant. I think I just needed to vent to the DIS fam and try and get some perspective. Again, I'm not putting Disney ahead of my dad's health... just trying to stay positive and assume that all will be okay, as well as seek some answers about how to tour Disney 4-5 months after a major operation and if it'd be possible.

 

[lanejudy]

Sorry you and your family are dealing with that. I don't have any experience or advice to offer but I like that you try to see the positive side and have something to look forward to after recuperation.

Hoping the surgery and recovery go well, and that you have a fantastic vacation!

 

[ktate82]

I would say as long as there are no complications, he should be good. You are already thinking ahead and considering an ECV so you know that is a potential. I would say if he is having the surgery soon, you will have an idea as to how he is doing in plenty of time to cancel if you need to. But I would think he will feel better (good blood flow will do that for you ) and will be recovered enough to go. Make sure and talk to the doc about what restrictions as far as rides go.

 

[MHSweb79]

I'm sure you're aware the parks will be very, very crowded so it will be a bit more difficult navigating with an ECV or even on foot. You might want to book some more activities outside the parks, like dinners at various resorts or Disney Springs, or even more down time at your own resort.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

I'm sure you're aware the parks will be very, very crowded so it will be a bit more difficult navigating with an ECV or even on foot. You might want to book some more activities outside the parks, like dinners at various resorts or Disney Springs, or even more down time at your own resort.

Yeah, as it stands now, we have a decent amount of non-park ADRs scheduled. He also loves relaxing at the resort, so we'll do a whole lotta that.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Sounds like he just needs a wheelchair and perhaps will need to avoid certain attractions if his Dr thinks it would be too much for him.
I guess I just don't see a real question here...?

 

[SCSteve]

I guess this boils down to what the Doctor advises and how Dad is feeling. You can rent a wheel chair or ECV if needed.

 

[DisneyDude71]

If they have to crack his chest open, the recovery time could be longer, and depending on your dads fitness and drive will also determing the recovery. My wife had a quadruple bypass almost three years ago, and she still has shoulder issues from it, but everthing with her arteries are and heart are fine. This November will be our first trip since that happened.

When his Dr. gives the okay I would definately get him up and walking, possibly a cheap treadmill or a pedometer to track how much he is doing. Gradually work up the time and distance, One to get the heart rate up and two to help with his stamina walking. If all he can do is 5 minutes when he first starts that is great, just keep encouraging him, You stated he is a cancer survivor so he might kick this surgery in the rear end also, and come out with flying colors.

I would start looking at ECV rentals just in case, that way you wont have sticker shock in case the prices go up that week. Maybe go ahead and rent one now without telling him, and if he doesnt need it great! Cancel the ECV and get the money returned.

And by the way your not coming off selfish! You never know this might be one of the things your dad is looking forward to also, and one of the reasons he is keeping his head up! Good Luck.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

If they have to crack his chest open, the recovery time could be longer, and depending on your dads fitness and drive will also determing the recovery. My wife had a quadruple bypass almost three years ago, and she still has shoulder issues from it, but everthing with her arteries are and heart are fine. This November will be our first trip since that happened.

When his Dr. gives the okay I would definately get him up and walking, possibly a cheap treadmill or a pedometer to track how much he is doing. Gradually work up the time and distance, One to get the heart rate up and two to help with his stamina walking. If all he can do is 5 minutes when he first starts that is great, just keep encouraging him, You stated he is a cancer survivor so he might kick this surgery in the rear end also, and come out with flying colors.

I would start looking at ECV rentals just in case, that way you wont have sticker shock in case the prices go up that week. Maybe go ahead and rent one now without telling him, and if he doesnt need it great! Cancel the ECV and get the money returned.

And by the way your not coming off selfish! You never know this might be one of the things your dad is looking forward to also, and one of the reasons he is keeping his head up! Good Luck.

Thanks for the reply... really, really hoping by some miracle that they can do minimally invasive surgery, but who knows

 

[Wild4Walt]

It sounds like you have a plan A, B, C and even maybe D. My dad had a heart valve replaced and they had him up and walking in 24 hours at the hospital. Each surgery is different and only your dad will be able to tell you if he feels up to it or not. It took my dad about 3 weeks to feel 'normal' again. Meaning stitches didn't twinge anymore. His walking and breathing improved by that point too.

I would recommend renting the EVC now though ( it would have to be through a 3rd party of this point but many will deliver ) because you are going to be there at one of the busiest times of the year. Disney will only have so many of them available and if he needs it, you don't want to risk him not having it. I'd research a company that delivers and let's you cancel a week or two before ( if not closer to arrival )