Recent Back Pain/Upcoming Trip

[1025cruise]

Hi everyone. Hope you all can advise me.

For the past few months I have been suffering some terrible back pain. I'm currently under treatment, but since they aren't sure what's actually causing it (I've been going doctor to doctor), I doubt it will be completely gone by the time of my trip in September.

I have been half giving some thought to renting an ECV for the week we'll be there. While I am able to walk, and I don't expect any issues with any of the rides we want to go on, I'm concerned that being on my feet all day might do me in.

Anyone with similar issues have any thoughts?

 

[shoes99]

Hi everyone. Hope you all can advise me.

For the past few months I have been suffering some terrible back pain. I'm currently under treatment, but since they aren't sure what's actually causing it (I've been going doctor to doctor), I doubt it will be completely gone by the time of my trip in September.

I have been half giving some thought to renting an ECV for the week we'll be there. While I am able to walk, and I don't expect any issues with any of the rides we want to go on, I'm concerned that being on my feet all day might do me in.

Anyone with similar issues have any thoughts?

DH has chronic back issues. One month before our post cruise resort stay/DCL cruise it got so bad he wound up in the ER. I called DCL and moved to an accessible cabin for the bigger bathroom. I rented a scooter from Walker Mobility, and took the scooter from the airport hyatt to the cruise to the WDW resort. The scooter at the larger parks were a god send. He was happy that we rented a scooter for the entire trip. Good luck with your choices.

 

[The Hunchback]

I have a lot of back pain and problems too. I must use an ECV at least part of the time in the parks. I ride to an area, we park the ECV in a safe, dry place, and I walk to as many attractions as I can in a reasonable distance. We try do to a circle and end up back at the ECV. I load up and on we go to the next land or area. That way I both walk and don't wear myself out.

I have tried with out the ECV and end up sitting in the condo two days out of three.

Ride and enjoy the magic.

 

[gericoronado]

There is excellent scooter/wheelchair rental info sticky-pinned to the top of this forum

 

[1025cruise]

Thanks for the tips everyone.

I still have a few weeks to decide. Part of me is thinking of renting one to have it, and then seeing how I feel after my first day as to whether or not I need it.

 

[1025cruise]

Well, after further thought, it does look like I will be reserving an ECV for the week.

On a general thought, are there places where I can park and leave it for a time? I figure I just need it for the long distances, but should be able to handle lines without an issue. ie, in Fantasyland where there are rides close together, leave the ECV in a central area, do the rides, then head back and move on? I'll be going in September, which is supposed to be a slow time, so I'm not that concerned about crowds.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

You can park the ECVs with stroller parking, outside restaurants and shops, and generally other out of the way places. You may discover that a CM has disengaged the motors and moved it a little. Plenty of people only use their ECVs to get between areas or lands. I would suggest considering bringing it through some of the longer queues (for example, if you're doing Soarin') just because the distance walked is so far and it's always better/easier to try to prevent pain than reduce it after the fact.

If you're still unsure about renting closer to your trip, you can always go and bring the number for an offsite rental company. If you rent first, you won't get a refund if you decide you don't need it. Most of the rental companies listed in the FAQ can deliver you a rental within 24 hours of a phone call (usually much less than that).

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[1025cruise]

I contacted one of the off sites and specifically asked about returning it after a couple of days, and they said it wouldn't be an issue.

I'm planning a day out next week with my 5 year old niece and 22 month old nephew. I figure I'll see how I'm doing after that and make a final determination.

 

[The Hunchback]

MR-best place to park and walk is Tomorrowland under Astro Orbiter. ECV will stay dry near the wall. Fantasyland is so changed, I have no suggestions. I do not ride the "mountains" so tend to just keep to the Scooter except for the haunted house. There I park near the exit and walk in.

EPCOT was designed for you to stay on the Scooter for most attractions. Generally, you ride to the place you board, transfer, and the CM will park the Scooter near the exit, indoors. I do not ride Test track or Mission space. Sorry, no help there. Soaring has a very long waiting area. I would keep to the scooter there for sure.

Studios was also designed for you to stay on the scooter but I like walking that park when possible. I park the ECV with the strollers as out of the way as possible. Toy Story has a very long wait area. If you are having trouble that day, stay on the ECV. You may have a bit longer wait for a car but that line is a killer.

Animal Kingdom is one I must ride. The stones and other real life paving effects really cause me pain. You can park by Dinosaur baby swap area and visit all of Dino-land within a reasonable walk on good paving.

Hope this helps. Have fun most of all.

 

[1025cruise]

Thanks for the advice.

While I'm bummed I won't be able to walk (I really was looking forward to it to offset the food I'll be eating), I think it would be better for me to have a more enjoyable trip, as opposed to going all that way and lying in bed all day.

 

[1025cruise]

Well, after thinking about it, I went ahead and reserved an ECV for my upcoming trip. I figure its best to have it and not need it, versus not having it and wishing I did. If I feel after a couple of days that I don't need it, I'll return it early.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

One thought, take a cover for the ECV in case of rain. A good sturdy poncho and make sure wind won't whip it off.

The other, I had a spinal epidural and it helped so much with vacations. Trigger point injections can help with spasms too. This helps with endurance as in packing, lugging the baggage, sitting long periods, getting jolted about.

Have a. Wonderful vacation.