Resting a weak back at First Aid

[Pluto468]

I have a bad back and go to Disneyland. I take bench breaks often! We take breaks at the hotel and I lie on the bed for an hour or two before heading back. Sometimes we just go for the morning/afternoon and hang out at the hotel for the evening. Does your wife have ice packs, heating pads or a Tens unit? All of those can help when she's having her breaks. I'd suggest staying at a hotel as close as possible so your wife can easily get back for breaks.

I've talked to CMs about the beds in First Aid and they say anyone can go in and use them if needed. It would be worth contacting the Disney accessibility office ahead of time and they might have other suggestions, too.

I do think going for 5-6 hours a day is worth it

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

That’s the worst. Ignore that crap. One day she’ll mature and realize aging happens to everyone and it is no reason you should not be able to do what you love.

Eh it's not an aging thing. It's a body thing, happens to people from all ages, whether it's wheelchair, cane, rollator, scooter/ecv, etc though each of those may come with a not so kind stereotype.

And the comments come from all ages. If you read the boards many of the comments related to being embarrassed come from the potential users themselves even when the family member is so overwhelmingly supportive or even pleading for them to use it. And you're more like to have an adult make a comment to you than a younger person, this is probably (and without trying to downplay the PP's experience) just a child to parent type comment without an ill intent behind it so I wouldn't put it as such a grave "she'll mature and realize aging happens" etc type thing. I do agree the poster shouldn't feel embarrassed

 

[David Gardner]

I have a bad back and go to Disneyland. I take bench breaks often!

Thanks. Unless there's one with a soft pad that she can lie down on and stretch out, it won't help.

 

[David Gardner]

I think the first aid thing is more like an emergency thing to be able to have a higher likelihood of using it and it working out with touring the parks. The CMs offering that suggestion means it's okay to use it as in not prohibited not that it would actually work out nor long term for the day.

That's certainly my concern as well. That said, I just did chat help with a CM who gave me the same answer as the first time I asked, "That's why the beds are there." I wasn't trying to hide what I was after or what my wife would require, so baring a lie (it's happened before) I have to believe that it sounds like it will at least help.

 

[fla4fun]

My daughter is embarrassed for me to use the rollator. I may have to do so anyway next time. That was helpful in the past.

There is nothing embarrassing about using a tool to make your day less painful. That’s all a mobility device is. A tool. Whether it’s a cane, a wheelchair, a walker/rollator, an ECV, or a combination of the above, they are just tools. Being able to move through the park with less pain should make the day more enjoyable for the people who are accompanying you, not less. Do what you need to do to feel as well as you can and let anyone who is embarrassed about it deal with it. It is their problem, not yours.

I have a bad back and bad knees. Occasionally I have to use a cane at home for shopping and such, but at Disney I have found that my combination rollator/transport chair is the best choice. Sometimes I just need to sit down for fifteen minutes, but with Disney taking out so many benches the past few years, it’s become easier to bring my own seat. At Epcot I have started renting an ECV, since there is a lot more walking and standing there for me compared to the other parks. I don’t worry about what anyone thinks while I am using them.

 

[MinnieMSue]

There is nothing embarrassing about using a tool to make your day less painful. That’s all a mobility device is. A tool. Whether it’s a cane, a wheelchair, a walker/rollator, an ECV, or a combination of the above, they are just tools. Being able to move through the park with less pain should make the day more enjoyable for the people who are accompanying you, not less. Do what you need to do to feel as well as you can and let anyone who is embarrassed about it deal with it. It is their problem, not yours.

I have a bad back and bad knees. Occasionally I have to use a cane at home for shopping and such, but at Disney I have found that my combination rollator/transport chair is the best choice. Sometimes I just need to sit down for fifteen minutes, but with Disney taking out so many benches the past few years, it’s become easier to bring my own seat. At Epcot I have started renting an ECV, since there is a lot more walking and standing there for me compared to the other parks. I don’t worry about what anyone thinks while I am using them.

Oh yes I know and have used a rollator many times at Disney. In fact the wheels are almost worn out from it. I will need to get a new one before I take one to Disney again. J also like how it gives you a bit more breathing room in those crowded areas. In front of you at least. Everything I do embarrasses her. She is starting to get over it tho

 

[DisneyOma]

Thanks. Unless there's one with a soft pad that she can lie down on and stretch out, it won't help.

You could bring one with you

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

This may be an insane idea but instead of going back to the room what if her room could come to her? You might look into renting one of those sprinter vans with the beds in the back, or made a bed in the back of a minivan, or even a small RV. Something like this (https://www.mininests.com/product-page/minivan-bed) If you parked it at handicapped parking it would certainly be much easier to reach than going back to a hotel, and you would be guaranteed access to the bed at the intervals that she requires.

I have no personal experience with this kind of setup. I’m just trying to think outside of the box a little bit because I know how wonderful multigenerational trips can be for families.

 

[David Gardner]

This may be an insane idea but instead of going back to the room what if her room could come to her? You might look into renting one of those sprinter vans with the beds in the back, or made a bed in the back of a minivan, or even a small RV. Something like this (https://www.mininests.com/product-page/minivan-bed) If you parked it at handicapped parking it would certainly be much easier to reach than going back to a hotel, and you would be guaranteed access to the bed at the intervals that she requires.

I have no personal experience with this kind of setup. I’m just trying to think outside of the box a little bit because I know how wonderful multigenerational trips can be for families.

Gotta give you credit, this is something I had never considered. I'll look into it.

 

[Bete]

One more thought is to have a twin air mattress with a pump with you or a sleeping bag, just in case. You would have to find a safe place to set this up if you are not at first aid. She would need to be capable of getting onto the air mattress or sleeping bag.

There are not multiple first aid stations in the park. You could be a long way away from first aid at the time the pain strikes.

Besides, even if first aid needed their bed hopefully, they would have room for you to setup an air mattress in their facility.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

One more thought is to have a twin air mattress with a pump with you or a sleeping bag, just in case. You would have to find a safe place to set this up if you are not at first aid. She would need to be capable of getting onto the air mattress or sleeping bag.

There are not multiple first aid stations in the park. You could be a long way away from first aid at the time the pain strikes.

Besides, even if first aid needed their bed hopefully, they would have room for you to setup an air mattress in their facility.

That’s a creative thought but I can’t imagine Disney being super excited about someone randomly setting up an air mattress in the park.

 

[elvispursley]

One more thought is to have a twin air mattress with a pump with you or a sleeping bag, just in case. You would have to find a safe place to set this up if you are not at first aid. She would need to be capable of getting onto the air mattress or sleeping bag.

There are not multiple first aid stations in the park. You could be a long way away from first aid at the time the pain strikes.

Besides, even if first aid needed their bed hopefully, they would have room for you to setup an air mattress in their facility.

While creative, that seems like a safety risk and I could see security coming by, not to mention all the onlookers. I think the best scenario is to go to first aid, and if beds are taken, either wait u til one becomes available, or, I know it’s not ideal, take a break and return to the hotel room. But I can’t see how hauling around a sleeping bag, air mattress and setting up c”camp” in the middle of a park is going to fly with Disney management.

 

[David Gardner]

One more thought is to have a twin air mattress with a pump with you or a sleeping bag, just in case. You would have to find a safe place to set this up if you are not at first aid. She would need to be capable of getting onto the air mattress or sleeping bag.

There are not multiple first aid stations in the park. You could be a long way away from first aid at the time the pain strikes.

Besides, even if first aid needed their bed hopefully, they would have room for you to setup an air mattress in their facility.

Like the others have said, I don't think Disney would go for it. I wonder, though, if we nrough an air mattress in and left it in a locker, and then found that First Aid have no spots, if they'd let me go get it and set it up in First Aid. Worth looking in to.

 

[lanejudy]

One more thought is to have a twin air mattress with a pump with you or a sleeping bag, just in case. You would have to find a safe place to set this up if you are not at first aid. She would need to be capable of getting onto the air mattress or sleeping bag.

There are not multiple first aid stations in the park. You could be a long way away from first aid at the time the pain strikes.

Besides, even if first aid needed their bed hopefully, they would have room for you to setup an air mattress in their facility.

Great job thinking outside the box, however I highly doubt this would be allowed -- either randomly within the park or at First Aid. It would likely be considered an obstruction and potential safety risk. I don't think First Aid has "open" spaces big enough for an air mattress. One can certainly ask but I'd have a back-up plan in case told no.

 

[Bete]

I'm sure you are in new territory with using an air mattress or sleeping bag in the park. Maybe, a CM could help in an emergency with this option. In fact, it might get the CM to get a shuttle of some kind for you to go to first aid. I believe there are quiet areas you can find, if need be, to use an air mattress temporarily. I'm not condoning this as a first option but in an emergency, there may not be much choice.

I'm sure if you called Disney ahead of time, they would not be in favor of this plan. You can try talking to them and they may suggest other options.

I still feel you need to talk to her doctor and see if a brace would help or a pain shot ahead of the trip.

 

[lanejudy]

In fact, it might get the CM to get a shuttle of some kind for you to go to first aid.

One can always ask any CM to call for wheelchair assistance getting to First Aid. However it sounds like if the situation got that extreme the OP’s wife would need to go back to the room for a much longer rest. They are looking to avoid getting to that.

 

[SteveMouse]

The problem there is that neither scooters nor wheelchairs address the issue. She has to lie down for an hour or so.

There are wheelchairs that have reclining backs and seats. I'm not going to pretend they are especially cheap, but ScooterBug and Walker both rent them.

I use a Permobil brand chair on a regular basis. My configuration both tilts and reclines.

Disney does not provide free wheelchair or scooters or eyeglasses, for that matter, as accommodations. i can't ride Pirates, Frozen, any of the coasters, Rise the Resistance, or anything that requires a transfer. I can't sit upright with or without assistance. I need completely redesigned ride vehicles. I'd love to see Disney do that, but I certainly don't expect it. I am quite sad that there's been no new prime attraction I can ride in a very, very long time. But that's the way it is.

 

[David Gardner]

There are wheelchairs that have reclining backs and seats. I'm not going to pretend they are especially cheap, but ScooterBug and Walker both rent them.

I use a Permobil brand chair on a regular basis. My configuration both tilts and reclines.

That's another interesting idea. To your knowledge, are there any that lie flat, or close to it?

Disney does not provide free wheelchair or scooters or eyeglasses, for that matter, as accommodations. i can't ride Pirates, Frozen, any of the coasters, Rise the Resistance, or anything that requires a transfer. I can't sit upright with or without assistance. I need completely redesigned ride vehicles. I'd love to see Disney do that, but I certainly don't expect it. I am quite sad that there's been no new prime attraction I can ride in a very, very long time. But that's the way it is.

We realized before our first trip that thrill rides were mostly out for her. If she gets jarred the wrong way she could easily be paralyzed. I think I mentioned above that I took her on Soarin' as her first ride, and she cried. She never thought she'd be able to experience anything even like that.

 

[SteveMouse]

Yes, there are chairs that go to flat or very very close. As I suggested earlier, chairs can be very expensive. My chair costs about $40,000 new. There are chairs with much simpler mechanisms that can be less than 1/10th the price

 

[Bete]

I just looked on Amazon and there is a Jionet wheelchair that goes completely flat. Price was $1400. You might be able to get your medical insurance to pay part or all of the cost.