Rides to Avoid after Hip Replacement

[Koh1977]

My parents are joining us at Disney this June and my mom will be about 7-8 weeks post op (hip replacement surgery due to cancer). She will be renting an ECV more than likely, and we definitely know it will be a different kind of trip, but she was SO looking forward to it.

Going for the tamer rides. Wasn't sure about how much some would jostle her around and cause her pain (even if they allow a wheelchair/ECV on it). (ex. - Kilimanjaro Safari at AK)

Are there other rides she should definitely avoid?

Anyone know what the accessibility is like for the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Cruise?

TIA!

 

[minnie mum]

By 7-8 weeks post op pain shouldn't be a huge factor anymore. But she will still be at some risk for dislocation. Depending on the type of hip they use, she will be told to avoid any activities that cause her to bend forward when sitting down or getting up. Also, she may still have to avoid sitting with her knees higher than her hip. Both of these activities cause excessive flexing at the hip.

I'm thinking of rides like POTC, Splash Mountain, TT, any rides that require stepping down and back up, and have low seats.

She may want to avoid all of the coasters, but SDMT is very very smooth.

 

[Koh1977]

By 7-8 weeks post op pain shouldn't be a huge factor anymore. But she will still be at some risk for dislocation. Depending on the type of hip they use, she will be told to avoid any activities that cause her to bend forward when sitting down or getting up. Also, she may still have to avoid sitting with her knees higher than her hip. Both of these activities cause excessive flexing at the hip.

I'm thinking of rides like POTC, Splash Mountain, TT, any rides that require stepping down and back up, and have low seats.

She may want to avoid all of the coasters, but SDMT is very very smooth.

our thoughts too I was more worried about getting into and out of the mine cars. I only rode it once last year though so I can't quite remember.

 

[JennyDrake]

I went 3x as a traveling companion to a senior who'd had a hip replacement that didn't turn out well. It was not too bad for her to step DOWN into ride vehicles, but getting UP and OUT was a whole 'nuther ball game.

The Railroad, Living with the Land were very challenging. POTC, Test Track, Splash (not that she would have gone!), Space (not that she would have gone!), Kali (not that she would have gone!) would have been out of the question.

Our nightmare there is not more The Backlot Tour. Getting her down and out of that NARROW tram doorway w/o any handrails was AWFUL.

(In case you are wondering why I didn't "learn" after the first time, I was there only as an assistant; her family members were deciding which attractions to visit.)

 

[brinkley07]

I am in PT and see tons of hip replacements. I would check with her MD on what they recommend based on the approach they do for the replacement and his/her specific protocols. I have some docs that have very different after care restrictions than others. Generally she will need to avoid excessive bending forward at the waist (such as trying to pick and item up off the floor), crossing her legs, and rotating her leg like when you cause your foot to turn in/out. She will be allowed to bend forward some to allow her to get into or out of a chair, but if she is in a very low chair then you would need to be cautious because it could be a problem. Also I would factor in her strength levels before the surgery to help determine how she will do after the surgery. Someone who is very active and exercises prior to the surgery may have an easier recovery and will not be limited with getting in and out of ride vehicles aside from the precautions. Another thing to take into consideration would be her height as a seat that is low for one person isn't as low for another. Hopefully at 7-8 weeks out her pain levels will be in control and not as much of a factor. She should have PT after her surgery and they should be able to guide her and you on what she will be able to tolerate and what will be safe for her as she has other things going on that will factor in to her recovery. Good luck!

 

[Tink575]

BTMRR is very hard on your joints, definitely avoid that one. I haven't been on the boards for a while as I have been sick. In the process of getting all my tests done they found I had an alarming decrease in the bone density in my left hip, so I'll be very cautious this trip as I have taken at least 2 bad falls previously.

 

[Koh1977]

When are you going @Tink575 ?

 

[Tink575]

When are you going @Tink575 ?

We're going next week. Hurrah! We probably won't visit a park the first few days, I have to ease into it after the flight.

 

[Koh1977]

@Tink575 - have a magical trip! you will have to let me know how it goes and any tips you have for us! I would be extremely appreciative!