Seeing WDW in a gurney.

[beaniejawa]

AKA The Nightmare Before Disneymas (O.K. I admit it. That's lame.)

Wow! After nine years of planning, this is proof of Murphy's Law: if it can go wrong to hurt your vacation, it probably will.

Last Sunday (5/27) DH was struck with a terrible, stabbing headache the likes of which he'd never experienced before. It came on suddenly and vanished without explanation about 3 minutes later. He described it as the worst pain he'd ever experienced. I went online, saw enough information to be concerned this was a prelude to an aneurysm (which killed a friend of mine's wife) and we immediately went to an emergency room. The doctor there had the same concern, but was able to put our minds to rest when the CT scan and spinal tap showed nothing amiss. Just an amazingly bad migraine: we were relieved beyond belief.

Here's the thing about spinal taps: they can cause headaches, too. Within one day my husband had a new headache, one that only went away when he was lying down. We saw a neurologist Thursday who confirmed it but said the headache from the spinal tap should have gone away by now, meaning that the spinal tap headache (also known as a positional headache) probably sparked a migraine.

Now it's Saturday night. He still can't sit up for longer than 20 minutes without excruciating pain. The neurologist gave a sample of meds along with a prescription which we are cycling through, per her instructions, to find one that stops the pain.

We hit the road tomorrow morning (Sunday) and reach the Pop on Monday. Day 1 in the parks is supposed to be Tuesday. DH's solution is simple: he'll lie on the ground if he has to. WDW doesn't appear to rent gurneys (which would be pretty funny and trust us, we're just quirky enough to wheel a gurney around the parks) but if the pain hasn't subsided we'll rent a wheelchair for between the rides. In the queue, he'll probably be lying on the ground.

So here's a shout out to everybody staying at the parks June 4 - 10: if you see a dark-haired man with glasses lying on the ground ANYWHERE feel free to stop by and say hi. Honestly, we won't mind. DH may even submit his own trip report: WDW from on the ground. It may not be exciting but at least it will be new.

Please, please keep your collective fingers crossed for us! DD5 would prefer her Dad upright.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

I hope your DH is feeling better by the time you get there I'm also praying for you that this is nothing more than a migrane
Have a great trip, enjoy every moment no matter what!

 

[4eyedbuzzard]

Hope all works out for you. I can't say I agree with your decision to go given your DH's condition. WDW isn't that important that anyone should compromise their health over it.

 

[a1tinkfans]

First, I must say you have an awesome attitude!
I hope you all have a wonderful and HEALTHY trip!

I wanted to mention that a while back I had to have a spinal and I was told (after suffering miserably for hours with an AWFUL AWFUL headache) that I had an obvious spinal fluid leak, thus the headache. I was told to lie perfectly still and flat (which was about all I could do anyway) and to drink TONS AND TONS AND TONS of water (or come back to the hospital for a blood patch(not really sure of the correct term but they were going to go back in my back and then patch this leak somehow)
ANYWAY, I decided to basically drown myself with water, drinking from a straw laying down and did this for atleast two hours and just kept drinking and drinking, thought I would float away (and I did have to get up and visit the rest room) but I kept it up and lo and behold by late that night, the headache had totally disappeared to NOT return.
So, just thought I'd pass along.....I'm certainly no doctor and can't advise you, but the nurse at the ER that told me that was a life saver indeed!! She told me it was not that uncommon actually....who knew???
Good Luck!!

 

[beaniejawa]

We just got back from our trip and THANKS for the words of support.

My husband spent most of the two-day drive to WDW lying back in his seat while I drove and rotating medicines (as the doctor suggested). On the day we arrived he found one that killed most of the pain but left him a little 'loopy.' And by 'loopy' I mean he was in an especially fun-loving mood. He called it "seeing WDW medically enhanced." But because it made it difficult for him to walk straight we rented a wheelchair for the parks.

I don't think my arms have ever gotten such a workout! I pushed him about half the time (sometimes with DD5 in his lap) and believe it or not, it all worked out and we had a great time. He had a good attitude about it and that really made the difference. We spent 7 days in WDW. His headache didn't start to fade until the last day and he still has a trace of it.

I look forward to posting some dining and ride reviews. Right now we're just going to collapse for a little while!

 

[catbertdave99]

I am so impressed and inspired! What a great attitude you both have! We should all look at things the way you did/do! Way to go! Thanks for sharing!

 

[amery]

Wow.....

That is some serious Disney determination. Who would have thought that Mickey had such a therapeutic effect on the soul......and mind! There is really no story that I can come with to even compare, let alone top these but I am compelled to add one tale.

I was last in WDW in late July of 05 for a conference. Sadly, I was recovering from knee surgery a few weeks earlier and was just off crutches but could only walk short distances on cane power. Knowing that I didn't want one of those 'typical' canes, I opted for something a little more fashion forward................a dalmation cane!!! Yes, it's true.

The surgery itself proved to be inspiring as it is quite possible that I am the only human being on the planet that has an actual Hidden Mickey implanted into the base of my femur. I noticed this during the procedure and asked for a still shot to be taken which I have and will post some how, some way. When I submitted said photo to Disney, I learned that they had just recently discontinued the magazine which really bummed me out.

Lastly, since cane walking just doesn't cut it in the parks, I decided to have my transportation waiting for me upon arrival at my resort. It was like parting the Red Sea going down Main Street. My wife was not about to push me around all week long so this was the best method.

 

[DisneyJenn18]

What a great story! Glad to hear that something that really could have put a black cloud over the trip...turned out to be managable!

It was probably being surrounded by all that Disney Magic!

 

[canwegosoon]

well you are great...I hope the trip is going well