Severe Back Issues and traveling alone

[princessCKL]

I am doing a solo trip. We just moved to Orange City and my hubby is not the Disney fan that I am. I have a partially removed tumor INSIDE my spine. I had a laminectomy and bone from 5 of my vertebrae were removed. It has been 18 months since the surgery but I deal with pain every day. I would like to use a rollator, but I am unable to fold it up myself. I am afraid of driving an ECV. For the most part, I know my limits, and I need to sit quite often. The reason for staying overnight is so I can rest at a resort in the afternoon and see the parks at night. Would I be allowed to use a cane with a seat? We went to Candlelight Processional and were standing in the back. I could only stand for about 20 minutes before the pain was too much and we had to leave. If I could have sat on a cane with a seat I could have seen the show.

 

[minnie mum]

I think I have read that they aren't allowed, but can't swear to that. But even if they are, think about what would happen if someone walked into you while you were balanced on it. I don't know how many times I've had my cane accidentally kicked out from me when in a crowd. I know the prospect of ECVs can be intimidating at first, but I think it would be your best option if you can't manage a rollator.

 

[Bete]

I'm in favor of an ECV, too. It guards your body from everyone to a certain degree.

Practice with the free store ones; they are actually harder to drive than the regular ones. Go during a slow time and go to an area that is more empty to practice in the store.

You can get an attachment for your cane with a scooter. Sometimes, you can park the scooter and use your cane for a while. You have options, here.

Offsite vendors are cheaper for rentals and then you can have the scooter at all times. If you rent at the park it's more money and you have to get there on your own accord. Also, those scooters don't have the cane attachment.

Another option is to pay someone's way and see if they will push a wheelchair for you.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Bad back and traveling solo to Disney-been there, done that. I've got a cane I use regularly, and no one's ever bumped into me (thank goodness). Although I haven't used a cane with a seat built in, I have seen other people with them around the parks. Like you, I haven't gotten up the courage to use an ECV when traveling solo, but I know a few solos who have, and everyone encourages me to.

 

[ttintagel]

It's a gamble - I've seen and heard of people being allowed to bring in cane seats and also seen and heard of people NOT being allowed to. There's a "no folding chairs" rule, and apparently it's left up to the discretion of the CM on duty whether it counts as a folding chair or not.

I've toured with both a cane and crutches, and have had both kicked/knocked out from under me, usually by unattended children, or children whose parents sent them plowing ahead through parade crowds to get a better spot. One kid, after elbowing me in the leg and knocking my crutch away,proceeded to stand on my broken foot to watch Illuminations. My screams of pain went ignored by both her and the crowd around me, and it took me several minutes to get her dislodged (by moving back and losing my spot).

My advice would be to go to a large store where they have ECV's available for customers, and practice driving until you're no longer afraid of doing it.

 

[tobikaye]

I would vote for a rollator if you are not comfortable with an ECV.

 

[Simba's Mom]

It's a gamble - I've seen and heard of people being allowed to bring in cane seats and also seen and heard of people NOT being allowed to. There's a "no folding chairs" rule, and apparently it's left up to the discretion of the CM on duty whether it counts as a folding chair or not.

Unfortunately, I've seen so many "not allowed" things in the parks that I sometimes wonder these days if CMs ever say "No". I've seen the roll shoes (can't remember what they're called), big rolling coolers, rolling backpacks, and the cane-chairs. Gotta admit, though, I've never seen the folding beach-style chairs.

 

[lanejudy]

I believe canes that convert to a seat are allowed as a mobility aid. However, one challenge to them is that most lines are continuously - albeit slowly - moving, making it nearly impossible to use the seat. Since most also balance on just 3 legs, I can also see it as easily knocked off a balance in crowds. As others have suggested, try an ECV at a local big box store or grocery store, those will be harder to use than the rentals. Or if you are completely uncomfortable with an ECV, use the rollator.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[princessCKL]

I ordered a rollator. I considered an ECV but I have a lot of nerve pain in my feet and I am afraid the vibration of the EVC would worsen the nerve pain. I had trouble riding in my husband's Ford 150 pick-up because of the vibrations.

The rollator should be here tomorrow and I have until the 12th to practice walking with it and folding it.

I finished the Princess Half Marathon 6 weeks before the tumor INSIDE my spine was discovered. I am determined to get back to my normal life, but it is taking a long time.

Cheryl