Shoulder surgery before trip

[crisrn2003]

Hi! I have a quick question I hope someone can answer for me. I am going to have Rotator Cuff repair on my left shoulder 12/13. We will be at WDW 1/1. How restrictive are the ride operators when they can see someone with a visible injury? (I'm assuming I will be in a shoulder immobilizer) I'm not sure how miserable I will be feeling, but I don't see any reason I can't ride things like Small World, Carousel, etc. (provided I can tolerate it....)

 

[Anne MN]

I had everything but rotator repaired- took me 2 weeks to be able to drive. in PT for 2 months.
MIL had rotator repair- totally immoble for 6 weeks. ( could not move arm or shoulder) PT for 8 months.

I still "feel" stiff sometimes and my surgery was in 2003. I know that MIL range of movement is less. I know that even riding in a car was not fun for a couple of months. I had a pillow to put under my elbow for support and to cut down on any potholes that you run into. We have 2 seasons here in Minnesota Winter and road construction I still find that i keep my elbow on an armrest or my arm "like you are wearing a sling" just more comfortable.

Talk to your surgeon- he should be able to tell you what you should be feeling like about 2 weeks out. I know that MIL was just starting PT and just "dangling" her arm with therapist supervision at that time.

 

[SueM in MN]

The ride CMs won't stop you from riding anything (the exception might be if you wanted to ride one of the roller coasters/wild rides) and you had a piece of equipment that would be a danger to other people on the ride.
In general, WDW puts out warnings for rides that might be a problem, but it's up to you to decide whether or not the ride appears to be appropriate to you.

If you are unfamiliar with any rides, the rides with warnings have a little red triangle icon by them on the park maps. If you go to the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board, there is a link to download a copy of the official WDW Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities. It's not in much detail, but at least it lists those attractions that are more turbulant.

Another thing to think about is getting in and out of rides. Some (like Pirates of the Caribbean) have boats where you have to step down into the boat (and out to get back out). There are grab bars that some people use to help get in/out of those. Not that you won't be able to get on, just that you might have to be a little more aware of those since you won't be able to grab to pull yourslef out. Here's a link to Deb Wills page of ride cars, which might be somewhat helpful.

 

[crisrn2003]

Thank you both for your replies. I am scared about doing this, but it just works about best as far as when I have to be off, when I need to return to work, when I can have someone to help me with my kids, etc. And theres just no way I want to reschedule my trip. The kids would be heartbroken. I'll just do whatever I have to.

 

[JenJen]

About two years ago attractions hostess were informed they were not allowed to tell anyone they could not ride an attraction including pregnant woman on highly turbulent roller coasters. They are not even allowed to warn them. It is the Guest responsibility to read all the restrictions before going on the attraction.
The only exception is for those guest with no upper body strength because they can fall out of the attraction because they can not hold themselves up. We are allowed to warn them but we can not tell them they can not ride. As soon as they even slip a little we have to stop the entire attraction.