SIL just diagnosed with Guillain-Barre

[TheresaNY]

She seems to fortunately have a mild case. Only progressed up to her mid trunk area. Still can't walk but is slowly getting feeling back in abdomen. We know we are so fortunate because it could have been much much worse. Is it likely that she will still be able to join our Grand Gathering in a month ??? She is suppose to meet us with her family June 28th at the Dolphin. She is looking forward to it....but I don't know how realistic it is to expect that. Any one have any unfortunate first hand knowledge ? Since the Dolphin doesn't have loaner wheelchairs, should I plan on renting her one too ? ( I have to get one for my FIL ). Would so appreciate hearing from anyone with any experience. I don't want to go along with unrealistic plans for my SIL and all the children (her's and mine) that are worried. Doctor's say that it is a wait and see depending on physical therapy.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, including off-site locations where people rent wheelchairs and ECVs. You might also want to consider ECV rental instead of wheelchair.

 

[SueM in MN]

That condition has a very individualized recovery. Some recover much faster than others and may have some residual weakness.
The ones that take the longest are those who had higher involvement, because they would have had a ventilator to breathe for them and have to get strong enough to work their lungs again without the ventilator.

If you haven't yet, check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of the board. It has information about renting wheelchairs and ECVs, links to the guidebooks for Guests with Disabilities from the parks and links to past threads that might be helpful.

Normally people might suggest an ECV because it would give her more independence, but it also takes energy to drive it because you have to be aware of what is happening all around. in that way, it's a lot like driving a car; maybe not physically tiring as much as mentally.
I'd suggest a wheelchair might be a better choice because it takes less energy. She could get out and walk around, or push the wheelchair if she needs something to steady her (changing position is good). There are also some attractions where she won't have to get out of the wheelchair, but would have to get out of an ECV. Having the wheelchair at least gives her the option of getting out or not.
MK is the oldest park and has the most attractions where a transfer is needed. For that reason, we plan MK for a day when we feel up to transferring our DD out of her wheelchair and we don't plan 2 MK days in a row. MK and AK are parks that both feel hotter (at least to us) than Epcot and MGM, so you might want to take the weather into account too.

 

[TheresaNY]

Wow ! Thanks ! What great suggestions ! Like the standard w/c idea better than ECV for reasons you stated. Plus, I have a standard chair in my basement. I posted another thred about the room at the Dolphin.. do you know if the HA rooms have double beds?? She has 2 children (boy 6 girl 4). Or maybe king with pull out sofa??

This was all so sudden....is there anything else I need to think about ? We have ADRs at Crystal Palace, 1900 PF, Chef Mickey's, & Biergarten. Do I need to inform them of her w/c status ? I am hoping that she will be able to transfer at least. So, only if she can't, right? Anything else ?? Of course the heat will just tap all her strength I am sure !!

 

[SueM in MN]

Wow ! Thanks ! What great suggestions ! Like the standard w/c idea better than ECV for reasons you stated. Plus, I have a standard chair in my basement. I posted another thred about the room at the Dolphin.. do you know if the HA rooms have double beds?? She has 2 children (boy 6 girl 4). Or maybe king with pull out sofa??

This was all so sudden....is there anything else I need to think about ? We have ADRs at Crystal Palace, 1900 PF, Chef Mickey's, & Biergarten. Do I need to inform them of her w/c status ? I am hoping that she will be able to transfer at least. So, only if she can't, right? Anything else ?? Of course the heat will just tap all her strength I am sure !!

If she will be using the wheelchair inside the restaurant, let them know when you check in so they give you a spot with a little extra space. If she plans on transferring, she can always get out of the wheelchair and move to a seat. Then the CM can take the wheelchair and park it a little.
Crystal Palace and Chef Mickey's are level, but Biergarten has different levels.

If she gets tired and needs to rest somewhere cool, she can go to First Aid. They have cots in individual cubicles where she could lie down. If you have more than one cell phone in your party, give her one and she can call when she is done resting. We've done that with DD; it's less hassle than trying to get back to the resort.

 

[TheresaNY]

Sue......You are wonderful ! Thank you !

 

[SueM in MN]

Sue......You are wonderful ! Thank you !

Your welcome.
I'm a nurse in a Rehab hospital and we have had our share of patients with GB, so I'm glad I could help.