Some advice for WDW and illness similar to MS

[ashnicole]

The other posters gave some great tips!
My mom was diagnosed with something similar to MS a couple of years back. We love watching the shows and meeting characters, so it balances out the craziness of the day. She uses a manual wheelchair. The hardest park for us was Animal Kingdom because of the texture of the ground. However, we just rested in the shade more often than we did in the other parks. If she didn't feel up to riding a ride, she looked in the gift shops, and the ride attendants gave us a rider switch pass on a couple of the rides. We spread the shows and meals out throughout the day so we had time to relax throughout the whole day. We loved using Disney transportation because we were able to split up. If some of us wanted to go back to the resort earlier than the others, we could.
We went into the trip knowing we would have to sit down and rest in the middle of the day if it got too hot, and also knowing we weren't going to be able to do everything, and we had a wonderful trip and plan on going back very soon!

 

[writermommy6]

Wow that wheelchair thing could have been so much worse! Glad she didn't run off the dock. I really appreciate all of your support. I am excited and realize that pacing myself will be the key to making it work.

 

[SueM in MN]

Holy heck that could have been even more horrible! I've never used one, only seen the commercials.

Yeah, they look really simple in the commercials.
My youngest daughter uses both a manual (push) and power wheelchair, so I've seen the learning process (and learned myself).
I've been driving hers from the side for a long time and can drive left or right handed, but there are all sorts of things you have to think about - like how much space you need and sometimes you have to reach over and drive from behind because there is not enough space on the side.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Yeah, they look really simple in the commercials.
My youngest daughter uses both a manual (push) and power wheelchair, so I've seen the learning process (and learned myself).
I've been driving hers from the side for a long time and can drive left or right handed, but there are all sorts of things you have to think about - like how much space you need and sometimes you have to reach over and drive from behind because there is not enough space on the side.

I used to drive my father's. It was a long learning curve.

And it was much easier to drive while seated than from the side. I have the dings in my walls to prove it.

 

[Nanajo1]

I have a B12 deficiency,take monthly injections I also have MS. I found I got more symptomatic if I missed my shot. I try to pace myself and stay hydrated. I used an ECV before I needed my PC. It certainly helps with the tiredness.
Have a good trip.

 

[Sunnywho]

I guess this is a What would you do? type of question. Thanks in advance!!

Personally I would consider rescheduling because of the weather. I am 40 with mild MS. Does heat exacerbate your symptoms as it does for MS? You might not know yet if the illness is new. How do you feel after a hot bath? If that makes you weak, then you could re-plan the trip with your current needs in mind. I don't get to go to Disney anymore between May through early October and that's ok because November meets my needs really well.