Son has medical condition- rethinking WDW- need advice

[ChgoLaniteVal]

We have had a 5 night WDW BW 11/30-12/5 booked since 12/07. My DH had a medical procedure in June, now my 8yo son was just diagnosed with Crohn's Disease which has required lots of hospital, drs, etc. Our finances have been dramatically affected.

So I have 2 questions- We need to change our hotel/trim our package (basic dining plan) or cancel if still too much. We were planning to drive from Antioch, IL family of 5- 11, 8 , & 6. My son will not be able to walk far or wait in long standing lines. Which leads me to my next question, I read some where about a card that you can get with a drs. note for lines. Anyone know the requirements? Really don't want to disappoint since this has been planned for a long time. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

 

[Snowy-girls]

Sorry i can't help with your questions.Just wanted to say i hope you get it sorted+sorry to hear about your son.Take care.x.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

We have had a 5 night WDW BW 11/30-12/5 booked since 12/07. My DH had a medical procedure in June, now my 8yo son was just diagnosed with Crohn's Disease which has required lots of hospital, drs, etc. Our finances have been dramatically affected.

So I have 2 questions- We need to change our hotel/trim our package (basic dining plan) or cancel if still too much. We were planning to drive from Antioch, IL family of 5- 11, 8 , & 6. My son will not be able to walk far or wait in long standing lines. Which leads me to my next question, I read some where about a card that you can get with a drs. note for lines. Anyone know the requirements? Really don't want to disappoint since this has been planned for a long time. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

Sorry to hear about the issues with your son. I can't offer any advice, but maybe you can put this question on the DisABILITIES board - I'm sure they will be able to help you over there.

 

[MandM-Mom]

It is a GAC, they are great on the DISabilities board, there is a FAQ sticky to get you started. Good Luck

 

[mjkacmom]

Sorry about your ds - dd's best friend has it, and although she's now off of most medications, the diet thing is SO hard! Her mom spends 1/2 her day making her "foods," but she's now a very healthy 12 year old!

 

[perkinsrose]

The diet changes will become second nature. (I thought it was hard voluntarily switching to vegetarian --now i rarely think about it). You'll manage fine. I hope you're able to enjoy a trip to WDW soon if not this trip. I hope you look into disabilities board ---they have tons of info to offer.

 

[DisneyWalle]

I really feel that you should check out the Disabilities board here on Disboards. I think that they would be a good support for you to use to help you and your family feel comfortable about your vacation.

I will say that Disney receives people everyday that have a variety of health conditions and concerns. Trust me, they will have a method that will help your family enjoy your vacation.

The card that you are referring to is talked alot about on the Disabilities board.

 

[Aliceacc]

I have no experience with Crohn's aside from having taught a number of kids with it.

But I think it would do wonders for your son's self image to still think of himself as "normal" enough to go to WDW.

It may turn out that the dining plan is a good idea, since you'll have a wider selection of healthy foods at the Table service restaurants than at the fast food places; I can't imagine that the typical fried fast food will do your son any good.You can find menus at www.allears.net and use them to make choices with his dietary restrictions in mind. I'm not sure about the particular of a Crohn's diet, but there may be something here to help you: http://www.allears.net/din/special.htm Driving is probably also a good idea in that you can bring a cooler stocked with foods he can tolerate, and it won't seem like a big deal.

Before you go, get a map of each park and have a good general idea as to where the restrooms are. You might also consider having a change of clothing in your backpack for him should he need one; it will cut down on the embarassment quotient until he gets a handle on his medical issues.

Is there anyway you can downgrade to a Family Suite at ASM?? You would have 2 bathrooms and a kitchenette, AND save money!! Or how about a cabin at Fort Wilderness? You would have a kitchen and be close to the MK-- the kids would probably see it as cool, not as a way to make his dietary changes possible. AND you could re-think the meal plan and save money.

This trip may be just the thing he needs to feel like a "regular" kid. So, even if it means changing resorts or a lighter-than-normal Christmas, I hope you can find a way to go.

Best wishes with his medical issues and your husband's.

 

[kacaju]

Poor kid!! My dh has had crohns since college. He hates to hear when children have it.
Have you looked into the crohns and colitis fountation (I think that is what it is called) They have a card that they mail to you when you join that is a *I have a medical problem and need to use the restroon ASAP* I don't know if that is part of his problem and mens rooms rarely have a line but it could be something you can look into. Good Luck

 

[sardanem]

I am 42 and have had Crohns since I was about 18. Please feel free to PM me with any questions at all and I would be happy to answer anything. I can understand all your concerns. It is a horrible disease and I feel terrible for your son. I have trouble understanding it as an adult, so I can only imagine how scary it must be for a child.

Lisa

 

[mistymouse5001]

Good Luck