Son Temporarily in a Full Leg Cast any suggestions???

[kmb43]

My 4 year old son recently fractured the growth plate in his knee and is in a full leg cast. We are headed to Disney Aug 24th till the 5th of September...I know it is going to be sooooo hot, Will he be miserable? Should I reschedule?? The only thing with rescheduling is that we are part of a grand gathering. I don't want to miss out but I don't want him to suffer either - Can we get a wheel chair at the parks (we've been several times but never with this issue) or am I better off having his doctor prescribe one for the 2 weeks

Thanks

 

[Michigan]

I would get an umbrella stroller and get a sticker at guest relations to take the stroller in the lines. A stroller would be easier to push and more comfortable for him and since most all of the lines are wheelchair accessible you would be fine.

 

[hildarumpole]

When my youngest was 2 1/2 he broke his leg and had a full cast. We got a wheelchair prescribed by the doctor. It made life a lot easier. I don't think it's possible, nor would it be safe to try to use an umbrella stroller with a full leg cast. We didn't travel to Disney, but it was summertime. My son was hot and uncomfortable whenever we went outside. Another thing to consider is whether he'll be able to ride everything he would like. If it were my family, I'd postpone. If you decide to go, see if you can get a GAC.

 

[SueM in MN]

I would see if you can get a child sized wheelchair from home and bring it with you. An adult size wheelchair (which is what you could rent in the parks) would be much too large for a child that young. I've seen young kids being pushed in one, but they didn't look very comfortable - the armrests are too high to use (mid-chest to shoulder height or higher) and the seat is too deep. If the child sits all the way back, the edge of the seat ends up around mid calf, so their knees can't bend (but it would not be enough support for the casted leg). If the child sits forward so their knees are at the edge of the seat, they have no back support and not a lot of security in the chair; I have seen a child 'bounced' out of a wheelchair when sitting like that when they hit a bump.
If you rent one and bring it with, you will also have it for use at the resort. And, you could get one from home that has an elevating footrest so that you can keep his leg up. If you already have a stroller that works, you can get a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) as Michigan mentioned that will allow it to be used like a wheelchair.
There is information about GACs in the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of the list of threads on this board.

I agree that it is going to be hot for him and even if you were able to get a GAC, you will still be outside in the heat for long periods of time. I would seriously consider postponing too. There will be attractions where he won't fit well because of the full leg cast. When my yougest DD was 5, she had surgery on both legs and was in full leg casts for about a month (cut down from the hip spica cast she started out with). We were home and it wasn't summer, but it was still difficult to move her around (and she got pretty heavy by the end of the day).
If you do decide to go, plan on doing some homework to see what attractions he would actually be able to go on. If the leg has to be elevated, he would probably not be able to go on many attractions in the wheelchair. You would be safest planning on mostly just going to shows. Also, plan on trips to First Aid (there is one in each park) where he can lie down and rest in the cool.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I agree with renting a child's wheelchair and either bring it along or get one from one of the medical supply companies listed in the "disABILTIES FAQ".

In addition, you might want to talk to the person who will be removing the cast. Have a line drawn on the cast where it will be cut for removal. Then bring along some "Sharpies" and have the characters autograph the cast, asking them to make sure their signature does not diectly cross the line.

Once the cast is removed and fully dried out, you will then have a very unusual souvenier of the trip.

 

[dawnball]

This is only slightly related - but it just occurred to me to be curious. How do they do height-checks for kids who can't stand unsupported or can't stand straight/confined to wheelchairs/etc?


Ah, I finally got a search to work.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I just wanted to add that I am sure he will be chomping at the bit when he sees the swimming pool. Make sure to bring a squirt bottle and spritz him alot. That really helped keep my kids under control in the heat. Also looked for air conditioned places in the parks to have a snack when things get a little frazzly. I am sure the cms and characters will give your ds lots of attention. Also are you getting a handicapped accessible room if you need one for showers etc. Bring a garbage bag to cover the cast etc. I know they made something from some company you can order. Its like a waterproof sleeve that goes over the cast. I know they make them for arms, I am not sure about the full leg one. We got a brochure from the orthopaedic dr. Best of luck. Hope everything works out.