Spinal Injuries experiences?

[Raven01]

My dad has central cord syndrome from a recent accident - his mobility is very limited, though we hope he can regain some use of his arms and legs with time.

I am going to WDW next year, and I was wondering if anyone had experiences with someone who was paralyzed. It’s been a tough time, and a road we are just beginning, so any experiences are welcome. We have dealt with disability issues but nothing close to this scale. We just took my DD2 in December, and now I’m glad did - but I know we can have a good time now, if differently.

Are we dealing only with boat rides? I’m assuming anything like FOP or even the Safari would be out. Am I correct?

 

[BillSears]

Every injury is different so I can't say what he can and can not do. I had a compression fracture in 1977 resulting in a complete spinal cord injury at T6. I can ride anything I can get on and off of. I transfer on and off rides just using my arms so as I've gotten older, I'm 60 now, I had to stop riding the low rides because I can't get back into my chair from the floor. But I ride FOP and the Safari fine.

Is his back fragile? If so then it's more the jerking motions that would cause problems and not the transfers.

 

[Raven01]

Every injury is different so I can't say what he can and can not do. I had a compression fracture in 1977 resulting in a complete spinal cord injury at T6. I can ride anything I can get on and off of. I transfer on and off rides just using my arms so as I've gotten older, I'm 60 now, I had to stop riding the low rides because I can't get back into my chair from the floor. But I ride FOP and the Safari fine.

Is his back fragile? If so then it's more the jerking motions that would cause problems and not the transfers.

He had a spinal fusion after falling. I think it was a break around c4-c6 and t6-8 (around that area.)
No trach, he can eat, and he can shift around, but no use of arms right now. Legs move but he can’t walk. It’s kind of like an upside down paralysis - he may regain movement, but no one knows how much.

I’m a planner and can’t plan, so thinking of Disney keeps me going. I’ve been able to rent points to go (my daughter and I will go even if my dad and mom cannot). So I’m just looking for thoughts so I can readjust my brain to new kind of normal. This wait and see stuff that the doctors say is driving me crazy!

 

[mamabunny]

He had a spinal fusion after falling. I think it was a break around c4-c6 and t6-8 (around that area.)
No trach, he can eat, and he can shift around, but no use of arms right now. Legs move but he can’t walk. It’s kind of like an upside down paralysis - he may regain movement, but no one knows how much.

I’m a planner and can’t plan, so thinking of Disney keeps me going. I’ve been able to rent points to go (my daughter and I will go even if my dad and mom cannot). So I’m just looking for thoughts so I can readjust my brain to new kind of normal. This wait and see stuff that the doctors say is driving me crazy!

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad.

I *promise* I am not trying to be flip or trite, but maybe the old saying "Plan for the worst case, and hope for the best" applies here?

Try and keep your focus on things he can do without transferring - and remember that WDW isn't just rides - there are *lots* of shows and attractions he can enjoy without a transfer as well. If his progress allows it, then expand/change your plans. Some things to consider: (there may be an extra charge)
- special tours
- dessert parties
- dining events (like Hoop-Dee-Do or Spirit of Aloha)
- riding the Monorail (or the soon-to be open gondolas)
- cruising around the waterways at WDW (I personally have a very soft spot in my heart for the Sassagoula River Cruise to/from the Port Orleans Resorts and Disney Springs)
- nightly Resort campfires, where the entire family can enjoy s'mores
- nightly movies on the lawn at the Resorts
- The Boardwalk (at the Boardwalk Resort) - especially in the evening

I could go on, but you already have the idea

I'm a planner too, so I understand your desire to figure this out. I have had my own "wait and see" medical issues, and I truly believe that being in limbo (for me, and my family) was way worse than what I was ultimately diagnosed with.

Oh - just in case this impacts your planning: Remember that all of the Disney hotels have roll-in shower bathrooms for your dad, but you have to specifically book that room type. So, be sure to book the specific room type he needs - and if it doesn't show up on the Reservation, call Disney sooner, rather than later.

There's tons of tips around here about doing Disney on wheels, and flying with a wheelchair/ECV. Let us know if there is more we can help with

 

[Raven01]

We are going to stay at the Boardwalk! As he has gotten older, he enjoyed watching more than riding, especially with my daughter.

We are planning for the worst and hoping for the best - but the planning for the worst is VERY negative. The Disney trip is my positive compensation, so the advise is greatly appreciated!

 

[tinkandpan]

We go with my parents quite often and my dad is paralyzed from the waist down. He uses a manual chair- although now that he is getting older he does have the little boost engine on it for trips like this. I will say, the boat rides are good and gently _but be aware the mexico ride you will be up high and at the end there is a giant jostle), nemo and the little mermaid now have accessible clams to ride which are fabulous. I have not been since flight has opened but I will speak to his experience with the safari. The chair is strapped in and will not go anywhere- but he felt very jostled and unsettled as he was concerned he himself would fall out of the chair and he used all his strength to balance himself against my mom. The movies are great, and also much like you mentioned- he enjoys watching my kids have a great time