Stroller, Wheelchair, or what?

[hipporina]

I need some advice about what to do for my youngest son. He has mild/moderate CP and fatigues very easily. I thought he might be strong enough to make it this trip, but I took him to the zoo last week and he was completely worn out within 2-3 hours. I realized that as much as I want him to be able to, I just don't think he will make it walking for the entire trip.

On past trips, we used a stroller, but he is 8 now and is simply too big. More than that though, he hates being treated like a baby and detests the idea of a stroller. I thought about a wheelchair of some sort, but I'm pretty sure people wouldn't understand when he hopped up and ran around. He just wears out really, really quickly.

What do you recommend?

 

[Eeyore5]

I am sure someone will come along with ideas for a wheelchair/larger stroller. As far as other people's opinions, don't worry about what others think. I have mild CP. I walk at home. My gait is fairly normal. At Disney I use a scooter. I don't have the stamina for Disney. And, the muscle pain gets to be too much. I tried 2 years ago and after 1/2 a day, I was in so much pain I couldn't straighten my legs for 5 days. One of the best gifts my parents gave me was teaching me that it is ok to do what I need to to to take care of myself regardless of other people's opinions.

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

Do whatever will make the trip best for you and your family! Don't worry about what anyone thinks, you will never see them again. Get a wheelchair for your son and have a wonderful time!

 

[barbarasc]

Not sure when you are traveling OR what your health insurance is like BUT here's a thought. My daughter has her share is disabilities and she like your son can walk but gets worn out quickly. We knew she didn't need a traditional wheelchair so we looked at what was out there. We decided to get her a "stroller" for those with disabilities. She has a Stealth Lighting and its GREAT! It's great and easy to get around in and does not give the kids the bad vibe of a "baby stroller" . If you google Stealth Lighting you should find the website. The stroller's aren't cheap....about $1500 but with a doctor note or PT note most insurance will pay for it! We are on our 2nd one, my Jen is 23 years old! When ever were travel parents always stop us and ask us "where did you get those wheels they're GREAT". If I can help let me know!

Barb

 

[SueM in MN]

You need to do what will work for your family.
If you look in post #2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there are some companies listed that rent special needs strollers. Those are made for people who are too large to fit in a regular child's stroller, up to about 100 pounds.
Take a look at them and see what you think. Some older kids are OK with sitting in one of those because they are not for little kids. Some kids don't like them though, because they don't look 'usual'.

Post #2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread also lists wheelchair rental companies, but many of the companies that rent wheelchairs only rent adult size ones, which will be too large for an 8 yr old.
I believe someone posted recently that Apple is one of the companies that rents smaller wheelchairs and one company that is not listed on the FAQs, but does rent smaller wheelchairs is K&M Rental. You can contact them at (407) 363-7388, Toll free at: 1-888-616-8675 or by Email: sales@km-rentals.com

Another possibility is checking with his therapists or doctor - there may be a lending closet in your area that would loan a child size wheelchair for your trip. You may also find a local company that rents pediatric wheelchairs. If so, you could bring it on the plane and not be charged or have it counted toward your baggage.

 

[blondietink]

McClaren has a special needs stroller that costs around $700.00 I believe. It holds children up to 110 pounds.

After my kids outgrew that, we opted to get adult sized travel chairs for them instead of a wheelchair. They are much less expensive, and if you can find the ones with the stroller type wheels, hold up well. They cost about $175.00 and you can find them all over the internet. Ours is made by medline.

Don't worry about what other people will say about your son getting up and walking a bit. If they are curious, let them ask you a question. Otherwise, just ignore them if they stare.

 

[sstamour]

Do whatever will make the trip best for you and your family! Don't worry about what anyone thinks, you will never see them again. Get a wheelchair for your son and have a wonderful time!

Indeed. My parents never taught me this, and in fact, taught me the exact opposite. Now at 26, I compound having a somewhat "invisible" disability by tending to conceal my symptoms and pain, which makes life much harder on me. Learning early to care for yourself well and manage your particular issues rather than letting them manage you is a huge benefit.

My suggestion would be to take along whatever your son will ride in. If he'll do the stroller, then great, but if not, do the wheelchair with no second thoughts - you may get an occasional look or comment, but believe me, the benefit to your son of being able to fully enjoy a WDW trip without the physical pain and exhaustion will be well worth it.

 

[hipporina]

Thank you all so much for your thoughtful responses! We decided to go with the wheelchair and I am able to rent a small one from a local medical rental company for only $20! I was surprised at how excited he is to have "wheels." This will be a new experience for us, and one that I'm not sure I'm quite ready for, but it is what it is. Thanks again!