Suggestions for husband recovering from heart attack

[PoppyGirl]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this question or not, but my DH recently suffered a heart attack. He is being treated with medication and the doctor has given us the ok to proceed with our trip, but he tires very easily. I'm concerned about the walking and the waiting in line and how he will manage.

Any suggestions for how I can help him or how we can manage while at Disney? We'll be there for a week.

Thanks in advance.

 

[aubriee]

Disney's response to stamina issues is to rent an ECV. I'd rent one from offsite, so he'd have it at the resort, for the buses and DTD.

We always use Walker's for my mom. She too has stamina issues (as well as alot of knee pain).

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, especially Post #2 which is for people with mobility and/or stamina situations.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

The lines for almost all attractions at WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that the queue is set up to allow wheelchairs and/or ECVs to go through the line just as a person without a mobility problem. As it was built prior to the ADA, the Magic Kingdom is most likely to have non-mainstreamed lines. Some attractions, such as Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion you will go part way through the regular queue and then be diverted. Other attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain or SpaceShip Earth you will initially be directed to an accessible entrance.

All the theaters are set up with seats (usually in the back row) removed so a wheelchair or ECV can pull into a space and there will be regular seating on either side of the space for the others in the party.

Where there are quantity limits on space, or other limitation involving accessibility, you may have to wait longer to see a show or ride an attraction than people without disabilities.

The normal (and official) response of Guest Relations to people with mobility and/or stamina issues is to recommend rental of a wheelchair or ECV. The Guest Assistance Card (GAC) is intended for "invisible" disabilities not related to mobility or stamina. A wheelchair or ECV is sufficient to notify Cast Members of special assistance normally needed. However, if a person has other issues, such as auditory or visual, they would probably also need a GAC.

 

[PoppyGirl]

Thanks. I didn't even think of looking under the FAQ section!

This is so unexpected for DH. I think he would have a really difficult time accepting an ECV or wheelchair. He's already feeling badly for not being able to do everything he is used to doing. And he would hate any extra attention from others.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Thanks. I didn't even think of looking under the FAQ section!

This is so unexpected for DH. I think he would have a really difficult time accepting an ECV or wheelchair. He's already feeling badly for not being able to do everything he is used to doing. And he would hate any extra attention from others.

An ECV may not seem like an ideal situation to him, but you may want to point out that without he will be limiting the experience for everyone else otherwise. If he has to stop and rest frequently or will need to leave early and go back to the resort because he has tired himself out, how will that affect you? Many that hate the idea of being on an ECV will hate the idea of slowing everyone down and limiting their vacation even more. I would ask him to at least try it.

There really isn't a lot of extra attention. The majority of the lines are mainstreamed so it is just a matter of parking the ECV where you are told and getting on the ride and then grabbing it when you get off. In shows he can choose if he wants to park the ECV and walk in or just stay on in an ECV area. I usually ask if I can park it to the side of the theater and sit in the seats. Yes, things are a little more frustrating with an ECV but that is balanced with not being sore, tired, cranky and worst case aggravating your health condition and possibly needing medical help.

 

[Disneybuckeye]

Perhaps he can use the ECV for long stretches of walking & then park it when waiting in lines?

 

[PoppyGirl]

I brought up the wheelchair/ECV subject with DH last night....and he didn't say "no." So, that's good!

But I thought of another issue this morning in the shower (do all my best thinking there). DH now has some dietary restrictions--low sodium, low cholesterol, low fat. Is that something we just have to be careful about in ordering? Or how do we handle that?

 

[KPeveler]

The biggest reason for the ECV is NOT the lines - it is for the everything else! To walk from around the World Showcase Pavilion is 1.25 miles, and that is without going into anything!! People usually wait 1hr+ for parades, in the sun. There is to way to sit to enjoy the Osbourne Lights or fireworks. THIS is what the ECV is useful for.

He can always leave the ECV and walk for any attraction queues which are not accessible for the ECV, such as a few in Fantasyland and part of the HM queue.

It is MORE important that he actually enjoy the trip, that YOU enjoy the trip, and that he does not make himself sick trying to do things for the sake of his pride. Celebration Hospital is NOT on most wish-list to do's!

 

[lovetoscrap]

I brought up the wheelchair/ECV subject with DH last night....and he didn't say "no." So, that's good!

But I thought of another issue this morning in the shower (do all my best thinking there). DH now has some dietary restrictions--low sodium, low cholesterol, low fat. Is that something we just have to be careful about in ordering? Or how do we handle that?

I do most of my best thinking in the shower too! I keep meaning to get something I can use to take notes!

I would ask on the Restaurant boards about the healthier choices. You may want to do some preplanning. I am sure you will have much better choices at the Table Service locations where you can order things prepared in a healthy way. Most of the counter service locations offer salads, and they all have alternatives to french fries-- usually carrots or grapes or apples. Obviously you will have to bypass the cheeseburgers and pizza, and I would be very careful about the sodium content on the lunchmeat but the Restaurant board may be able to offer some good suggestions for each park.

Glad to hear that he is at least considering it. I think that he will quickly realize that it really is the best way to really enjoy the trip.