thank you, I swallowed my pride and reserved an ECV!

[WaDiWo]

Hi all!

I want to thank all of you on the disABILITIES page for sharing your experiences. I am a recently injured runner, and have been on crutches for two months. We are going to Walt Disney World shortly, and everyone including my family and doctor has been telling me to get a wheelchair or ECV.

In the back of my mind there was no way I was going to do this. I am an athlete, I thought, and I'm young, and I can crutch myself around the World.

Well, after reading your experiences and advice, I have swallowed my pride and reserved an ECV today from walker mobility. Now I can't wait to enjoy myself at the parks.

I gave a shoutout to you all on the boards on my blog post today at Couch to Goofy Challenge. Thanks again and I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[peemagg]

You won't be sorry you did this. I was on crutches daily for 2 years, and there is still no way that I could have made it around the parks on them.

Have fun and enjoy!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Smart move.

Just be prepared for those doubting feelings sneaking up on you at unexpected moments. Tends to be an almost certain thing for anybody that really needs a push (or more ) to realise their limitations. Have a coping strategy for that so you don't fall pray to it sneaking up on you. What tends to work like a charm for many; consider what you would think, say and advice if it were not you but a loved one. You wouldn't even consider doubting for them and be very realistic. Be at least as realistic for yourself.

Have a great trip!

 

[7165red]

Good for you, now you can really enjoy your trip. I do know how you felt about it, but it all changes when you get to the parks.

 

[WaDiWo]

one question though, how is it with an ECV and the enormous crowds in July? will i feel slow, crowded, and claustrophobic? or do you find that space just kind of "opens up" for you when you're on an ECV?

 

[JennyDrake]

one question though, how is it with an ECV and the enormous crowds in July? will i feel slow, crowded, and claustrophobic? or do you find that space just kind of "opens up" for you when you're on an ECV?

I have been as an escort for a senior twice with an ECV. Not July level crowded, but not exactly empty parks either. Epcot was by far the easiest to navigate and space tended to "open up" more. DHS was second.

AK was challenging due to uneven pavement and curving walkways--you could not immediately see those in front of you or them you.

Fantasyland in MK was terrible, but we were not there at rope drop. I think if you were there EARLY it would not be nearly so bad. Those pushing strollers seemed to have minimal awareness of the ECV.

IME it was easier if the ECV driver could maintain a slow, steady crawl. Starting and stopping seemed to encourage the crowd to close in around you, but those who drive them routinely would be a much better source than myself.

 

[WaDiWo]

thanks for the advice. i'm a little apprehensive, and feeling self conscious about the whole thing, but it's for the best if i want to enjoy the parks!

 

[KathyRN137]

Good for you! I predict you will be very glad you made this decision!


Kathy

 

[WaDiWo]

Good for you! I predict you will be very glad you made this decision!

Kathy

thanks! i have second thoughts now and then because i think it would be a hassle with the crowds...but i guess trying to walk with crutches in the crowds would be more of a hassle.

 

[bankgirl05]

thanks for the advice. i'm a little apprehensive, and feeling self conscious about the whole thing, but it's for the best if i want to enjoy the parks!

I am (still) recovering from hip replacement/revision surgery from 1 year ago, and I can tell you that I could not have survived our trip last November (I was weight bearing with a cane) without the ECV!!! and I will probably still need one on our next trip.

I was self conscious also, and had a couple of bus drivers give me a bit of a hard time,(just acted exasperated because I had a harder time parking on a full bus, nervousness I guess) but for the most part, most people were understanding and one driver in particular was super helpful and encouraging and guided me through the whole thing!!!. Thanksgiving time has high crowds too, and what I found very useful was turning the speed as low as it could go, and moving along at a constant crawl, as someone previously suggested.

I also avoided "crush" times,or "mass exodus" after fireworks by using that time to park near the babycare stations (usually out of the way and less crowded) and use the restrooms or shop and stretch my legs which was needed also, as I was exhibiting swelling of my feet and ankles after sitting for longer periods of time. (at home, I was still spending most of my time lying or reclining with my feet up.)

Take a bungy cord or 2 with you to help you secure your crutches to the back of the seat.

My best suggestion is to keep up with whatever pain reliever you use (mine is advil or alleve) because it will catch up to you and catch you off guard!!!

Good luck and heal well, a trip to Disney could just possibly heal your spirit and make your body heal faster too

 

[WaDiWo]

Good luck and heal well, a trip to Disney could just possibly heal your spirit and make your body heal faster too

Thank you, I believe it will!