Thinking proactively or being a hypochondriac?

[jenniy122]

I'm aware that only I know my body and that the decision is ultimately up to me. Also that I should consult with my doctor, however I can't get in before I leave (10 days) and just started having trouble again a week ago.

I've had Planter Fasciitis for years now. Last spring developed Achilles's tendinitis as well, all on the left side. I ended up in a walking boot for 3 months. Essentially I stayed off it after the boot came off, I was off work for an unrelated condition and the furthest I walked in the past 6 months was a 5K back in Nov. Last week I went back to work, back to walking up to 6 miles a day/standing for 8 hours. And of course the pain has returned. I already have custom orthodics, orthaheel sandals, etc. etc. as far as shoes go. I'm wondering if it would be worth packing my walking boot for my trip. It'll take up about 1/3 of my checked bag, but I usually only take a carry on so no big deal.

I have done Disney in the boot before. I have done Disney in a wheelchair before, but that isn't a real option this time as I'm going solo and while I have done the push/sit/sit and walk before it's more hassle than it's worth. I am NOT comfortable using a ECV due to anxiety about injuring someone.

 

[piccolopat]

Under the circumstances you describe, not only would I take the walking boot, but I would wear it through security and not take up any room in my carry on. If you won't use an ECV or perhaps you can rent one of those kneeling rollator from a local medical supply company.

 

[redberyl]

Definitely take it. When we travel, my daughter has a bag of medical supplies, her oxygen, and a bag with her suction machine. None of these count toward the allowed number of carry ons. Check with the airline, you may be able to carry the boot on in addition to your regular bag, if you don't want to wear it

 

[PlutoPony]

Wear the boot in the airport so you don't have to pack it. Also gives you support and protection before you get there. Can you start wearing it now at work?

 

[Starwind]

If you do decide to wear the boot during your travel, some tips/lessons learned from when I had to travel for work in the summer while wearing a walking boot...

- airports involve a LOT of walking and doing that in a boot is *hard* -- it is tiring AND your knee and hip muscles will inform you they are not amused by this new walking position; consider speaking with your airline to have wheelchair service -- you will be wheeled from checkin (or curbside if needed) to your gate, between gates if connecting, and from gate to baggage and curbside at the end of the trip; I did not do this and really wished I had by the time I had trudged the very very very very long airport halls

- if your walking boot has air inflation bladders in it (e.g. aircast): you need to deflate these once you get on the plane; and then as the plane gains altitude they will expand with the reduced pressure and you will need to deflate them AGAIN; possibly even more than once. I did NOT think of this and as we were ascending my leg suddenly got VERY VERY painful as the air bladders expanded. Fortunately, I was able to deflate before the air bladders burst {the pain was so sudden and severe there was nothing I was doing except deflating those things ASAP). I had to deflate again a couple times once we were flying along. Then, remember to reinflate once you are landed and at the gate waiting to get off.

- bring an extra boot sock if you can; even one that could work as a temporary backup in a pinch. The boot socks can be a challenge to wash while traveling (and not washing = stinky after a couple days) and they may not fully dry overnight in your hotel room. Having a backup was very helpful for that reason as well as after the flight once I was at the hotel, because with all the "work" of navigating the airport the sock and inside of the boot was quite damp.

- consider a waterproof cover for the boot in case it rains or other circumstances require it; I bought mine at Amazon and was quite pleased with it (but it makes you sweat even more in the boot, so only use it when needed).

- consider upgrading your seat to one of the "plus" seats with more legroom. Even with the upgraded extra space I found the space a challenge due to the immobility of the boot. I ended up sitting at a slight angle so the lega nd boot were happy, but it meant the rest of me was not amused.


SW

 

[SMD]

It might not do much in 8 days, but have you tried PF stretches and something like a Strassburg sock? I don't have PF but I stand a lot for work too and I've been doing some PF foot exercises and it's helped a little.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I would wear it through security and not take up any room in my carry on.

. . . It should even get you onto the plane with the disabled group.
. . . This is not cheating or "gaming" the system, as your appliance and health issues are real

 

[anonymousegirl]

for the wheelchair service, you should notify the airline in advance (at least one day). The wheelchair service is handled by the AIRPORT, but you must request it through your airline. Let them know you can walk the jet way, and they will meet you at the ticket counter and get you through security (sometimes, faster, sometimes slower), then get you to your gate. You should notify the gate agent that you will be a medical preboard (sometimes the gates have wheelchairs sitting there for later flights and it is not clear whom is boarding the next flight). Get a chair for both ways. At MCO, the chair people will take you all the way to Magical Express or Mears. It is is usual to tip the pushers.

 

[Bete]

I would still try to see your doctor. There are cancellations all the time. Maybe, a nurse practioner at your clinic. If it's your end and you can't spare the time then you need to be careful in your travels.

With regards to the scooter I would practice with a free one in a store. The store ones are actually harder than the ones you will rent. In fact, if you have a zoo nearby then I would go there for a day and practice with one there. This should give you more confidence to use one. Just don't be in a rush and pay attention to your surroundings. At least this can be a back up plan, in case, you end up in great pain. Outside rentals are cheaper than using a park scooter.

Try to pace yourself with doing a ride then a show for a rest then another ride and another show followed by a ride and a bite to eat. Give yourself rest periods.

Many of the other posts had good points especially with getting help at the airport in a wheelchair. As others have stated you have to pre-arrange for this service.

 

[jenniy122]

I actually was put in the boot during my college program at Disney, apparently my legs don't like it when I jump from walking 5 miles a week to 15 a day... who would've guessed??? So have had the airport experience in all 3 airports I'm going to be in as well. Here and Atlanta I'll be fine, but good note to call and prearrange to have someone to wheel me from the gate to ME, that journey is far. And I'm flying southwest, so wearing it so they can see it and don't give me crap about preboarding (I have a number of invisible illnesses, have always preboarded, and have only had a problem once, but it still bothers me to this day) so that I can get a seat with that side against the wall would be best. Not having it joustled, stepped on, or having to move a million times

I have used scooters while shopping more times than I can count, I think probably since before I legally could, which is how I know I'd have a complete meltdown if there were any near-misses and not even be able to get it back to the front of the park. I don't know if any of you have used a knee rollator, but OMG, the most painful contraption I have ever used. I could get maybe, maybe 200 feet before I'd have to sit down because my legs would just give out. I do own mine, but unless I was absolutely no weight bearing I would not use it.

I am on the wait list for my doctor, or even her associates, but with 3 of them working out of 5 offices, it's not looking good (I don't know how high of a priority the receptionist put me on the list anyways).

@Starwind - thank you! I don't know how I didn't even realize it in the 6 or so flights I did with mine, but I definitely will deflate before and inflate after. And remember my air pump! Just put it on my list in all caps and underlined lol. And I also wasn't thinking about boot socks, I don't even know where mine are, going to have to do a quick search around after work for them.

 

[Starwind]

Most welcome.

Something else to consider: try on the boot and the other shoe(s) you intend to wear. Make sure the shoe is the right height -- mismatched height = muscles and joints not liking you and the new arrangement. I only had one pair of shoes I could wear with my boot, the others had heels/soles that were too short. There are levelers that are sold that will raise up your shoe to the boot height. Much better to know your shoes will work before you leave on the trip

SW

 

[Selket]

A note on scooters - I'm in my early 50's and have severe arthritis now in both knees - and will need both replaced sooner than later. I rented a scooter (from Buena Vista Scooters) last summer for the first time and it was GREAT. Did I say...it was GREAT? It was GREAT. I don't need a scooter for shopping or daily living at home so I've never tried the store ones but I can tell you - this scooter was EASY to drive - you can go slow or fast and the turn radius was incredible - like I felt like I could turn on a dime. The bus drivers was ALL wonderful with directions (they do this every day). Really it was the best thing. I rented the "portable scooter" model - just in case you want to try it. I never had any trouble in the park with near misses - took my time - and I was there over the busy 4th of July. I also parked it and walked too rather than take it into stores and such. I was apprehensive about driving it too but I practiced at the hotel and really it got to the point I enjoyed it and made my trip SO much better.

Some days my knees are ok and some days terrible - for no reason I can tell...lol! But walking a lot they are always terrible. Definitely take whatever you need down with you and plan ahead in case you need it. Best of luck!