Torn meniscus surgery and recovery

[toodycat]

Thanks, mamabunny. I will think about your advice. Surgery is next week. Diagnosis was pretty much "your knee is a hot mess." In addition to the tear, there's a cyst and severe arthritis. The doctor says there will be more post-op pain and bleeding because the procedure is more complicated. Right now, I guess that I will put my decision on hold until I see how I feel after the operation.

 

[gap2368]

I go with a friend that use an ECV and she has so much fun in it ( you know the they should make a low on having to much fun). The CM are great at helping her out ( stoping moving walk ways where they can, funding a place to watch fier works extra ) and at lest once a trip she will get some type of pixi dust like a free FP ( we went to go on space that had a 60 minute wait and we were allied right in right in ( this may not happen for you )

But I am glade you are going to wait to cancel I really think you should go you wil have a great time

 

[gap2368]

just a side note you may find that touring with an ECV is a little harder ( people will not see you some times and will walk right infant of you) you get on some ride differently ( some you go thought the exit some have alternative entrances latter in the line) but CM are very helpful like I said before I prefer to go with my friend that uses an ECV and it sounds like you are going in January wo the crowds should not be that bad at all.

 

[toodycat]

Just saw my GP for surgery clearance. He says that I won't be able to do the walking and should only go with a wheelchair or ECV.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Just saw my GP for surgery clearance. He says that I won't be able to do the walking and should only go with a wheelchair or ECV.

I rent an ECV for every trip. I just can't make it without the ECV.

Yes, it can be more difficult. People walk right in front of you. This trip, I had 3 people walk into me, broadside. I was amazed. But people are looking at their phone, not where they are going.

But I can go all day when I have the scooter, whereas if I walk, I can go about 2 hours.

You just have to decide what you are comfortable doing.

 

[gap2368]

Just saw my GP for surgery clearance. He says that I won't be able to do the walking and should only go with a wheelchair or ECV.

I hope the surgery gose well and I do hope that you find that you can have just as much fun at Disney with an ECV/wheeel chair as you can with out one

 

[stenmarks]

I had arthroscopic surgery in October to repair turf toe (not knee surgery, but similar recovery). I have been cleared to wear tennis shoes, but I still have not been cleared to begin physical therapy and my foot still hurts at the end of the day if I do "too much". My doctor said that I must take a wheelchair/scooter on our trip next week; while it's hard to accept, I understand that I'm NOT up to Disney demands (we go every 1-1.5 years).

 

[mamabunny]

Just saw my GP for surgery clearance. He says that I won't be able to do the walking and should only go with a wheelchair or ECV.

I'm truly sorry to hear that you have additional complications - and that your GP has recommended "wheels only".

But hey! Just remember this: If the worst thing that happens on your trip is that you have to use an ECV... you are a pretty lucky kid! You'll still be at DISNEY WORLD, my most excellent favorite place to visit in the world! Lucky puppy you!

I hope you decide to go, because two reasons:

1. It's DISNEY WORLD!!! How can you NOT go, if you have the chance? If I could, I would be there once a week! (It's a bit of a commute from Oklahoma, so...)

and 2. In all seriousness, when I am at Disney World, I forget all about my pain. The endorphins kick in, and I smile and laugh and feel more like myself than anywhere else in the world. The effect is so pronounced that my DH literally is ready to move to Orlando if he can ever get a transfer (Orlando is the number 1 requested transfer within his company LOL)

I want you to know one last thing: Since the first time I had to use an ECV, nearly a decade ago, it's actually gotten SO much easier at WDW. Yes, there are folks who just don't pay attention. And little nuggets who don't understand the laws of physics, and dart out in front of you. But, even if you are walking, those things happen. It's not just ECV drivers that get bumped into, have people dart rightinfront of them, and have to endure the Guests who leave all common sense at the Main Gate.

I hope, whatever you decide to do, that soon you will find yourself on the road to a complete & swift recovery.

 

[toodycat]

I'm truly sorry to hear that you have additional complications - and that your GP has recommended "wheels only".

But hey! Just remember this: If the worst thing that happens on your trip is that you have to use an ECV... you are a pretty lucky kid! You'll still be at DISNEY WORLD, my most excellent favorite place to visit in the world! Lucky puppy you!

I hope you decide to go, because two reasons:

1. It's DISNEY WORLD!!! How can you NOT go, if you have the chance? If I could, I would be there once a week! (It's a bit of a commute from Oklahoma, so...)

and 2. In all seriousness, when I am at Disney World, I forget all about my pain. The endorphins kick in, and I smile and laugh and feel more like myself than anywhere else in the world. The effect is so pronounced that my DH literally is ready to move to Orlando if he can ever get a transfer (Orlando is the number 1 requested transfer within his company LOL)

I want you to know one last thing: Since the first time I had to use an ECV, nearly a decade ago, it's actually gotten SO much easier at WDW. Yes, there are folks who just don't pay attention. And little nuggets who don't understand the laws of physics, and dart out in front of you. But, even if you are walking, those things happen. It's not just ECV drivers that get bumped into, have people dart rightinfront of them, and have to endure the Guests who leave all common sense at the Main Gate.

I hope, whatever you decide to do, that soon you will find yourself on the road to a complete & swift recovery.

Mamabunny, I hear what you're saying, and believe me I understand the saluatory effect Disney can have on health and mood. (My son has ASD and I've long thought someone should research the benefits of Disney parks on that disorder.) But I think this trip might be a case of easy come, easy go. I was not planning to go to WDW at all. Then, last month, my brother-in-law called to say that he was having a 60th bday party in Clearwater/St. Pete in January. Generally, it would not occur to me to go to that area in January. I love to go summery places in the winter, but Clearwater/St Pete is not all that that warm in January. Also, as a teacher, I have no vacation in January, so anyplace I do go, I can only stay for a weekend. We booked our flights to TPA. Then, DH and I tried to find a good hotel in the Clearwater/St. Pete area. Most were booked up and the ones that weren't were close to $500/night. We said, "For that money, we may as well go to WDW and drive to Clearwater for the party." We are paying significantly less to stay at the YC, probably because it is under construction, according to letter we just received from WDW. (We already have park passes and our rental car is free.) We are not getting in until late Friday night and the latter part of Saturday will be spent on the party. Sunday, we hoped to do something to celebrate my birthday and the fact that, after a rough year, I am cancer free. But now that I am having knee surgery, it seems like it will be real challenge to sit comfortably on the plane, let alone get around the parks. I know that ECV users swear by their mode of transportation. But, I am a very nervous auto driver, and I think an ECV in a crowd would be even worse. Also, part of what we are celebrating is me being healthy and cancer free---except that I that I don't think I will feel very healthy if I can't walk around. I don't even know if I will feel like going to the party. It's being held someplace without much in the way of seating. If I knew that I would never be able to walk around WDW on my own again, I would be getting ready to adapt to an ECV. But since what I'm about to do is pay good money and use up park passes for a short trip that doesn't sound very comfortable, I'm questioning whether it doesn't make sense to postpone so that I can get the most out of our WDW visit by going in September when I will be mobile and have more time off. DH is willing to fly and go to his brother's party himself if necessary. He has found a reasonably priced hotel nearby. However, he keeps telling me to leave our YC reservations in place a little longer, so I can think about it. But, now the situation is that I can go, rent an ECV, but if I'm tired or in pain and have to call it a day early, I will be returning to a resort that is under construction. Also, our flight Sunday doesn't leave until 9 p.m. I thought that would be good because it would give me extra time in the parks. But now, if I get tired or sore, I won't have a room to return to after 11 a.m. or so. Also, DH booked the 9 p.m. flight, thinking that if we were delayed, I could call in sick the next day as I have a seizure disorder that is usually controlled, but can be provoked by lack of sleep.At the time that he planned this, I had used no sick days this year, so using one to avoid a seizure would not have been a big deal. Now, because of the injury and surgery, I will have used all my sick time, so if we are delayed, I would have to either call in sick and get docked or go to work worried about having a seizure. It just seems like a lot to deal with for, at most, 12-15 hours of magic.

 

[gap2368]

I really can not tell you to go or not but I can give you some ideas for if you do want to go.

1 I would rent an ECV from off sit ask for one that you can put in the trunk of your car so that you can take it with you in case there is no where to sit ( I think every one will understand you having knee surgery and needed help with mobility and a place to sit.)

2 about being in the parks and being in pain if you need to go some where if you are in pain first aid is great place to lie down get some ice or some OTC meds. ( but I would make sure you bring your own much stronger ones)

beside the first week of January January and February is a very low crowded time to go ( you really want to know why you got a good deal on your hotel it is they want to full the rooms so more people go the parks)

another thing is you could rent a wheel chair and you could have DH push you ( one slow day he should be ok might be a little more tired) but this would also give you the opportunity to use it as a walker and walk around some ( if you are weight bering at the time) but also a place to sit when need be. I would not go with a roller as I think you will need to sit more then walk

just a few ideas too think about

 

[toodycat]

I cancelled our reservation. When I saw it all in writing in my last post, it just seemed like visiting WDW would not be as much fun as normal given the circumstances. Now I'm looking into a September visit.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

I cancelled our reservation. When I saw it all in writing in my last post, it just seemed like visiting WDW would not be as much fun as normal given the circumstances. Now I'm looking into a September visit.

I love going in September. It is still warm, but the crowds are lower.

I'll bet you will have a great time. Your knee will be healed and you will be able to do everything that you want to do.

 

[gap2368]

I cancelled our reservation. When I saw it all in writing in my last post, it just seemed like visiting WDW would not be as much fun as normal given the circumstances. Now I'm looking into a September visit.

I am goi g in September too

Are you still going to Tampa or is this just going to be your husband going

I should have said this earlier but I ann glade you are cancer free and pray you stay cancer free. Maybe you can do something extra specle for your September trip to celebrate being cancer free.

 

[mamabunny]

I cancelled our reservation. When I saw it all in writing in my last post, it just seemed like visiting WDW would not be as much fun as normal given the circumstances. Now I'm looking into a September visit.

I hope you'll keep us update on your progress - and I hope you have a lovely time in September! Food & Wine + MNSSHP make September a great time to visit!

 

[toodycat]

Had the surgery yesterday. This hurts a lot more than I expected. My knee had two tears to the meniscus, two cysts, severe arthritis, no cartilage in a fair amount of the knee and a twisted kneecap. The doctor had to cut into a tendon to release the kneecap. That tendon hurts like nobody's business! I'm feeling OK with our decision to postpone the visit to WDW. We switched our airfare so that we leave earlier since we won't be at the parks all day. We also switched our hotel to a Residence Inn, so that if I'm not up to doing much, I will have a little more room to sit around and read or watch TV. Epcot F&W starts August 31, so it will definitely coincide with our postponed trip. Thanks so much for all your help.

 

[gap2368]

glade the surgery went ok and now you are on your road to recovery and it sounds like you are still going to Tampa I hope you are feeling better and can enjoy the party and maybe see a little of Orlando that you other wise would not have.

 

[toodycat]

Now, I probably won't even make it to Florida. I wound up with two post operative pulmonary embolisms! I'm posting this on day five of my hospital stay.

 

[gap2368]

Now, I probably won't even make it to Florida. I wound up with two post operative pulmonary embolisms! I'm posting this on day five of my hospital stay.

Oh no sorry to hear this. I hope you get to leave the hospital soon and are feeling better soon

 

[chewysmom]

Now, I probably won't even make it to Florida. I wound up with two post operative pulmonary embolisms! I'm posting this on day five of my hospital stay.

Oh no! I'm sending healing pixies your way.

 

[toodycat]

Oh no! I'm sending healing pixies your way.

Thanks. It's been a long week. I am hoping to leave the hospital tomorrow.