Trying to be happy about going...

[mzspaz]

It has occurred to me that I don’t know how I’m going to handle my luggage at the end of the second cruise. If I choose the dcl transfer to the airport, do they take my luggage from the night before and check it into the airline?

You will find that people will step up to help when they notice your situation. I found that most people were helpful and would hold doors, offer to carry/move/shuffle items for me. You sound like you enjoy your independence. As I said before, I understand that. But embrace the good in people. I'm not saying that you should rely on the kindness of strangers, but don't fear that you will be stranded somewhere or stuck. I know that after everything I have been through, if I see someone struggling I immediately step up (or order my teenage son to step up) and help.

And thank you for the well wishes/kind thoughts. Fortunately my leukemia was caught early and is responding to treatment.

 

[iivye]

I broke my ankle a couple weeks before our cruise and I brought a knee scooter. It was a lot easier than crutches and I had a basket on the front for carrying things. My travel agent also switched me to a handicap room which helped too because the door stayed open so I could get in and out on my own. It was only my daughter and I so she had to handle all of our luggage. The cruise was still enjoyable but there were times I chose to stay in the room instead of going to activities because I just didn't want the hassle.

 

[Cheburashka]

I would either stay at home or rent a motorized scooter. I don't recommend hobbling around on crutches or a boot for the amount of walking that will be needed for a trip- that's fine if you're a teen/young adult, but if you're middle aged & frail like me, that can put stress on other joints and cause other problems and more pain. I speak from experience. I would probably stay home, personally, but I'm the independent type. A motorized scooter will present challenges here and there, but it's the safest solution if you go and the most likely to make you feel comfortable on the trip and still get to be with your family.

Ditto what a PP said about getting wheelchair assistance at the airport.

 

[dhutchin12]

Well…we are off on our trip. I appreciate all of the advice and stories. I’m a bit nervous, but my family is excited and while this may be a different vacation than normal for me, I’m hoping it’s uneventful and fun.

 

[LeiaOfAlderaan]

I hope you have a great time, and that you come back here and let us know how it went. I seem to injure my foot every so often and I’m interested to know what it is like to navigate the ship in a boot and with a knee scooter or crutches.

One of the times I injured myself was right before a trip to Disneyland so I can relate to how you’re feeling. I was in a boot and had to rent an ECV and it was just DD and me and I was SO nervous before going. We ended up having a great time!

 

[dhutchin12]

Thank you for all of the encouragement. I am doing well and everyone is very nice. I did have to cancel my excursion because we didn’t feel I could do the walk on the pier, but it is okay.

 

[meliscan]

I second this suggestion! I had a tibial stress fracture a couple years ago, in a boot for three months and one of those completely non-weight bearing. Crutches were a pain, thankfully a colleague had one he let me borrow so I could use it. It makes things a lot easier, and also keeps the foot elevated a bit so that might help a bit with any pain/swelling. One recommendation is to get a towel or little pillow for where your knee meets the platform-that's a huge pressure point and made it a lot more comfortable for me.

Best of luck on your trip, I can imagine it's feeling a little blah but I hope that when you go you have a magical time!

I will concur with this. My sister said this was a game changer for her. She went from feeling pretty helpless to almost like normal. Good luck on your trip! I hope it ends up being Magical.

 

[dhutchin12]

Everyone was wonderful. We are starting the second cruise today and I’m down to one crutch.