Two days and to go and...

[mssjss]

My daughter decided to stand on an empty aquarium at her grandma's house and fell through. She's fine, but her leg needed some stitches in two different places. She can barely walk. Literally she's been hopping around since it doesn't hurt that way.

So my questions are:
Are the strollers at Disney big enough for an eight year old?

Would it be cheaper just to buy one off Craigslist?

Also since the doctor said she really shouldn't be walking or standing on it, does this count as a temporary disability?

Does anyone know if there is an urgent care close by? I just want to be prepared if it starts to look like its infected.

 

[mrswh]

Kids think up the best ideas, don't they?

Poor kiddo. The strollers at DL can easily fit an average sized 8 year old. I think stroller rental is $15 a day but I haven't rented one since last summer so don't take my word for it. Yes, you might be able to buy a used one for less, and that might be a better idea so that you can wheel her through the airports too. With the DL stroller, you are supposed to leave it inside the parks when you leave (you're not even allowed to take it into DTD or any of the DLR hotels). So if she's really supposed to stay off her feet, having your own stroller might be a better idea.

Hope she is better soon and still has a great trip.

 

[Disney Dreams]

You could rent a wheelchair at DL. If she is supposed to stay off of it, this would allow her to sit comfortably everywhere - restaurants, parades, shows, etc...

Sorry about the injury, glad it sounds only temporary.

- Dreams

 

[interstate70s]

Two weeks before our trip to DL last year, my DS6 got seven stitches across the bottom of his foot. I know the hopping routine myself. At the time, we had family from out of state visiting that had never been to Seattle. So I found a nice jogging stroller on Craigslist in a garage sale listing for $30 and 2 days post stitches, we did the tourist thing downtown. I put my husband 's sock over the many layers of wrap and we managed pretty well. The jogging stroller worked pretty well since it can hold more weight than a regular stroller. My biggest problem was people bumping into him and his foot in crowded areas in a museum. People were not very accomdating and I got a lot of dirty looks for what I can only assume as judgement of having a 6 year old in a stroller, of course not realizing the circumstances. Fortunately, his stitches were taken out before we left for DL, but I did bring the stroller with just in case he lacked stamina after being off his feet for so long. Renting a stroller or wheelchair might work, but then you have the problem of getting your daughter to and from the hotel. I 'm sort of torn though, because other guests may be more careful of her injury if she is in a wheelchair. I wish I could give a more definate answer.

 

[laura&fam]

We have been to Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and were impressed with it. It's fairly close and DL will give you a map with it and other local hospitals. I can't remember if the map had instacares on it. It just seems like you end up being referred to a hospital most of the time with kids anyway so we just usually go directly there.

 

[MyYearWithTheMouse]

Poor thing . Other people answered the stroller question, so I'll say that for the wound, I would check in with First Aid in the parks (in DL it's by the Baby Care Center at the end of Main Street, in DCA it's in Pacific Wharf). They have registered nurses and onsite paramedics to take a look at anything you might be concerned about. For urgent care, I recommend Anaheim Urgent Care on State College at Lincoln. It's a bit difficult to spot, as it's in a shopping center (the big store is Ralph's), but there's not too long of a wait and nice doctors. For something more serious, CHOC is your best bet for pediatrics. Hope you don't need it!

 

[dismom73]

I would ask your Dr. to provide a wheelchair. Most insurance companies will cover the cost, especially if it's temporary. Then you have it for all transportation, ie airport, to and from hotel, etc. You also might want to see if your Dr. will prescribe a "just in case" antibiotic, so if it looks like it is getting infected you can start him on the medicine right away. I know some Dr.s wont do this , but some will.

 

[KateDrake]

I think a wheelchair is a great idea, especially if you can get your insurance to give you one that folds up easily for travel. Also, they sometimes have children's sizes, which is much more comfortable. We did WDW with my little cousin, 9, who has muscular dystrophy, in a regular chair, and it was just too big and uncomfortable for her.

One thing that will help prevent infection is to keep the stitches covered with gauze. Just buy a big roll and cut off a clean swath each day to wrap the site, and secure with medical tape. You can put on antibiotic ointment as well. This will protect the wound while still allowing it to breath, and has the added benefit of showing the rest of the world that your child is injured, so you'll avoid some dirty looks!

Hope she has a speedy recovery, and you all have a great trip!

 

[jojomojo]

Poor kiddo

While the DL strollers can fit an 8 yr old (mine hopped in any time his little sister got out ) there's not much in the way of feet/leg support, especially for older kids. I imagine with injuries/stitches in two different places, that would be very uncomfortable. I would definitely go with the wheelchair option.

Hope everyone has a great trip!

 

[KalamityJane]

I was in a wheelchair last summer in FL - if you are going in the heat, you may want to look into some sort of cotton covering for the vinyl/leather on the wheelchair. It gets pretty hot and sticky in the summer.

 

[ArchOwl]

I am sorry to hear about your daughter's injury. I hope she feels better soon!

I see a previous poster said what I was going to say, that the strollers have no foot support, especially for bigger kids. She would end up getting bumped a lot. Better to have a wheelchair with the foot supports (so need a pediatric one that will fit her). My best tip is to bring a pillow or cushion for the wheelchair. As someone who has had to use one in the past, your bottom gets really sore sitting in that canvas sling thing. A nice cushion makes a world of difference!

 

[PrincessIM]

Poor thing! I would recommend the wheelchair too. That way you aren't worried about people bumping into her, and it will be more comfortable for her than the stroller. If she can barely walk, at least with the wheelchair you'll be able to get pretty close to the ride with minimal walking.