wdw with chronic pain (fibromyalgia) and depression- tips?

[scojos]

Hi, we are considering a trip to wdw nect august (time is not negotiable due to dh being a teacher) with our 3 kids (1 who has hfasd).
as you can see this is not our first trip, but i was involved in a car crash last year and diagnosed with fibromyalgia last month (tbf that was the deciding factor on spending so much money to come back to wdw, as dr has said my condition with degrade and im not sure i could cope emotionally and physically in a few years.
i know about the GAC and how it works for my asd son, but is there any way it could help me with my disability?
linked in with the FM is depression, and whilst i wouldnt like to be depressed their, its not going to magically disappear- anyone had experience of wdw whilst depressed and any coping mechanisms?
i spent last night reading the wheelchair info and have decided a need to hire one off site so i can have it all the time (its also cheaper and guaranteed)... how long do the batteries last before they need charging, and are their places in the parks where i can charge?? i can walk (not well, but i can) so after discussing it with dh, the plan would be to get a lightweight one than can be folded into rental car and then just use it to move from one area to another and walk around to go on rides... (did that make sense??)
what about drugs/painkillers... im alot alot (currently taking 27 pills a day) would there be an issue coming into the park with that??
we will be staying on site at okw, so i can get home to sleep if necc, or just float in the pool to relax muscles..
so what coping tips do u have for someone who has never used an ecv, can i get it onto train (after parking at mk as i currently do not have a blue badge (i have applied, but they are getting v hard to obtain here in uk)- or do i ride to entrance and meet my family there?
i have 100s of questions lol, the disease as well as the trip- due to my sons asd we have always military style planned our holidays, this next one will be very different as i do not know what energy levels i have til the time i wake up!!! obviously i can catch the bus back from park and leave hubby and kids (which is an option tho id be worried about getting ecv onto bus??
can you see how confused i am????
thanks for any sensible help lol
tracy

 

[disney david]

Hi, we are considering a trip to wdw nect august (time is not negotiable due to dh being a teacher) with our 3 kids (1 who has hfasd).
as you can see this is not our first trip, but i was involved in a car crash last year and diagnosed with fibromyalgia last month (tbf that was the deciding factor on spending so much money to come back to wdw, as dr has said my condition with degrade and im not sure i could cope emotionally and physically in a few years.
i know about the GAC and how it works for my asd son, but is there any way it could help me with my disability?
linked in with the FM is depression, and whilst i wouldnt like to be depressed their, its not going to magically disappear- anyone had experience of wdw whilst depressed and any coping mechanisms?
i spent last night reading the wheelchair info and have decided a need to hire one off site so i can have it all the time (its also cheaper and guaranteed)... how long do the batteries last before they need charging, and are their places in the parks where i can charge?? i can walk (not well, but i can) so after discussing it with dh, the plan would be to get a lightweight one than can be folded into rental car and then just use it to move from one area to another and walk around to go on rides... (did that make sense??)
what about drugs/painkillers... im alot alot (currently taking 27 pills a day) would there be an issue coming into the park with that??
we will be staying on site at okw, so i can get home to sleep if necc, or just float in the pool to relax muscles..
so what coping tips do u have for someone who has never used an ecv, can i get it onto train (after parking at mk as i currently do not have a blue badge (i have applied, but they are getting v hard to obtain here in uk)- or do i ride to entrance and meet my family there?
i have 100s of questions lol, the disease as well as the trip- due to my sons asd we have always military style planned our holidays, this next one will be very different as i do not know what energy levels i have til the time i wake up!!! obviously i can catch the bus back from park and leave hubby and kids (which is an option tho id be worried about getting ecv onto bus??
can you see how confused i am????
thanks for any sensible help lol
tracy

Their no need to be worried about getting on the bus they have new low floor buses with ramps that are easy to get on to the drivers well most of them are great with helping guests load. And as long as you travel off peak times their should be no problem getting on and off the bus. Yes you be okay with getting meds into the park they won't say anything the Bly thing Disney ask is if you have meds that need a needle. Like insulin and other to inform the cm so they don't stick them selves It more of a safety issue for the cm then an issue they would ever stop anyone bringing in meds. If you need water and don't want to buy a soda or bottled water you could get free bottled water from any quick service meds or if you need a cup to take your meds they can give you one to. They have medical. Spot in handicap parking that will be limited that dose not require a state approved tag and if they are full let the cm directing you know so they could park you at the end of the row as close as they can to the front. You won't be able to bring the ECV on the tram but can be dropped off and someone park the car. For mk your be by ticket and transportation center and have to take the monorail or ferry to mk unless you take the bus which will drop you off right in front.

 

[disney david]

this is from the state of florida dmv

And some info on getting a temporary tag from Florida well if you get a blue badge from uk

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR A TEMPORARY PARKING PERMIT BY A CITIZEN (VISITOR STATUS) OF ANOTHER COUNTRY

A copy of the visitor’s current out-of-country parking permit.

Proof of identification such as a passport or comparable identification to verify ownership of the out-of-country parking permit. A Florida driver license or ID card is not required.

FEES: A temporary Permit may be issued up to 6 months: $15.00 regardless of the number of days for which it is issued. No subsequent permit is allowed.


http://orlandotouristinformationbureau.com/other/international-parking-badges.htm


http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/dosanddonts.html

http://www.flhsmv.gov/SafetyTips/PDFs/Handicapped.pdf

 

[disney david]

http://www.orlandovillas.com/florida_guide/applying-for-temporary-disabled-parking-permit.aspx

 

[peemagg]

I am confused, are you renting a manual wheelchair, a scooter, or a power wheelchair?

I think that you are meaning a scooter, but am not sure.

 

[scojos]

a ecv sorry, and thanks for the medical parking bay info, how do i "access" that, do i just a cm when driving in?? are they available at all parks??
ty
tracy

 

[disney david]

a ecv sorry, and thanks for the medical parking bay info, how do i "access" that, do i just a cm when driving in?? are they available at all parks??
ty
tracy

When you pull in let the cm know you don't have a placard but have an ecv they will direct you to the handicap lot. When you get their your see spot with white lines those are medical spots. Dont park in the ones that might be blue or have the wheelchair symbol those are the handicap spots. Their is limited number so the earlier younger the better. If their taking then they can give you a spot at the end of he row as close to the front as they can Every park has them.

 

[scojos]

ty thats great, we "always" do rope drop or pre rope drop bfasts due to the time /jet lag working in our favour and then return to pool/bed for a few hours (my middle child has hfasd), then dinner either in or out of the park before a gentle evening people watching, esp at epcot!!
another ?? - i saw on a thread that some cs places are not w/c friendly- which ones are?? if i am left with younger child on my own (daddy normally takes boys to do "boys" things and me and dd9 do girly things lol) is there a list anywhere?? ( i can walk but am unsteady on my feet and would worry about dropping/carrying a heavy cs tray and dd is too little- or would a CM help if i asked? (im not big on asking for help tbf...)
ty again!!

 

[disney david]

ty thats great, we "always" do rope drop or pre rope drop bfasts due to the time /jet lag working in our favour and then return to pool/bed for a few hours (my middle child has hfasd), then dinner either in or out of the park before a gentle evening people watching, esp at epcot!!
another ?? - i saw on a thread that some cs places are not w/c friendly- which ones are?? if i am left with younger child on my own (daddy normally takes boys to do "boys" things and me and dd9 do girly things lol) is there a list anywhere?? ( i can walk but am unsteady on my feet and would worry about dropping/carrying a heavy cs tray and dd is too little- or would a CM help if i asked? (im not big on asking for help tbf...)
ty again!!

Most quick service are wheel chair friendly and yes a cm will help with carrying your tray. Which quick services restaurants are you interested in visiting.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Before ever focussing on the parks with regards to the meds, you will first want to focus on legally importing them into the US.

Be VERY aware that while most mean well, most people have NO clue what is needed and will give wellmeant but very wrong information. Same goes unfortunately for 99,9% of those in the medical profession. The ONLY reliable source is the US gouverment, as they are the ones gouverning the laws and carrying it out within the US. It is kinda shocking, IMHO, but I have found that info from the US ambassy also is worth zero. They have no clue.

So your best friend is the CPB and the FDA. The latter so you can very easily check if your meds is allowed onto the US market. If not, there is NO way of being able to legally import them into the US for own usage. Be aware that brand names can and do vary per country, so you'll want to check the offbrand workable substance brand.

Just to illustrate; you need some paperwork for medications that fall under the opiates which is obvious for many. However, also stuff like antidepressants, sleepmedication, AD(H)D-medication, some anti-epileptica etc. etc. can require some paperwork. Not so weird anymore when you realize all get abused and thus smuggled. All kinds of options in pain treatments and with a depression there is a good chance you'll be using AD's.

Checks are not 100%. So all those people going "I took in .............. without doing anything or having any paperwork and was fine so it is allowed this way" are mistaking the fact that they were not checked to assume what they did thus was legal. It is not when having meds with you that require paperwork and you don't have them, it was just luck of no check. So don't be surprised if there is no detailed checking for it, but be prepared in case you DO get checked. This is something you will not want to risk meds getting confiscated or worse.

Seeing how regulations can chance from time to time, I always keep away from telling people "this is what you need for that medication", to avoid anyone going by me instead of checking things out themselves. Checking stuff yearly for my own meds, I can't say anything other but that the US has a customerfriendly set of requirements. Not that much hoops to jump through or anything, but you do want to get it in order.

Also keep this in the back of your mind for ALL trips abroad from now on. Each country has their own laws and own way of enforcing. You'll want to check up on them early enough before trips or depeding on what you use even before booking (very obvious example for instance is how medicinal pot is very common in our Dutch healthcare system, but it would be a huge exception to find a country where one would be allowed to legally import it for own medical usage). There are countries that will not have the same options as your known UK or have loads of hoops to jump through. For instance when using opiats, some countries will require you to first get an approval for importation for own usage through their Ministry (which can take weeks or months) before being allowed to travel to the country itself.

There is also a topic about this on the UK board, think it was about a month ago or so??

If not already considered; store your meds in your carry on luggage. ALWAYS. In the checked bags it can get stolen (common thing), baggage can get lost or delayed etc. Also your flight can get delayed for a day or even longer sometimes and having them on you will be a life safer. If any of them are liquid; meds are excempt from the liquid rules for carry ons. Do pull them out though when asked for liquids. If you need to store some at certain meds; buy yourself a travelcase. Very small but can keep meds cool at a controlled temperature for upto 36 hours or more for some of them. Never rely on others to safekeep your medical stuff unless absolutely needed. This includes relying on airline to keep meds cold as they can not guarantee it and temps in the cool options on board also aren't as controlled as you'll want them to be. I always advice to have for about a day or 2 perhaps 3 extra of meds on you than your total trip is long. A small amount of extra for unexpected stuff coming up is allowed when entering the US and it will be a huge welcome in case you end up having your flight back delayed, for whatever reason need to stay a bit longer etc.

As far as the parks; they don't care. Do be aware of the advised storage of medication and the outside temperature in Florida. If those do not fit, either use a travelcase with built in temperature regulation or for instance drop of your meds at the First Aid in the parks where they can be picked up whenever you need it.

As far as resting goes; did you know you can also rest at the First Aid at the parks? You might want to give it a try. If succesfull it would remove the need to get back to the resort (takes up more time and energy), you will very likely much easier give into the need to rest if you can do it IN park -let hubby and kids go on rides while you rest that you would not do anyways- and you can much more easy join up again with the others where possible.

If you have certain triggers for pain (for instance jerking around); check out the warnings for rides beforehand, so you know which to avoid. Or when reaaaaaaaaaaaly wanting to do them, to not do them until the last thing that day before resting afterwards for instance.

And be your own best friend instead of enemy. Pacing is the word. Both for chronic pain as well as for your depression. Pace rest with activity (whether physical or mental/emotional). It can be difficult at times, but try to avoid going a bit crazy, keep doing rides until the pain is out of control long before. Pacing will always result in the end being able to do more, experience less (heavy) lashback and thus having a positive influence on how you feel about it. A commonly used example in Dutch pain treatment; if you eat a whole salami in one lunch sitting what happens? You get sick, don't want any salami anymore and feel down easily. But take that same whole salami and cut it into pieces. Eat one, then stop. An hour later, you eat another piece etc. And of the day; whole salami has been eaten but you do not feel sick, don't despise the salami that much and feel much better about yourself reaching the same goal. Same with this. Try to pace in some rest before you start feeling stuffed and sick, but have some rest while you can still enjoy that piece of salami and you stomach has room for something else quicker. Scratch salami, insert ride. Scratch stomach, insert pain. For many it can help to have a "plan" to stick to. So beforehand decide that 10-11 am is doing some rides, 11-12 is rest, 12-1 pm is eating etc. etc. Not filling in which ride will give you the room to be a bit flexible with waitlines etc, where as the security of a schedule can help you stay away from overdoing it when that is one of your weaker points.



In general; if you haven't heard about it yet, investigate something called pain management programs. It's part of rehab and combined both physical and emotional rehab. Simply put learning to go from a place of (barely) surviving to move onto living and experiencing a much higher level of quality of life. Don't be scared by the fact that therapy is part of the treatment or think that concludes anybody thinking "it is in your head". They do NOT. However, the way we deal with pain is "in our heads". Learning how that can influence pain and how you see your quality of life can make a huge difference in the end towards that move above. Given your depression, it can vary on institute and your personal in depth medical en pshycological situation and you might find being adviced to first get treatment for the depression. Again; it is NOT being told it is in your head. It is not. It is a treatment advice based on trying to get as much out of the total treatment as can be. These pain management programs are emotionally demanding and can be too much sometimes when already battling depression. Then it can sometimes be advised to first get that in calmer water and then work on the pain management.

My personal believe, having experience with chronic pain, all kinds of rehab and a depression (had one years back when I got stuck in the acceptation of not being able to work anymore and move on beyond that, realising it is not a must for me to experience great quality of life)? These pain management programs should be a MUST for all with chronic pain as soon as people are ready for it. It goes beyond "just" treatment, it supplies people with a toolbox that goes way further than just pain but can be applied to anything and all in life. (not surprising when you consider the base of it is worked out into all kinds of other kinds of management options for all kinds of illnesses, disabilities etc. including depression for instance).

 

[disney david]

here cbp web site with regards to meds you could email them if you have any questions.


http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing/restricted/medication_drugs.xml

If you have any questions regarding the importation of a controlled substance into the United States, please contact the Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Diversion Control, International Drug Unit, at (202) 305-8800.

 

[scojos]

Most quick service are wheel chair friendly and yes a cm will help with carrying your tray. Which quick services restaurants are you interested in visiting.

eerrr most of them lmao

we are a foodie family, sunshine seasons is a huge family favourite, along with flame tree at AK and peco bills in MK. fairfax fare has impressed with their new menus and im a pro for SC and MSB and the french boulangerie!!

hrmm... putting that aside - the only time dd and i will be seperated from the men in our lives will be at MK, grace and i will go to fantasyland, while the boys hit space mountain and BTRM... i dont think my arthritis will cope with them without a massive flare up as too "bouncy" so my interest would be cosmic rays i guess and cs meals in that area, we love CHH too, but i remember from last time u have to climb steps, which i could prob do withhout the tray but not with iyswim....

but any other CS places u could recommend i d be very interested in lol..... our family is obsessed with the food at wdw!!!!
tracy

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Hopefully they are just off, but my experience with mailing CPB is that you wait a long time for an answer. Some mails from back in '07 still aren't answered, for instance.

So instead of waiting, after a certain time I ended up calling the CPB offices at the airport that was my point of entry into the US. Took some connecting through at times, had some puzzled officers speak to me at first expecting mailing would've gotten me an answer so why call, but was helped perfectly and very friendly.

 

[disney david]

eerrr most of them lmao

we are a foodie family, sunshine seasons is a huge family favourite, along with flame tree at AK and peco bills in MK. fairfax fare has impressed with their new menus and im a pro for SC and MSB and the french boulangerie!!

hrmm... putting that aside - the only time dd and i will be seperated from the men in our lives will be at MK, grace and i will go to fantasyland, while the boys hit space mountain and BTRM... i dont think my arthritis will cope with them without a massive flare up as too "bouncy" so my interest would be cosmic rays i guess and cs meals in that area, we love CHH too, but i remember from last time u have to climb steps, which i could prob do withhout the tray but not with iyswim....

but any other CS places u could recommend i d be very interested in lol..... our family is obsessed with the food at wdw!!!!
tracy

well you can not beat sunshine for breakfast their the best cosmic rays is wheel chair friendly and cms will help you. columbia harbor house has seats on the ground floor so no need to climb stairs.

for mk those are the two and sleepy hollow for breakfast and snacks i would recommend so let go to epcot japan,china,sunshine seasons. dhs for breakfast starring rolls ak for breakfast pizzafari

 

[scojos]

Before ever focussing on the parks with regards to the meds, you will first want to focus on legally importing them into the US.

Be VERY aware that while most mean well, most people have NO clue what is needed and will give wellmeant but very wrong information. Same goes unfortunately for 99,9% of those in the medical profession. The ONLY reliable source is the US gouverment, as they are the ones gouverning the laws and carrying it out within the US. It is kinda shocking, IMHO, but I have found that info from the US ambassy also is worth zero. They have no clue.

So your best friend is the CPB and the FDA. The latter so you can very easily check if your meds is allowed onto the US market. If not, there is NO way of being able to legally import them into the US for own usage. Be aware that brand names can and do vary per country, so you'll want to check the offbrand workable substance brand.

Just to illustrate; you need some paperwork for medications that fall under the opiates which is obvious for many. However, also stuff like antidepressants, sleepmedication, AD(H)D-medication, some anti-epileptica etc. etc. can require some paperwork. Not so weird anymore when you realize all get abused and thus smuggled. All kinds of options in pain treatments and with a depression there is a good chance you'll be using AD's.

Checks are not 100%. So all those people going "I took in .............. without doing anything or having any paperwork and was fine so it is allowed this way" are mistaking the fact that they were not checked to assume what they did thus was legal. It is not when having meds with you that require paperwork and you don't have them, it was just luck of no check. So don't be surprised if there is no detailed checking for it, but be prepared in case you DO get checked. This is something you will not want to risk meds getting confiscated or worse.

Seeing how regulations can chance from time to time, I always keep away from telling people "this is what you need for that medication", to avoid anyone going by me instead of checking things out themselves. Checking stuff yearly for my own meds, I can't say anything other but that the US has a customerfriendly set of requirements. Not that much hoops to jump through or anything, but you do want to get it in order.

Also keep this in the back of your mind for ALL trips abroad from now on. Each country has their own laws and own way of enforcing. You'll want to check up on them early enough before trips or depeding on what you use even before booking (very obvious example for instance is how medicinal pot is very common in our Dutch healthcare system, but it would be a huge exception to find a country where one would be allowed to legally import it for own medical usage). There are countries that will not have the same options as your known UK or have loads of hoops to jump through. For instance when using opiats, some countries will require you to first get an approval for importation for own usage through their Ministry (which can take weeks or months) before being allowed to travel to the country itself.

There is also a topic about this on the UK board, think it was about a month ago or so??

If not already considered; store your meds in your carry on luggage. ALWAYS. In the checked bags it can get stolen (common thing), baggage can get lost or delayed etc. Also your flight can get delayed for a day or even longer sometimes and having them on you will be a life safer. If any of them are liquid; meds are excempt from the liquid rules for carry ons. Do pull them out though when asked for liquids. If you need to store some at certain meds; buy yourself a travelcase. Very small but can keep meds cool at a controlled temperature for upto 36 hours or more for some of them. Never rely on others to safekeep your medical stuff unless absolutely needed. This includes relying on airline to keep meds cold as they can not guarantee it and temps in the cool options on board also aren't as controlled as you'll want them to be. I always advice to have for about a day or 2 perhaps 3 extra of meds on you than your total trip is long. A small amount of extra for unexpected stuff coming up is allowed when entering the US and it will be a huge welcome in case you end up having your flight back delayed, for whatever reason need to stay a bit longer etc.

As far as the parks; they don't care. Do be aware of the advised storage of medication and the outside temperature in Florida. If those do not fit, either use a travelcase with built in temperature regulation or for instance drop of your meds at the First Aid in the parks where they can be picked up whenever you need it.

As far as resting goes; did you know you can also rest at the First Aid at the parks? You might want to give it a try. If succesfull it would remove the need to get back to the resort (takes up more time and energy), you will very likely much easier give into the need to rest if you can do it IN park -let hubby and kids go on rides while you rest that you would not do anyways- and you can much more easy join up again with the others where possible.

If you have certain triggers for pain (for instance jerking around); check out the warnings for rides beforehand, so you know which to avoid. Or when reaaaaaaaaaaaly wanting to do them, to not do them until the last thing that day before resting afterwards for instance.

And be your own best friend instead of enemy. Pacing is the word. Both for chronic pain as well as for your depression. Pace rest with activity (whether physical or mental/emotional). It can be difficult at times, but try to avoid going a bit crazy, keep doing rides until the pain is out of control long before. Pacing will always result in the end being able to do more, experience less (heavy) lashback and thus having a positive influence on how you feel about it. A commonly used example in Dutch pain treatment; if you eat a whole salami in one lunch sitting what happens? You get sick, don't want any salami anymore and feel down easily. But take that same whole salami and cut it into pieces. Eat one, then stop. An hour later, you eat another piece etc. And of the day; whole salami has been eaten but you do not feel sick, don't despise the salami that much and feel much better about yourself reaching the same goal. Same with this. Try to pace in some rest before you start feeling stuffed and sick, but have some rest while you can still enjoy that piece of salami and you stomach has room for something else quicker. Scratch salami, insert ride. Scratch stomach, insert pain. For many it can help to have a "plan" to stick to. So beforehand decide that 10-11 am is doing some rides, 11-12 is rest, 12-1 pm is eating etc. etc. Not filling in which ride will give you the room to be a bit flexible with waitlines etc, where as the security of a schedule can help you stay away from overdoing it when that is one of your weaker points.



In general; if you haven't heard about it yet, investigate something called pain management programs. It's part of rehab and combined both physical and emotional rehab. Simply put learning to go from a place of (barely) surviving to move onto living and experiencing a much higher level of quality of life. Don't be scared by the fact that therapy is part of the treatment or think that concludes anybody thinking "it is in your head". They do NOT. However, the way we deal with pain is "in our heads". Learning how that can influence pain and how you see your quality of life can make a huge difference in the end towards that move above. Given your depression, it can vary on institute and your personal in depth medical en pshycological situation and you might find being adviced to first get treatment for the depression. Again; it is NOT being told it is in your head. It is not. It is a treatment advice based on trying to get as much out of the total treatment as can be. These pain management programs are emotionally demanding and can be too much sometimes when already battling depression. Then it can sometimes be advised to first get that in calmer water and then work on the pain management.

My personal believe, having experience with chronic pain, all kinds of rehab and a depression (had one years back when I got stuck in the acceptation of not being able to work anymore and move on beyond that, realising it is not a must for me to experience great quality of life)? These pain management programs should be a MUST for all with chronic pain as soon as people are ready for it. It goes beyond "just" treatment, it supplies people with a toolbox that goes way further than just pain but can be applied to anything and all in life. (not surprising when you consider the base of it is worked out into all kinds of other kinds of management options for all kinds of illnesses, disabilities etc. including depression for instance).

wow, ty for so muchinfo, i ll re read it when my head inst swimming, but i picked up on a few things - my meds do not need to be chilled, just tablets.

is it really calm/comfy enough to get sleep/rest in 1 st aid?? i totally appreciate what ur saying and agree, that rest there and then would be better than struggling for another hour back to hotel....

i am waiting for pain mgt program, i have been referred by specialist, waiting to here when i ll start, i have had anxiety/depression councilling and it helped loads, esp dealing with my ocd (unfortunately my ocd really kicks in when planning a wdw holiday and "enjoy" that in a wierd way, i find my time in wdw less stressful as i have planned for all eventualities (ds has hfasd an m sure i do to, although never tested i demonstrate alot of his tendancies)

do u have a link for the fsa so i can check my drugs??

we do "play" on getting up early do a few hours in a park, then leave before 12-1.... we then return to parks quite late 6-7ish for a few hours chillaxing, so we plan our days in sections, again, with the FM this will help me to "limit" myself, before i go, so i wont feel the need to push when im there...

when u say i need paperwork for opiate based drugs..what is that? a letter from my specialis saying im taking them, or something else?

ty again for ur help gguys

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

eerrr most of them lmao

we are a foodie family, sunshine seasons is a huge family favourite, along with flame tree at AK and peco bills in MK. fairfax fare has impressed with their new menus and im a pro for SC and MSB and the french boulangerie!!

hrmm... putting that aside - the only time dd and i will be seperated from the men in our lives will be at MK, grace and i will go to fantasyland, while the boys hit space mountain and BTRM... i dont think my arthritis will cope with them without a massive flare up as too "bouncy" so my interest would be cosmic rays i guess and cs meals in that area, we love CHH too, but i remember from last time u have to climb steps, which i could prob do withhout the tray but not with iyswim....

but any other CS places u could recommend i d be very interested in lol..... our family is obsessed with the food at wdw!!!!
tracy

Be aware of getting TOO detail orientated and the risks involved. It might very well be the depression talking, but be ware of having too much focus on negatives instead of the overwhelming amount of positives there are at WDW.

CS for instance, I have still to find one CS that is not accessible. With an ECV you might not be able to fit all of the lines between cashier and foodcounter (for instance cosmic rays) but that is NO problem, or even close to it. This will be dealt with by having a CM signaled in and having them take your food to where you ARE able to get.

I know it is difficult with the depression, but try to stop yourself when getting to much into the negatives. Actively stop yourself there. Worrying is time lost you will never get back but will have you feel not so great at the moment. It might very well be worry for nothing when it comes to it. At which point it is even more of a loss of time and not needing to feel bad. Even if a worry was "rightous", the worrying itself was still time lost. The very few places that are not 100% perfectly accessible, are places that have great options when you think a bit out of the box (boulangerie for instance going during off times, and patiently enter from the back when not able to make the turn with an ECV at the front). Where needed, CM's will be more then helpfull. Guests? At least 75% if not more are also having no problem what so ever with a bit of help. I tend to do WDW solo most of the times (fulltime wheelchairuser, use a powerchair around WDW) and many guests will actually actively offer help whenever they spot a possible problem. Most of the times I'm almost literally in for a fight if I want to take my own tray with me, between al the CM's and guests willing to help and offering over and over again, reassuring they want to help.

 

[disney david]

Hopefully they are just off, but my experience with mailing CPB is that you wait a long time for an answer. Some mails from back in '07 still aren't answered, for instance.

So instead of waiting, after a certain time I ended up calling the CPB offices at the airport that was my point of entry into the US. Took some connecting through at times, had some puzzled officers speak to me at first expecting mailing would've gotten me an answer so why call, but was helped perfectly and very friendly.

well yes sometimes the gov take awhile to answer emails they most likely get a lot of emails so calling would be best.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Great that you are already on the waitlist for pain management!

As far as the first aid; many find it a great option, including enough folks with FM. Obviously each individual is different but my advice? Go into it expecting it will be comfy and restfull enough for you. When there is any doubt or expectation of something not being suitable, that can easily become a sort of selfullfilling thing. In the odd chance you find it not suitable, so be it but you tried out.

For your meds; I'm not ever handing out advice on "do this or that", because of the risks involved. David posted a link to the CPB, whom is where to look for what is needed.

FDA: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/ here you can search the database of all meds allowed onto the US market. If need be search on mutiple ways, including name and workable substance as sometimes one can be found and other not. One hit is enough.

Enjoy your planning and the positive sides in that from the OCD, but be aware of possible risks of that like planning so detailed that unexpected changes upset you either OCD or depression wise. A balance between planning but flexibility would be great.

 

[scojos]

well you can not beat sunshine for breakfast their the best cosmic rays is wheel chair friendly and cms will help you. columbia harbor house has seats on the ground floor so no need to climb stairs.

for mk those are the two and sleepy hollow for breakfast and snacks i would recommend so let go to epcot japan,china,sunshine seasons. dhs for breakfast starring rolls ak for breakfast pizzafari

SH is deff on our plan of action, my kids decide where they want to eat befor ethey decide which rides to do we are doing TH at AK so prob wont want to eat til later in the day, the food there is amazing and they cater very well do my allergies

Most of the times I'm almost literally in for a fight if I want to take my own tray with me, between al the CM's and guests willing to help and offering over and over again, reassuring they want to help.

omg, im actually laughing read this what a cute story, i can imagine u battling with people!! im not stressing, honestly, but feel that knwledge is power, and the more i know the less stressful it ll be when i get there, but knowing that cs places are w/c accesible is a help, if i can feed and water my daughter anything is an advantage isnt it??

my depression is "managed" tho i still have bad days, im out of the hole i was in a few years ago, and cope with it (i do still need to be alone somedays and my family have now accepted its not about them its abbout me iyswim... yes, im still taking AD, along with 5 other drugs, and can only see the doses increasing in the future not decreasing xx

 

[disney david]

SH is deff on our plan of action, my kids decide where they want to eat befor ethey decide which rides to do we are doing TH at AK so prob wont want to eat til later in the day, the food there is amazing and they cater very well do my allergies



omg, im actually laughing read this what a cute story, i can imagine u battling with people!! im not stressing, honestly, but feel that knwledge is power, and the more i know the less stressful it ll be when i get there, but knowing that cs places are w/c accesible is a help, if i can feed and water my daughter anything is an advantage isnt it??

my depression is "managed" tho i still have bad days, im out of the hole i was in a few years ago, and cope with it (i do still need to be alone somedays and my family have now accepted its not about them its abbout me iyswim... yes, im still taking AD, along with 5 other drugs, and can only see the doses increasing in the future not decreasing xx

me to we plan on which park to go early to based on where we want to eat breakfast.