What to do with my cane

[rosebud_v]

I have a bad hip that goes out on me frequently so I walk with a cane. I never know when it will happen. Just turning the wrong way will put my hip out. My doctor says I have no limitation as to what rides I do but she said she doesn't know if I will be able to get in and out of them without the cane. Will I be allowed extra time to get in and out and do I leave my cane somewhere while I am on the rides? Are there any rides that I should avoid? Most of my problems is walking and putting pressure on my hip...I am considering getting a motorized wheelchair to get around in the park because it takes me forever to get from here to there when my hip goes out. Also I am on quite a bit of pain medication...will I be given any trouble bringing my narcotics into the park with me? I will of course have them in my labeled med bottle with a doctors note explaining why I need them. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[winniedapooh]

Hi Rosebud and welcome-----we call my 13 yo DD rosebud and rosebutton! Anyhow I can answer your meds question from personal experience. I too am on a lot of pain meds for knees and hips-----I carried mine in fanny pack in labeled bottle and when they checked my bag they never said a word. I would think renting an ECV would be easier and less pain free on you in the long run. You would probably be able to enjoy more of the parks. From what I have read on the boards there is a limited supply of these so you may want to get one early or order a rental for your length of stay. Good luck and pixie dust to you.....

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome to disABILITIES.
winniedapooh had very good advice about ecvs. A lot of people rent one from off-site because it is less expensive and you would always have one. Here's a list of places DIS posters have frequenly reported renting from:
Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html
One helpful poster (was it you Cheshire Figment??) had checked with one of the companies about having an ecv with a cane holder so you don't have to worry about losing/dropping it as you drive. For the rides, you will be able to use the cane for boarding and bring it on with you.

For rides to avoid, you might want to avoid the roller coaster rides and the simulator rides like Star Tours and Body Wars because they can toss you around quite a bit. You can get a Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities for each park at Guest Services or download a copy from the official Disney site. They don't give a lot of information, but do have general descriptions of ride. The maps also have health warnings for the rides that are turbulant and there are warning signs before you get in line and before boarding.
Having a wheelchair or ecv will let the CMs know that you need to use the handicapped entrance. Here's a thread about boarding for people who need extra time.
I'm not sure from your post whether you are always on a lot of pain meds or just when your hip goes out. If you are not used to the meds or they make you drowsy, you might be better off using a wheelchair so you don't have to worry about whether or not you are alert enough to safely drive an ecv.

Edited because part of the post got mixed up out of order.

 

[Talking Hands]

Rose just take your cane on the ride woth you amd place it on the floor. Or leave it with your ECV. A castmember can place it there after you get in the ride vehicle and a family member retrieve it for you. I use a can myself and will do either depending on the situation.

 

[rosebud_v]

Just wanted to express my thanks for the info. I appreciate the input. It has helped relieve some of my anxiety. I am looking forward to my trip and am keeping my fingers crossed that my hip behaves itself. I am just going to take my time and do what I can and have a great time. 50 days till I depart...yippee.