Will I have a problem?

[Minnesota]

Hi, I guess I am getting into the parinoid question asking now that I have only a few days to my trip.

A month ago I was t-boned in a car accident which resulted in swelling in my spinal cord as well as a bit of whiplash. I still bear the bruises on my neck. I was put on Vicodin for 2.5 weeks and naproxen the last .5 of a week. I have been drug free and feeling fine, as long as I am warm (I am living in MN remember ), for the last week and expect to be the same for next week when I actually leave for WDW. I have never been in an accident before or traveled while "injured". Do you think I'll be okay on rides? Being it was my spine that was hurt I really don't want to mess it up but I want to have fun as well. What do you all think?

thanks!
Minnesota

 

[Aurora63]

I have no idea. I think you should talk to your doctor and see what s/he thinks.

 

[PetLoopers]

Hi Minnesota! Sorry that you were in an accident~ Yikes! If it were me I would be sure to bring a sweater along, and I wouldn't ride anything that was too bumpy. Probably anything that a pregnant person would not be able to ride on. I'm sure you'll have a great time, just being there is truly wonderful! Glad you are feeling better and enjoy your trip! aw:

 

[NJR]

In the description of "physical considerations" for some rides (eg ToT, Splash/Space Mountain etc...), it does say that a rider should be free from back or neck problems. I would take that to mean that a person with a recent whiplash injury should probably not ride, but you should check with your doctor to be certain.

 

[cillakat]

personally i'd be very cautious and would
1) bring a sweater/turtleneck or whatever it takes, just in case. it can be cool some mornings - not cold mind you. I know MN and am from MI - cold has it's own definition up there but cool still could do you in. be warm and prepared to peel off layers.

2)would probably not do space mountain, big thunder mountain. defintely not primeval whirl in AK.

3)i'm a huge fan of chiropractic and yoga but that's just me. i wouldn't do anything until i was 'back to normal' from the perspective of those two disciplines.


katherine in atl

 

[krbq]

My DH received a back injury in 2 different auto accidents over 15 years ago and still suffers from lower back pain. He doesn't have a problem with most of the thrill rides at WDW, but two that really do bother his back are Dinosaur (in AK) and Space Mountain (in MK). Most of the other rides have seat belts or restraints that protect the the riders from being jerked around enough to aggravate a lower back injury. However, with your injury being so recent I wouldn't recommend any of the thrill rides at all on this trip. Even if you're feeling ok why take a chance on doing permanent damage? You should probably give it plenty of time to heal and not risk spending the rest of your life in a wheelchair.

DH also finds just walking around or standing too much causes back pain, so we avoid long days in the parks. You might want to keep your trip low-key this time and enjoy a faster paced trip next time when you've had more time to heal. Good luck with your recovery!

 

[mattsdragon]

I had a tumor removed from my spinal cord in my neck last June, and in July of last year I spent the day walking around and riding all the rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. No problems, just took a couple of Aleve, which is over-the-counter Naproxin.

You'll be alright.

 

[whacked]

I'm an RN.

You need to speak with the expert that diagnosed and treated your specific spinal injury to find out what activities should be restricted.

It may be no big deal, or it may be a REALLY big deal, but it would depend on the specifics of your injury and your healing process.

I love the boards, but they are no place for medical advice about YOUR injury, you need to get that from your doc. I would suggest you speak with the neurologist, rather than your GP.