Wish Trip children with heart defects - doing the big rides?

[kellyw8863]

Honestly, since this is his wish trip and wish trips are a big deal, I would sit down with his cardiologist and ask him to contact cardiology at BCH to ask for clarification. My daughter is a patient in the cardiology department there and they take outside consults all the time, so this certainly would not seem odd to them. One of two things will come as a result. One, you'll get the answer you're hoping for, or two, you'll have the peace of mind that you have done everything you can to make sure that he has the best experience possible.

Good luck, and feel free to message me if you want names of specific cardiologists who are known not only for their expertise, but for their patient-friendliness

 

[luvthemouse71]

Your cardiologists office is telling you this for a reason. An amusement park ride is not worth your child's life. If you trust your doctor to take care of your son, why are you questioning what they told you about this?

Your son is going to be looking to you to see how to handle this well. If mom is all upset and discouraged about it, the child will be too.

I know I sound harsh about this. But, I have seen patients die because they were noncompliant with physician orders/instructions. Everyone is different. Yes, maybe he will be like those other kids with his problem and do the rides just fine. But, what if he's not? No ride is that important.

 

[Coonhound]

Your cardiologists office is telling you this for a reason. An amusement park ride is not worth your child's life. If you trust your doctor to take care of your son, why are you questioning what they told you about this?

Your son is going to be looking to you to see how to handle this well. If mom is all upset and discouraged about it, the child will be too.

I know I sound harsh about this. But, I have seen patients die because they were noncompliant with physician orders/instructions. Everyone is different. Yes, maybe he will be like those other kids with his problem and do the rides just fine. But, what if he's not? No ride is that important.

I agree. I don't really understand the hesitation to be honest...I mean you wouldn't really want him to go on the rides would you? Rides don't last long but it would feel long to you, because you'd be terrified during the entire ride that something horrible would happen and tragedy would strike. That doesn't sound like a fun time to me.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Is it primarily just Star Wars that he is into or is it all space stuff?
Maybe a trip to the Kennedy Space Center would be a good option?

 

[SueM in MN]

Is it primarily just Star Wars that he is into or is it all space stuff?
Maybe a trip to the Kennedy Space Center would be a good option?

That's a good suggestion if he's into space in general.

 

[blondietink]

I agree with others. Why would you risk your son's life for a few seconds of a thrill ride at an amusement park?

My oldest DH has multiple disabilities, including a congenital heart condition. He has gone to WDW many times, and has never gone on Space Mountain, Tower of Terror, Rock n Roller Coaster, etc. He has not missed a thing and has not been disappointed. And he is still alive.

Nope, life isn't fair, but that's life. Be grateful for what you and your family have.

 

[WantToGoNow]

I would not let him do RnRC, EE, Space Mtn, the spinning side of MS, ToT. I would think BTMRR, Test Track, Star Tours, Splash and Dinosaur would be safe - those are pretty tame.

My oldest dd has multiple heart issues. As an adult, she has ridden everything and knows how the different rides affect her. She can no longer do several of the thrill rides. My cousins child went on her MAW trip last year. They let her do nothing but she did ride BTMRR and Barnstormer.

 

[HyperPippi]

We spoke with my son, and he said if he'd known about the ride restrictions he never would have picked this wish. He said he wants to do a different wish. We have contacted Make-a-wish to help him pick a different wish.

Thank you everyone for your input.

This is just a sad ending. I've never gone against the wishes of his cardiologist and I won't start now. It's just very sad for all of us. We were all looking forward to this trip.

 

[SueM in MN]

Well, hopefully, he will find a wish that better fits his wishes and his situation.

Since he is not going on this particular wish, I am going to close this thread.