WWYD-CANCEL or GO??

[parkers*momma]

Just an update

I've been redoing everything INCASE the Dr. agrees with DH. Instead of 10 day with water parks and more...it's 5 days MYW. Instead of 8 am breakfast everyday and 7pm or later dinners, it's CS at POP for breakfast WHEN we get there and early dinners at whatever Park we are at or a close-by resort.

Plus I called WDW and been working with them INCASE. We had requested 4th floor away from everything facing the lake. Now it's close to check-in, buses, etc. I've call on the ECV, canceled anything to do with Fireworks where there's a HUGE crowd, eliminiated horsebackriding, hot air balloon, all water parks and planned alot more quiet things. Resort Hopping, photosessions, going to do movies and smores, etc. Very relaxed all the way around.

I KNOW we need to cancel/postpone and so far DH hasn't bucked about any of the changes (except the ECV--Again, "I'm fine") so maybe more time and gentle proding, I can get him to change his mind if the Dr doesn't agree with me.

I think this caught us both off guard as much as it did. He was thinking another stent when he started having problems...not this. So I think the macho thing kicked in when I...well....brought up canceling the trip due to his health plus our love for WDW and spending time there. KWIM?

Thank you for the prayers, insight, and opinions. I'll keep everyone posted.

 

[smidgy]

About Guest Assistance Cards - the only 'go to the front' cards are for children on Make a Wish or similar trips.
Guest Assistance Cards are meant to give accommodations that people need related to a disability. The accommodations can involve things like a cooler place to wait, but many attractions have waiting lines that are inside and/or air conditioned. Also, the distance walked is usually not going to be any shorter whether using a GAC or not, so he would still need the ECV.
If you want more information about GACs, follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Post #6 is about GACs and post #2 has information about renting ECVs and wheelchairs.

Those are all good questions to think about before you go.
Hopefully, nothing will happen, but if the worst does happen, at least you will have thought about what you may need to do.

If it were me, I would also postpone.

I'm sorry. I admit I don't know much about the GAC cards, never needed them myself. thanks for corrcting me. I just thought there could be some accomodations for him, which you pointed out. my gut reaction was "front of the line for him!". I guess that's cause I see people in wheelchairs "taken" elasewhere. I DO see them get front of the line for buses.
anyhow, thanks fer giving the OP the link to the info she needs!!

again, OP, prayers for you and yours!

 

[momejay]

I haven't read all the posts, but I do want to chime in.
My mom was like the rest of us nuts she couldn't live without a vacation to Disney every year & would go once a month if her pocketbook would let her.
She knew she was dying of cancer, but was convinced she was going to beat it. We knew we had little time in June. She got online & planned a trip in August. We realistically didn't think she would make it to the trip. The cancer drugs had injured her heart. She was determined. I insisted she bring an aide to help her. She also had plenty of family there as a makeshift reunion. She paid everyone's way. She rode on the Rock'n Roller Coaster twice. It took about 10 minutes to load her in the car. She sat in the front. When she got off the ride she said, "OK, I can die happy now." She came back home from the trip VERY tired. I started having to feed her at that point. She was gone about a week later. Her final words to me was..."Don't fight with your brother he thinks he is right & you can't change his mind. I have that child's annual pass you can upgrade & there are two days left on that hopper pass in your father's sock drawer. Who are you talking to? I have to go. I love you." I kissed her goodnight & she passed in her sleep.
If we had not taken that trip would she have lived longer? Probably? I look at it differently, she died happy.
I say go to Disney. Rest when you need to. Have fun because you need to. It may be your most memorable trip.

 

[BelleWDW]

It's a turn of the century Victorian style home with rumors of the underground railroad. It was built in the 1800's with a full basment and three floors plus we added an small 800 ft. apartment for my father(should he ever need to move in someday). We've spent the past 20 years restoring it to original or as close as possible with the exception of the apartment. It is a big house but with our crew, we needed the space .

Honestly, it's ok to wonder if it is a typo or if we are just insane. We are insane but 20 years ago, the price was VERY reasonable, we had a growing family (still growing with all the grandbabies coming) and we could see the potential this old house had/has.

We kindly refer to the house as our Money Pit Rose Red (two of DH's Favorite movies). Our plan was to sale it when all the children moved out and even talked about it before the market went haywire last fall and maybe buy a small 10 room house. I admit, it is WAY to much house but it is nice to have a place for our families to stay when they come to Ohio, for our children or their friends when they are down on their luck and as silly as this sounds...my kids all come home Christmas Eve with their families and spend the night. I'm really going to miss that when we do sale the house.

Realistically, we need to sale it but right now just isn't a good time.

Neato!

To the other poster-I wasn't jealous-just curious because the standard home in the USA is about 2200 square feet. I can see how heating it in winter is something you are concerned about, OP.

 

[DawnM]

I would certainly ask DH to put his health above a trip to Disney. I would ask him to strongly consider whatever the doctor advises.....you and your kids NEED him around more than you need a Disney trip.

Dawn

 

[EvanMaddieMouse]

I haven't fully read everyone else's responses. I do however have an opinion on this that I need to share.

You need to reschedule this trip. If he has an extended cardiac history, he needs to be examined and treated first. If he is walking around as a ticking time bomb, you may live to regret your decision. You don't want to have WDW become the saddest place on earth for you and your family. I understand his point of view, but ask him would he rather have one somewhat scary trip (scary for you!) or many more years of fun trips with his wife and kids? Even though WDW does have medical staff on hand, they are nowhere near prepared to deal with a catastrophic cardiac emergency, and the delay in treatment could very well be fatal (nothing to do with WDW, but with the proximity to the nearest medical center).

I'm sorry, I know this is so hard for you, but you do need to be near his doctors who know him best, who can follow his plan of care. And maybe the promise of that Disney trip will be the motivator to get him up and ambulating after surgery, and being compliant with cardiac rehab/medications/etc.

I'm a registered nurse on a cardiac floor. I would strongly urge him to have treatment to avoid any further cardiac damage, and so that he can continue to be there for you and your family. Best of luck to you all!

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I haven't fully read everyone else's responses. I do however have an opinion on this that I need to share.

You need to reschedule this trip. If he has an extended cardiac history, he needs to be examined and treated first. If he is walking around as a ticking time bomb, you may live to regret your decision. You don't want to have WDW become the saddest place on earth for you and your family. I understand his point of view, but ask him would he rather have one somewhat scary trip (scary for you!) or many more years of fun trips with his wife and kids? Even though WDW does have medical staff on hand, they are nowhere near prepared to deal with a catastrophic cardiac emergency, and the delay in treatment could very well be fatal (nothing to do with WDW, but with the proximity to the nearest medical center).

I'm sorry, I know this is so hard for you, but you do need to be near his doctors who know him best, who can follow his plan of care. And maybe the promise of that Disney trip will be the motivator to get him up and ambulating after surgery, and being compliant with cardiac rehab/medications/etc.

I'm a registered nurse on a cardiac floor. I would strongly urge him to have treatment to avoid any further cardiac damage, and so that he can continue to be there for you and your family. Best of luck to you all!

I as an RN completely agree with this post. There are alot of people on here with very touching stories, but a person with cancer or other illnesses are different then a 45 yo with a cardiac history in need of bypass surgery.

Doesn't matter if he's in a wheelchair , ECV or whatever. He needs to rest, stay strong, get the surgery, go through cardiac rehab and go to Disney sometime in the future.

As PP stated he is a ticking timebomb. You know the answer, the trip NEEDS to be cancelled.

 

[mamalle]

another RN here.. postpone your trip... I cannot believe any cardiologist or CVS would give the okay for him to travel to disneyworld if his heart is in this condition.. I can only see bad things coming out of this- like hospitalization out of town- transfers out to a cardiac hospital, prolonged hospital stay, doctors who are not familiar with his history, expenses for you and your family to stay in a hotel, even death .. we lost a uncle on a diving trip out of town and it was unexpected, no history what so ever.. and it was so much more difficult to deal with- getting home, getting him home, etc. disney can wait IMO.. best of luck to your husband and his upcoming CABG...

 

[ceecee]

It's not a tough choice to me. I would rather have my dad than a memory. Postpone it.

I was all ready to say...go on vacation, until I read this! Why were they waiting until 9-3 that really seems like a long time to wait on something this serious, Good that you moved up the consultation. I have seen people go in the day of stress tests for by pass surgeries. I guess my main concern is why they are waiting so long. Talk him out of the rides if you do go.
Your counter says mommy and me vacation, was he originally planning to stay home? I would want to stay close to home and doctors and go after, it would be something to look forward to.

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

I haven't fully read everyone else's responses. I do however have an opinion on this that I need to share.

You need to reschedule this trip. If he has an extended cardiac history, he needs to be examined and treated first. If he is walking around as a ticking time bomb, you may live to regret your decision. You don't want to have WDW become the saddest place on earth for you and your family. I understand his point of view, but ask him would he rather have one somewhat scary trip (scary for you!) or many more years of fun trips with his wife and kids? Even though WDW does have medical staff on hand, they are nowhere near prepared to deal with a catastrophic cardiac emergency, and the delay in treatment could very well be fatal (nothing to do with WDW, but with the proximity to the nearest medical center).

I'm sorry, I know this is so hard for you, but you do need to be near his doctors who know him best, who can follow his plan of care. And maybe the promise of that Disney trip will be the motivator to get him up and ambulating after surgery, and being compliant with cardiac rehab/medications/etc.

I'm a registered nurse on a cardiac floor. I would strongly urge him to have treatment to avoid any further cardiac damage, and so that he can continue to be there for you and your family. Best of luck to you all!

ITA with this post.

Back in 1994 my DH's aunt & uncle went to WDW and DH's uncle died of a heart attack in their room at the Port Orleans resort. DH's aunt could never go back to WDW because of the traumatic and sad memory.

Personally, if DH & I were in your shoes we'd postpone our trip and focus on the priority - DH's health.

Good luck to you.

 

[quentina]

I am soooo sorry you are dealing with this.

I need to say, I agree with DH. I would have the same exact attitude if I was in his shoes.

I hope whatever decision you make brings you peace.

 

[pilesoflaundry]

I won't give advice either way. Just wanted to wish you luck and sending some thoughts and prayers for you dh's health.

 

[calablovedisney]

I am so sorry you are dealing with this. I was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition 4 years ago and as soon as I found out I booked our first trip to Disney and have gone every year since. So, I understand you dh sense of urgency about the trip.
I also understand your anxiety waiting for drs appointments. (I have to go twice per year at least). I would really try to see if you can get him in sooner to the dr. as that visit may affect your decision.

Having said all of that I do lean toward you cancelling the trip. I had a friend whose dad was told he needed surgery around xmas time and he decided he did not want to ruin his family's xmas and held off. Unfortunatley he passed. I am not sure what would have happened anyway, but if you postpone your trip until he recovers you may all relax and enjoy it more.

Best wishes for your dh, you and your family

 

[GetGlowing]

Here is my advice: Skip the trip. The potential damage to your husband's health and your wallet is not worth it.

You said, "Just our heating bills for two month could wipe out our savings." You guys need to get into crisis mode because you are in crisis! Like yesterday!! That savings account needs to be padded significantly. What happens if treatment/surgery is more complicated than you expect? The money is not unimportant.

Once your husband has the surgery and things have settled down, take your savings account back to a comfortable level and take the trip.

My dad had 6x bypass in 1996. He still loves riding roller coasters, although he doesn't ride like he used to. But he will still try something once. Get your husband well again. Then enjoy the trip to the fullest!

Blessings, prayers, and hugs to you.

 

[CLR4321]

If I were you, I would go because it's what your DH wants. I can see why you worry, but it is his life. Many people with health issues choose to live life to the fullest because they want to have as much fun as they can, while they can. Many people who are dying look back on their life and how they lived it. Some say they are grateful that they lived life like every day was their last and got to see and do many awesome things. Others will look back and say they wish they had done more with their life. It sounds like your DH is one who wants to see and do what he can now, because realistically he doesn't know what may happen. I can see why you may tell him to take it easy on the rides and avoid the ones with warnings for those with heart trouble, but if what he wants is a trip to WDW before he has this surgery, let him do it. As you mentioned, this could be his last. Let him have his fun while he is able to, and consider his wants first.

 

[BelleWDW]

If I were you, I would go because it's what your DH wants. I can see why you worry, but it is his life. Many people with health issues choose to live life to the fullest because they want to have as much fun as they can, while they can.

Let him have his fun while he is able to, and consider his wants first.

A quadruple bypass is urgent. Repaired, a person can live for many years and go on MANY vacations-both my inlaws had this surgery 25 years ago-one lived 20 more years -one still living

 

[JoshChristineplus3]

I'd definitely postpone as well. Why take the chance of ruining such a magical place but him having a serious medical emergency or worse. The worse could affect not only you and your daughter but anyone around should it happen. Why ruin WDW for perfect strangers to enjoy a trip that could be enjoyed after when the surgery is successful...especially with the knowledge that he is a ticking time bomb. Why subject Disneys medical staff/paramedics to a situation that could have been avoided since you know he is not healthy and shouldn't really be going on the trip. His condition not only affects him, it affects a ton of people!
I understand people going on last trips, but ones being mentioned were terminal and not fixable for the most part. This is a fixable condition that could add many more years onto his life. He has a young daughter who needs him, not memories of him at Disney that could take his life. There is a huge difference!
I don't forsee your cardiologist saying yes to the trip when you meet with him/her anyways and if they do, go find a better cardiologist. The heat, humidity, movement, excitement, rides, etc will not be nice to his already tired and needed fixed heart.
My father comes from a long line of men who have all died before they were 40 from heart attacks. He too has a heart condition however he is 67, has had few stints a few years ago but by regulating his monitoring of his health and weight he has done well. If he was in this situation ( and could very well be in the future, no one knows ) I would be all over him to cancel the trip and so would my mother. I'd take him having the surgery and having him around to watch my kids grow ( and im grown, this man in question has a small child! ) than see him * enjoy * a trip to WDW that could become his undoing and visit him in a cemetary with my children.

 

[AnnaS]

Please keep us posted. I feel for you - you know what is coming up ahead. We had no clue and took us completely by surprise - no previous problems.

Two years ago we took our Med. cruise and dh (48) had absolutely no problems in the heat and climbing mountains, etc. No symptoms of any problems, shortness of breath, etc.

A month later while at work, he had a heart attack and we were told that they were able to get through and put stents in. We were also told he had a previous silent heart attack and there was still the possibility of bypass surgery.

Unfortunately, he had too much heart damage, leaky valve, low ef, etc. Could not go back to work. A month later went in for a catherization and had to have immediate (quadruple) bypass w/some complications after that. It took three months to start to start to feel better.

Routine check-ups and follow-ups, coumadin center, etc. 5 months later, another routine visit and he was literally sent immediately to the hospital across the street for immediate surgery again (percardial effusion) - fluid around the heart.

Not only were we all overwhelmed, scared, worried but we had a short-term state disability for 6 months that barely covered food for our family of five (I work p/t). When that was done 6 months later, we had no money coming in for an additional 4/5 months til social security was approved (and we applied right away after his heart attack). Luckly we had savings, emergency fund, whatever you want to call it to get us by.

All I am trying so say is, regardless of what the doctor says, weigh in all your options and the worst case scenarios. As some have suggested, perhaps a shorter trip, closer to home, less expense to have some fun and quality time together.

Did not mean to get carried away - but if I had known of what might happen with dh, there was no way I would have gone on our Med. cruise. As much as we have the memories and it was the trip of a lifetime. I would have been less stressed out during those 10/11 months of no income.

Wishing you guys only the best and we are all praying for you and your family.