Yikes - Son Has Mono - Leaving Next Weekend

[travellady]

My son has been extra tired, achy, and sniffly the last few weeks. There's been colds going around, he's been really busy with sports and school, so we thought he was just worn out. Well, the other day we spotted a large lump on his neck. The doctor thought maybe it was lymphoma so that was a big stresser until we got the test results back but thankfully, relatively speaking, it was mono.

But we're headed out a week from Sunday and his feeling up to snuff could take some time. At the same time, we all really need this vacation as we're all run down, have been putting up with the Northwest rains for way too many months, and my job is incredibly intense at the moment.

We plan to do as much, if not more, hanging around at the resort than going to the parks as we all just want to rest.

I noticed tonight that WL Courtyard View and AKL Savannah view are now available all nights,of our stay though no discounts of any kind available. I did book POR with AAA discount and am thinking that's just as nice a resort to hang around since we'll be spending time relaxing. We did stay once at POFQ, 1 night only, but enjoyed it so am thinking POR is similar.

I do like the fact I'm not spending as much money by staying at POR but still have WL in the back of my mind as a possibility. I've stayed at AKL, really enjoyed it, but it is remote whereas we can hop on a boat to go elsewhere from WL or on a boat from POR to DD just as easily.

I'll probably continue to mull this over, the one bonus being WL has at minimum 2 queens vs. POR 2 doubles. And we really need good restful night's sleep. I did call and request AB in hopes we'll get a trundle but heard since we are only 3 people, the chances aren't great. But again, the price difference is a bit and I'm not sure if I can justify that much additional expense for WL - 1000.00 for 5 nights.

 

[grimley1968]

Well, mono is definitely a better diagnosis than lymphoma. A doc thought I had lymphoma once, and that was a pretty horrible day or so. But still, mono's a tough thing to get right before a WDW trip. I hope he feels better quick.

Have fun!

 

[vbarry]

Sorry to hear about your son!! My nephew has had mono several times over the last few years. We took him on vacation last year after he had been diagnosed and he did do a lot of sleeping. I would take it slow. I have never stayed at POR but I did stay at WL last year and it is a very beautiful, relaxing resort. There is not a lot of walking and you are a short boat ride to MK or to several restaurants- Ohana, Chef Mickeys' etc.

You can also see the electric water parade at night.

You will have the bigger beds and a full balcony!! (in case you are in your room while your son takes a nap)

I think it is a good choice and lots to do if you do not plan on spending long hours in the park!!

Have a magical trip and I hope your son is feeling better soon!!

 

[bashful4u]

Sorry to hear about your DS. POR is nothing like POFQ. The resort is very spread out and will require more walking to get to the busses, pool, food etc.

I think WL may be your better choice.

Hope your DS feels better!

 

[Hopefully]

If you can afford it, I would change to WL. Yes it is expensive, but you are coming from very far away for a special trip. I had mono years ago, and it took awhile to feel up to speed. I slept a lot, more than even the normal teenager.
POR is large, with a great deal of walking. But for me the two biggest things are the small bed size, and the fact that there are exterior doorways - no balconies to sit and relax on while your son rests.
Good Luck with your decision and I hope your son feels better soon.

 

[PlutoPony]

You might want to bring a note from his doctor, which in turn could be used for a GAC card (you can get more info on this on the DIsabillities Board). That might get him a place to sit while waiting for your turn to ride rides, or other accomocations which might make your time in the parks easier.
Hope he feels better and your trip is enjoyable!!!

 

[wdwpixie]

When both of my daughters were in high school, they each had such horrible cases of mono that they never could've made the trip to the airport during the 1st month of being sick, never mind thinking of making the trip to WDW....fevers, swollen throats that we thought HAD to be strep, and just awful lethargy....then at least another 2 weeks of slowly feeling like teenagers again...

I hope your son's case is much less severe otherwise he will be spending all of the trip in a bed, that's not his own, being miserable....I'd make sure you know where to seek out medical care if his case worsens....I was making weekly trips to check for strep as well as some confirmation that they were going to survive!

 

[Nik's Mom]

Sorry about your son. I had mono in college and just kept on going to school because I didn't realize that I had it. One day I nearly passed out at school and they took me to the health center. I ended up being on bed rest for a month, on heavy steroids and inhalers, weighed less than 100 lbs after it was all said and done. I've never been so sick in my life. I could have never went on a vacation that sick. I could't even walk at that time. My disabled father had to help me in and out of bed. The good news is that your son sounds like maybe his case isn't as bad as mine (they were actually concerned for my life). The bad news, it may take more than a month for him to be 100%. My advice, check with the doctor and see what they say. If they think he will be fine, then go, but don'texpect to do little park time. Maybe consider renting a wheel chair (visit the DisAbility board). But if you could delay your trip, you may want to do that. Your little guy will not enjoy the trip if he feels cruddy.

As for hotel, you can't go wrong with AKL or WL. WL would be a great choice. That boat ride can be relaxing! But AKL is great. Especially if your son is very tired and can't make it to the parks. He could at least lounge in the room or hotel and check out the animals.

Hope your son feels better soon!

 

[Lizzybee]

We have stayed at POR twice and it was very relaxing even over Spring Break. It has a very relaxing atmosphere (think Tom Sawyer, laid back Southern feeling). The swimming pool at POR is called Ole Man Island and it's like an ole fashioned swimming hole and right next to that is a fishin' hole where you can rent a pole and fish from a pier. You have the boat to DTD, another relaxing activity. I think POR could be a fine choice and not all bldgs are far away, in your circumstance maybe they could give you more priority to stay close with a drs note. Can't hurt to ask a CRO before you go and then request it again at Guest Services when you check in.

 

[keishashadow]

Sorry your son is ill, hope he'll be feeling better soon.

My middle DS had mono, twice. The 1st time he was down for a almost a month. The 2nd a few days.

I'd check w/your doctor as to physical restrictions for your son.

My youngest DS had broken foot & just gotten out of a boot before our trip last Dec. He developed complications & was forbidden to walk on foot for any period of time. We got a transport chair (very lightweight & foldable). It enabled him to enjoy the parks. Although we had a medical excuse, we never felt the need to get a GAC.

The people on the disabilities board were very helpful answering all my questions. Good luck.

 

[4theloveofdisney]

My DD had mono. It was a really hard thing!! Are you sure that your son will be up to the trip? Fevers and fatigue are not much fun. I can't imagine that dragging him around Disney or even resting in a hotel bed would be much fun. Couldn't you just postpone the trip for another month? I understand that you all need a break but maybe you could all take a long weekend off of work and just rest and relax. Charge your batteries...and plan for the trip when he's feeling better. Just a thought. Also, have you spoken to his Doctor? Does he think that going on this vacation is a good idea? Isn't Mono contagious. What stage is he in? I would be worried that he might pass it to someone else. Sorry if I'm a downer. Good Vibes to you no matter what you decide!!!!

 

[eeyore45]

I think you'll be fine at POR - but only you can decide!!


My 17 yr son had mono this year... he refuses to be sick!! (now my eldest DS is a hypochondriac - he had mono you'd think to shoot him to put him and us out of misery - ok, jk but they're different, and that's the point...)

DS 17 with mono had to take his ACT tests - he scored 29

with mono DS 17 had to do his Eagle Project (planting landscape trees, bushes, fencing for forest preserve - now he did direct the project and sleep in the car a lot!! But he was determined, and he made himself do it!!)

with mono DS report card we noticed he only missed FIVE days of school!! I'm hoping there were some teacher institute days or columbus days rolled in there - because quite frankly I thought they made a mistake!!

So I offer this up to give you and your DS hope!! Yes, do take it seriously, do talk to your doctor - because mono does have serious complications with it - everyone's case is different!! Do check out the disability thread and get a GAC for maybe the waiting not in sun... DO FP!! By all means continue to follow that "mama voice" and listen for clues, because kids will be kids and they do push themselves too hard at times!!

 

[lauralana9]

I just wanted to add about the mono its not only being tired alot. But when you are not tired right at this second the very next you can be. I remember describing it being like running into a brick wall. I was fine all full of energy, then could instantly want to lay on the floor and take a nap. And if given the opertunity I probably could have. I remember it taking me a bit to convince my step mother I was not faking or just trying to get some attention. I wasn't the type to "fake it" but she just couldnt understand how I would be going completely normal then drop. It can happen that quickly.

Bean

 

[DVC Sadie]

When both of my daughters were in high school, they each had such horrible cases of mono that they never could've made the trip to the airport during the 1st month of being sick, never mind thinking of making the trip to WDW....fevers, swollen throats that we thought HAD to be strep, and just awful lethargy....then at least another 2 weeks of slowly feeling like teenagers again...

I hope your son's case is much less severe otherwise he will be spending all of the trip in a bed, that's not his own, being miserable....I'd make sure you know where to seek out medical care if his case worsens....I was making weekly trips to check for strep as well as some confirmation that they were going to survive!

ITA! I had mono and was out of school for two months. Disney is not a place to be when sick. First of all mono is highly contagious and I wouldn't want to give it to anyone else. Secondly I wouldn't want to be on "my" vacation and not be able to have fun. Just my view on mono and Disney.

 

[vbarry]

I wanted to let you know that if you decide to go and your son would need any medical attention...you can call the front desk who will call a doctor for you and they will come right to your room.

We did this last year at our stay at WL. We called her the Disney Doctor and she came to our room, treated our daughter for her ear infection and was able to give us the antibiotic. (she had it in her bag)

We paid her and then turned the bill into our health insurance carrier.

 

[Lisa_M]

Please do not take your sick child to Disney. I had mono in high school and it was pretty severe. I was in the hospital for a week and a half, and the trip down there will not be a treat for him, nor the time there if he is sick. I would see if you can either leave him at home with his grandparents or another family member or cancel the trip. That is what I would do. If you take him, there is the potential risk of the spleen rupturing due to overactivity. Please get the doctor's perspective on this before you make any decisions.

 

[epcotfan]

ITA! I had mono and was out of school for two months. Disney is not a place to be when sick. First of all mono is highly contagious and I wouldn't want to give it to anyone else. Secondly I wouldn't want to be on "my" vacation and not be able to have fun. Just my view on mono and Disney.

I agree. I can't imagine embarking on a trip feeling like crud. My grade 8 teacher had mono and was out of the classroom for about 3 months. Also, anyone with any immunity challenged disease does not want to be exposed to this.

 

[Tiger926]

Mono is serious as many others have stated - thought I had it, but I have Chronic Fatigue which is related to Mono - they are both caused by Epstein Barr virus which is a type of herpes virus. I've been sick for the past 23 years (since I was 11.5) as I have episodes and that is what happens with autoimmune disorders such as Mono is (the virus attacks your lymphatic system, so he won't be able to fight off anything else either). He may feel ok this morning, but after lunch, he may not be able to get out of bed. I can't imagine even thinking of taking him to Disney World - Mono is VERY contagious, not to mention his body is not going to be up for a busy vacation like this. The vacation could make him worse actually as so many other sick people are in the parks - don't even get me started on this as my DD (not even 2 last year) was severally and I mean severally ill while at WDW in March with Strep, Rotavirus, etc. and they were all caught while at Disney as she had just had a physical that week. She was hospitalized at Arnold Palmer's Children's Hospital for 2 days (they actually told us that if we hadn't brought her that day, she would not have woken up!) - we were alone and it was very scary (we are from Canada).

Here is a very easy fact site about Mono which clearly states that you can be infectious for up to 6months - that's why it's such a pervavise disease and WDW while he is at the beginning of his disease is not the place to be!

http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/mono.html
http://kidshealth.org/teen/infections/common/mono_contagious.html


As well, here is a link to the CDC (more complex, but good info):

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/ebv.htm

I still resent families who bring their children to WDW sick (we have cancelled and other times while sick at WDW, we have stayed in our room for days so as not to make anyone else sick) - this is something that I don't think I'll ever get over and this attitude is pervasive on these boards all of the time - this is why you posted in the first place. I'm not trying to make you feel badly, but trying to give you a perspective from a parent whose child has been made sick from other children whose parents took them to WDW sick, or continued to let them play in the parks when they knew they were sick. I understand there may be financial considerations, but that is why trip insurance is so necessary.

I do wish your son luck as being sick is very difficult as I speak from many years of experience. I can't imagine any good family doctor or specialist (none of my specialists like me even going to malls, church, etc. when I'm in an episode as my resistance is down and I may be contagious at times) giving the ok to go. Please consult doctors about this and remember, you are sharing the parks with thousands of other people who may get sick from your son, not to mention, that he may pick up something else while there (this time of year is the worst for viruses which is why we won't be going in March for a very long time) and then you are going to have even bigger problems. Better make sure your health insurance is up to date as well, just in case he needs to go to the docs or hospital while there.

Hope your son if feeling better soon, but the best medicine for these types of diseases is rest!

Tiger

 

[travellady]

Thanks all for your input and concern. We have consulted the doctor and he's assured us that my son can go back to school. He actually went on Friday for a few hours and has spent much of the weekend resting.

Regarding being contagious, the doctor said do not allow anyone to share his utensils, cups, anything where spit can be swapped. If these rules are followed, he shouldn't infect others.

He sees the doctor again at the end of the week and we'll get the go/no go decision then. When he saw the doctor the other day, the doctor felt he'd probably be ready to head out as long as he takes it easy. But, no contact sports for awhile.

If we find we have to cancel we will, but are keeping our fingers crossed that we won't. Originally, we were supposed to be leaving on March 29 to London and Paris but due to needing to be in town on April 1, we had to cancel that trip and choose something shorter and closer to home. Thankfully we're not planning to head to London Wednesday after all.

I decided to keep the POR ressies due to extra cost at AKL or WL. And, when I went back to check, only 4 of the days are availble at those two resorts. I looked at many pictures of POR and it does look to be very relaxing and laid back. If we end up in one of the rooms without a trundle, I'll consider picking up an air mattress for me to sleep on since my son needs a bed to himself and both my husband and I are restless sleepers. If we do end up in AB with a trundle, I'll take it. I'm barely 5 feet and don't need tons of sleeping space, just don't want somebody rolling over me and kicking me all night long.

 

[tone.def]

I had mono my first year of college. I nearly lost my semester because I could not get out of bed and when I did, it was a challenge to not sleep through my classes and the walk to my classes - although it was like a block or 2 took 30 minutes because I got so tired using that energy to get there. Luckily I had some very understanding teachers who let me do a lot of make-ups when I was feeling better, but I can't fathom going to Disney World in that state!

I'm with Nik's Mom - I don't think I had ever been so sick in my entire life. Maybe a child will perk up more than a 19 year old would

If you don't allow your child the time to recoup, he'll never get better.