Mom has a bad back
About This Page: This is a discussion on Mom has a bad back within the Vacationing Your Way: Your Special Needs, part of the PassPorter Community - Boards & Forums on Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel; My mom and I are talking about going to WDW next year or so. SHe had a spinal fusion of ...

wdwlovers · 10-05-2003, 10:37 AM

My mom and I are talking about going to WDW next year or so. SHe had a spinal fusion of her lower back two years ago. She is still having some troubles with long walking and numbness occaisionally in one leg. What would you suggest we do for her at WDW. Can we rent wheelchair there if we need one? I know she wouldn't want to use it, but just in case. This would be her first trip to WDW and I'd like to make it special for her. I know we can't rush things since we have to go at a slow pace. Any advice? [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

eliza · 10-05-2003, 10:48 AM

I can sympathize with your mother as I have had a herniated disk w/ surgery - what a nightmare!
I would recommend staying in as nice a resort as you can afford - one with activities that interest you and good transportation to the parks you are interested in. You are smart to plan on taking it slow. I would plan on spending only a half-day in a park each day with down-time in the hot tub afterwards [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] Be sure to buy appropriate tickets so that you don't pay for things you will not be able to take advantage of. I would plan to see some of the wonderful shows but get an ECV for your use. Festival of the Lion King at AK is terrific but the seats are always uncomfortable for me and I am (relatively) young and in pretty good shape [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] I find the seats pretty uncomfortable there...they are "stadium" seats and offer no lumbar support. Good luck!

**Laughaholic** · 10-09-2003, 07:31 PM

Sure, you can get a wheelchair! Just ask for one if it becomes unbearable for her. For her convience if it comes to this, they do provide free wheelchairs that assist into the park if it is too long of the walk. Especially in Epcot, you may want to buy a wheelchair. Any other questions?

Kristin

wdwlovers · 10-16-2003, 02:53 PM

Thanks! I've talked to her about renting a wheelchair and she was open to the idea, so I am hoping we can do that. So anyone can just ask for a wheelchair or will she need a note of somekind? What about the EVCs?

swall918 · 10-16-2003, 06:20 PM

One tip. Get there early ECVs go fast. When I went in 2001 I rented one. I had a manual w/c at home, but did not want to be a burden on my husband or daughters, especially on vacation. They could go on rides and I could still get around alone (like shopping or find a shady place) while hey were gone. Now I need my own motorized w/c for everyday.
The ECV would be a good choice because it would give her some independence. She won't feel as if she is a "bother".

Have a great trip!
We'll be going to the Poly in 16 days.

wdwlovers · 10-18-2003, 08:09 PM

Thanks Sue! Have a great time on your trip! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

LindaR · 10-20-2003, 09:44 AM

I had my lower spine fused in Jan 2002. We made our first trip (since the surgery) in May 2003. This was my second back surgery and we have been to WDW a few times before so I had a "plan". Since I have alot of nerve damage down my right side and that does affect your stamina, I started in January exercising on a stair stepper (us bad back people are very limited on what exercise we are allowed to do!).

I did not use a wheelchair.

We went back to the room (AKL) every day after lunch for 1-2 hour "nap" so that I could lay down and elevate my feet.

The hardest part for me was not necessarily all the walking, but the standing in line (my back tends to freeze up). Learned a few (not so obvious)new rides that I can no longer go on. Ask any questions! [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

**Laughaholic** · 10-25-2003, 06:54 PM

Usually you don't need a note. I didn't need one when I went to buy one for my brother because he didn't want to walk (he has Autism). I'd bring one just in case.

ECV's are expensive though. They run about 35 dollars!

--Kristin

wdwlovers · 10-25-2003, 10:54 PM

Thanks for your response Linda. What rides did you find that you couldn't go on that you expected to be able to? My mom is really working on strengthening up her abdomen back muscles to help stabalize her body. She wants to be in good condition (for her) if/when we'd go. She is questioning some rides...Test Track, BTMR. I don't think so, but she is thinking about it. I konw for TT, the brake check would be hard on her. I think BTMR is way too jerky for her. It's hard to not be able to share some of my favorite rides with her, but at least I can share the magic of WDW with her.

Thanks!