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[TiggerTails]

Help! I'm leaving in 26 days and have a Dr. appointment tomorrow am.
I'm having knee pain have had x-rays taken and an ultra sound. No relief [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]
Do I need to get a Dr's note?
Is knee pain even a valid problem to have a GAC card?
What about the rest of my family.....I want to be able to ride with them.
I know nothing about the GAC card.
Please fill me in, I really don't want to cancel our vacation. Thanks [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Karyn89]

You can have up to 5 people on the GAC, so your family can ride with you etc. I took a Dr's note but did not seem to need it. If you can take on just in case. I am not sure if Knee pain would qualify for one or not.

Have a great time!!

I can't wait to go back again [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Dave Marx]

If the pain is sufficient to justify a GAC, then you may want to consider a wheelchair or ECV. Those will provide more relief, and help you avoid undue stress on that knee. The GAC may provide relief from standing on over-long lines, but it doesn't help at all as you walk around the parks. If you do use a wheelchair or ECV, a GAC will not be necessary.

[SueM loves WDW]

The GAC (Guest Assistance Card) is a tool to let the the Cast Members (CM) know what sort of accomidations are needed. Because the GAC is based on the needs of the person it is issued to, not all GACs say the same thing.

Just knowing you have knee pain doesn't really help the CM to know what sorts of accomidation are needed - for example, does the knee pain cause problems with going up stairs? They do have a GAC that allows you to avoid stairs.
Does it cause pain while walking or standing still? In that case a wheelchair or ECV would be more assistance than a GAC because you will be walking a lot more to just get around the parks than you will be walking in line.
Do you need a place to sit? They do have a GAC that talks about a place to sit, but not all attractions have a place where someone can sit. If you need to sit, the best way to make sure you have one is to use a wheelchair or ECV.

A doctor's note is not required and the CMs are likely to say they don't need to see it. Some people feel more confident asking about a GAC if they have a doctor's note. If you bring one, have the doctor write about your problems/needs, not your diagnosis (People with the exact same diagnosis can have very different needs).

[TiggerTails]

Thanks.....
I really need to avoid stairs.
I guess if the pain/swelling gets really bad I will have to rent a wheelchair or ECV. Hopefully I will get some answers from my Dr. soon as to what is going on with my knee. Thanks again!

[stonewall]

Dave has it all right Jan- the ECV or wheelchair ir a great idea.Consider renting from off property.Keep in mind that an ECV is easier on those with you since they don't have to push you up hill and down! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] I always reccomend taking along an MD's note as some CM's can get a bit "sticky" and who needs the hasssle when they are on vacatation [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]? Check out our "sticky" thread about the GACs as there is a lot of good info there. Have a great trip!

[Tig&Poo]

I have bad knees and arthritic hips. I use an ECV in the parks and have had no problem getting to where I want to go. Dave is right on about the distance in walking and and the relief you get is well worth it.