Injured-should we still go?

I had a severe ankle break (tib/fib/etc/etc) three years ago, with two followup surgeries thereafter. Hence, the voice of experience talking :)

I understand the huge desire to not lose out on the money, and to spend the time with family, but please do be realistic on what you are going to be able to do, and don't plan on being able to power through everything on sheer force of will alone. I would speak with your ortho team very specifically on whether or not not it's going to be doable and, if so, what precautions you can take to avoid complications/issues while you are there.

ICE MACHINE: take yours or rent one, without a doubt. I have two, and they've been saviors. Don't wait until it's swollen/hurts. Don't rely on loose ice and baggies unless desperate, so messy ;)
ELEVATION: it's hard to truly do so in a wheelchair or walker, so plan on making the time to get it above heart level at least a few times during the day (more if it's swelling). First aid will allow you to lay down, but you'll still have to figure out how to get it high enough. My dr emphasized that "up" isn't enough, it has to be above your heart.
PROTECTION FROM OTHERS: I was *very* protective of my injured foot, especially since people do not "look" and just walk into you without even realizing it. I'm not suggesting this, but I had a grabber stick that I used for grabbing, but also carried on my ECV, as "just in case" protection, when someone came close to crashing into my injured limb. Maybe you can have a family member walk on that side for you in crowded situations and protect you.
HEAT: is going to make you swell even faster than normal. Drink even more fluids (preferably water) than normal.
PAIN MEDICATION: don't be a hero, take OTC and something stronger with you (in its original bottle) just in case. Don't let the pain get ahead of you. Going to the ER is no fun, but just in case....
INSURANCE: double check ahead of time with your insurance about your coverage, emergency and otherwise, and what is covered in the WDW area
BLOOD CLOTS: know the signs/symptoms, and take them seriously, I ended up in the e.r. last year after surgery but luckily was a false alarm
EFFECT ON REST OF YOU: for me, riding in the ECV/wheelchair sometimes caused my other body parts to raise a ruckus, so I carried a small blowup pillow for my back, for example, and compression socks for my other foot/leg. Do lots of stretching, etc.

Best of luck, and hope that you have a great time!

Terri
 
Right with ya! I’m on a CPM to move the surgery leg continuously, in order to avoid any blood clot issues. I think that’s pretty standard protocol because our son (at 19) had arthroscopic knee surgery and they put him on the same machine. I was my surgeon’s last surgery before he went to Africa for 2 weeks, so he’s unavailable for a while. The broken leg was seen by one of his partners and no surgery required there, for which I am very very grateful. He took a look at the knee and pronounced that healing was as expected. I’m moderately high risk (overweight, heart issues) but so far I heal well and still have excellent circulation. But yes, this is all contingent upon their approval. Thank you for helping me face the reality of the situation!
I'm glad you took my posts the way they were intended.

The purpose of the CPM is not to prevent clots, it's to keep the knee moving. What I was referring to more was to check with your team re the need for an anticoagulant or other measures.
 
So sorry this happened to you! I broke my tibia and fibula about 5 weeks ago and had to have surgery on it and a rod inserted. The recovery has been so much slower than I anticipated. I had posted a similar question right after it happened as my kids are on spring break this week and we were planning to drive somewhere for a vacation. Luckily the responses I got forced me to be realistic with my recovery and we decided to just stay home. I am on crutches and can still barely weight bear due to pain. I go out in a wheelchair if I am going shopping or somewhere I need to be out for a few hours and possibly standing. After just a few hours, I cannot wait to get home and elevate my leg and relax. I'm 50 and was pretty active and in shape before this happened. Not trying to be a downer, and I know your injuries are different than mine (but possibly even worse because you have so many) but just trying to help you be realistic. My DS and I were planning a weekend trip to Universal in May, but both my PT and Ortho suggested holding off till probably Sept if I really want to be able to walk a lot while I am there. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
 


Of course you should go and enjoy yourself. WalMart has inexpensive chairs. Get one and use it whenever you can't walk. Bonus, your DGD will enjoy sitting on your lap when tired :)

That's assuming OP's husband and DD are able to push. My DH pushed his mom in a wheelchair around Disneyland (it's not as flat as it looks!) and messed up his knee. Renting a scooter will give OP more independence without wearing out the relatives. Renting from a dealer in Orlando is cheaper than at WDW, better quality, and OP can ride the scooter back to the hotel.


I think, based on everything I’ve read and our particular family dynamic, the ECV May be the way to go. I’m looking at Buena vista rentals and there are so many choices! They all even have a basket on the front like I had on my bicycle as a kid! You can even get a crutches or cane holder, but I think I should be off crutches by then. I may bring them just for around the resort...
 
I would also check first to see if you can reschedule without a lot of hassle and cost.

If not, and if your doctors say it’s OK to go, then I would rent an ECV and go. Your trip will be different than what you expected, but it can still be fun. Sometimes the best memories happen when the plans go out the window.

So very true. I spoke with surgeon’s assistant today. She thinks that by the time we go (almost 5 weeks from surgery/injury), I’ll be ok to fly. She said my knee will swell and so will my other leg due to cabin pressure. Basically, it’s gonna hurt, but I’ll be ok from an injury perspective.

Assuming you go, it's been years since we stayed at OKW, they have a couple buildings with elevators, but the rest you walk upstairs. You may want to check and see if your reservation is already for an HA unit.

Exactly. We’ve never stayed there, but there are only 2 buildings with elevators. I definitely need a first floor unit, but I don’t need an HA unit. I think I better call somebody tomorrow.

ECVs can go in pretty much every queue, and the ones that don't allow it should have a wheelchair available for use in the queue.

Good to know!

There's no front of the line access at WDW, and nothing even close to that for mobility issues now. Only FOTL access is for Make a Wish kids.

That’s ok-I just wanted to know if I could stay in the ECV thru the line. I won’t be riding much of anything but I did want to see DGD meet Minnie and Mickey-she’s crazy for them and I didn’t want to miss the moment!

I had a severe ankle break (tib/fib/etc/etc) three years ago, with two followup surgeries thereafter. Hence, the voice of experience talking :)

I understand the huge desire to not lose out on the money, and to spend the time with family, but please do be realistic on what you are going to be able to do, and don't plan on being able to power through everything on sheer force of will alone. I would speak with your ortho team very specifically on whether or not not it's going to be doable and, if so, what precautions you can take to avoid complications/issues while you are there.

ICE MACHINE: take yours or rent one, without a doubt. I have two, and they've been saviors. Don't wait until it's swollen/hurts. Don't rely on loose ice and baggies unless desperate, so messy ;)
ELEVATION: it's hard to truly do so in a wheelchair or walker, so plan on making the time to get it above heart level at least a few times during the day (more if it's swelling). First aid will allow you to lay down, but you'll still have to figure out how to get it high enough. My dr emphasized that "up" isn't enough, it has to be above your heart.
PROTECTION FROM OTHERS: I was *very* protective of my injured foot, especially since people do not "look" and just walk into you without even realizing it. I'm not suggesting this, but I had a grabber stick that I used for grabbing, but also carried on my ECV, as "just in case" protection, when someone came close to crashing into my injured limb. Maybe you can have a family member walk on that side for you in crowded situations and protect you.

HEAT: is going to make you swell even faster than normal. Drink even more fluids (preferably water) than normal.
PAIN MEDICATION: don't be a hero, take OTC and something stronger with you (in its original bottle) just in case. Don't let the pain get ahead of you. Going to the ER is no fun, but just in case....
INSURANCE: double check ahead of time with your insurance about your coverage, emergency and otherwise, and what is covered in the WDW area
BLOOD CLOTS: know the signs/symptoms, and take them seriously, I ended up in the e.r. last year after surgery but luckily was a false alarm
EFFECT ON REST OF YOU: for me, riding in the ECV/wheelchair sometimes caused my other body parts to raise a ruckus, so I carried a small blowup pillow for my back, for example, and compression socks for my other foot/leg. Do lots of stretching, etc.

Best of luck, and hope that you have a great time!

Terri

Thank you for taking the time to write. I was deathly afraid that the fibula was displaced and would need surgery. I don’t need surgery, and the fibula is not a weight bearing bone. The foot and toe should be pretty much healed by the time we go, but my knee is definitely going to hurt. A lot. The current plan is for all of us to go to a park very early each day, have lunch at a TS restaurant and go back. So I would only be out maybe 5-6 hours? And then a lot of elevation and ice for about 16 hours before trying again.

I'm glad you took my posts the way they were intended.

The purpose of the CPM is not to prevent clots, it's to keep the knee moving. What I was referring to more was to check with your team re the need for an anticoagulant or other measures.

Good to know. Thank you!

I guess I am not in the majority; I would not want to spend that kind of money to possibly have pain and mobility problems during a trip to the World. I would reschedule if possible.

I hear ya! Being uncomfortable or in pain is no fun on vacation! I think, in this case, because we rented points, I’m up the creek. So we have to make the best of it. I think I may commandeer my husband’s fancy camera sometimes and hang out on the scooter taking pictures. And then there’s shopping...


So sorry this happened to you! I broke my tibia and fibula about 5 weeks ago and had to have surgery on it and a rod inserted. The recovery has been so much slower than I anticipated. I had posted a similar question right after it happened as my kids are on spring break this week and we were planning to drive somewhere for a vacation. Luckily the responses I got forced me to be realistic with my recovery and we decided to just stay home. I am on crutches and can still barely weight bear due to pain. I go out in a wheelchair if I am going shopping or somewhere I need to be out for a few hours and possibly standing. After just a few hours, I cannot wait to get home and elevate my leg and relax. I'm 50 and was pretty active and in shape before this happened. Not trying to be a downer, and I know your injuries are different than mine (but possibly even worse because you have so many) but just trying to help you be realistic. My DS and I were planning a weekend trip to Universal in May, but both my PT and Ortho suggested holding off till probably Sept if I really want to be able to walk a lot while I am there. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Oh no! I am so sorry and I can definitely say I feel your pain! Glad you’re on the mend.

Or at least on the first floor!

No kidding. Hauling that scooter up 3 flights of stairs was gonna be tough!
 


I guess I am not in the majority; I would not want to spend that kind of money to possibly have pain and mobility problems during a trip to the World. I would reschedule if possible.
Rented points are non refundable and can't be rescheduled.
 
I guess I am not in the majority; I would not want to spend that kind of money to possibly have pain and mobility problems during a trip to the World. I would reschedule if possible.

Rented points are non refundable and can't be rescheduled.

I'd send the rest of the family and stay home to relax and recover. Disney is pretty much literally the last place I'd want to be with 2 bad legs, it sounds absolutely miserable and it will affect everyone's vacation not just OP.
 
ECV May be the way to go. I’m looking at Buena vista rentals
Sorry to hear about the issues you are dealing with, Tina. Hoping all works out well.

I have used an ECV for past several trips to WDW. Could not have done the trips without. I have always rented from Buena Vista, always a great experience.

If you do use them, here is a 10% discount from Deb over on Allears. Hope all goes well for you. :hug:'s


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I'd send the rest of the family and stay home to relax and recover. Disney is pretty much literally the last place I'd want to be with 2 bad legs, it sounds absolutely miserable and it will affect everyone's vacation not just OP.

Very true! I will say, however, we were slooooowwwwwwing way down for the 2.5 year old, so it’s not like a trip where we have 3 healthy adults zipping thru the parks and now they have to wait on the slow grandma in the scooter.

Besides, I can stay with DGD after supper and DH and DD can go back out to watch fireworks, etc. I’m at peace with the idea of a VERY different trip and will enjoy just seeing things from our granddaughter’s perspective when I can.

As far as my comfort and healing, I don’t think the trip will set me back. Compared to the same surgery on my other knee 5 years ago, this knee is healing remarkably well! Of course, I mostly lay around with ice on it cuz the other leg is broken, but still...!

Sorry to hear about the issues you are dealing with, Tina. Hoping all works out well.

I have used an ECV for past several trips to WDW. Could not have done the trips without. I have always rented from Buena Vista, always a great experience.

Thank you! I’ve been fretting about the scooter. We don’t get to OKW until about 7:30 pm so I’m worried about the room, the scooter, grocery delivery, luggage delivery, etc. o_O

And thanks for the promo code!:thanks:
 
I just wanted to say a last:thanks: for all the help. I’ve started a PTR/TR with the hope that all the info you’ve shared plus info from the wonderful folks over on the DISabilities boards can be put in one place and maybe help someone in a similar predicament. :flower:
 
Your ice machine should be allowed as medical equipment on the plane. You can call TSA cares to double check though. I know when my parents fly my mom's cpap machine goes along as medical equipment (she is restricted on how much saline she can carry on with her and the rest she either arranges to get where they are going or packs it in double zip lock bags in her checked luggage. She is able to take enough for one usage in case her luggage gets lost. They actually put half of the amount needed in my dad's luggage). She is still able to take a carry on and her personal item on the plane. Her machine goes in a special closet at the front and they get it from the flight attendant when they get off. They do end up being one of the last ones off which doesn't bother my parents most of the time as they are not having to be bumped by people in the aisle. (The only time it is a bother to them is if they know their flight is late and they have an already tight connection and even then they have a oh well call the kids tell them that we missed the flight into home airport and then either try and get a later flight that day or get a motel room and a flight the next day). The primary airline that they use is really good about asking people who do not have a connection to please remain seated until those with connections have gotten off if the flight when the flight is landing more than a certain time after the time scheduled. Due to their ages and health they are met by the wheel chair escort to get them from gate to gate (unless my sister flies with them in which case she is their pack mule. Sister can pack enough stuff for 3-5 days in a small duffle bag that goes over one shoulder and rests on the opposite hip. My dad's carry on is a daypack and his personal item is always a jacket of some sort. My mom takes a wheeled case and her personal item is her purse. Sister puts on the backpack puts her bag over and then pushes mom holding her cpap machine and her purse in a wheel chair while dad pulls the wheeled case. If just the 2 of them mom is pushed by an airport attendant and dad puts on the backpack). One time they were late landing for their connection that was one of the last flights in (some how their flight was over 3 hours late leaving their original airport due to mechanical issues so what should have been a longer layover was under 30 minutes. Luckily the gate they needed was the one they got off at instead of possibly being clear across a big airport.


You can always enjoy the shows and rides that you can take a chair right on though you may need to transfer. I went with a child in a stroller as a wheel chair and we were able to walk right onto the Riverboat though I did have to take her through the exit while the rest of our party of 12 total went through the regular way. (They were first in line so would end up on the lower level with me for the ride. I was able to fine a nice box on the boat to sit on (A nice Cast Member told me to feel free to take a seat and even helped maneuver my daughter right next to me I just held on with one hand and my DH held onto the other side while our older child stood along the rail with cousins under the watchful eyes of the other adults in our party).

Of course without a doubt ask your medical provider if it is safe for you to fly in your condition. If not there are a couple of choices you have one is send the family and you stay home and relax, two is to see about at least some of you taking off a day or two early and driving it taking breaks when you need them. I would not drive more than 5-600 miles a day and take plenty of breaks to get out and move around. I would plan to stop no later than 4 PM each day and not get going until 8 or 9.
 

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