Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I’m hoping to be able to do a combination of being pushed, self propelling and walking while pushing the empty chair.
I know I’m late to the game here, but I just want to say that after reading through replies here & considering my own experience- pushing it hard at Disney can (sadly) be a quick way into a rough flare-up, or potentially even progressing your disease. Please realize how hugely different it is from normal life and allow yourself to be taken care of properly.
Disney is a big part of how I was finally diagnosed! I took 4 trips in 4 months. The first trip I power-walked, carrying a small backpack (like I always did). After getting home, I started having new pain & problems, so I went to PT. The next trip I walked just a touch slower (still faster than most park guests), carried nothing, began using pain med’s daily (just to get through the trip), and started having horrible flares (without knowing what the heck was going on!). The third trip was excruciating. Some days, nothing worked & I couldn’t even sleep due to full-body inflammation. Before the fourth trip, I was finally diagnosed with RA (& lots of other things!)! I rented a motorized wheelchair (bc my husband insisted) and I’m so thankful that I did!! Rolling over bumps was problematic & I still needed medication to enjoy it, but I
could actually enjoy it!!!
I wholeheartedly believe I should push myself to do all that I can do, but I also know that Disney is a different beast & I respect it. It’s just not worth it to me if it can make my disease progress.
I will do all that I can do at home. I will enjoy Disney. I will still get up and walk around in the parks when possible, but I will not let myself push it too far (literally or figuratively). It took me awhile after the diagnosis to figure out how much “muscling through” I can do, and what the repercussions might be if I don’t listen to my body... I still get surprised at times, but much less often (& they’re not as bad either
).
I have since purchased my own chair - a Fold & Go Magshock (I had a lot of specific requirements for a chair that would work for all my needs ...& with a little modification, it’s pretty near perfect for me!). I certainly don’t need it all the time, but I do need it for more than just traveling at this point. Hopefully after a few surgeries, I won’t need it anymore!
I use my Fold and Go, which has the maneuverability of a manual, in addition to the convenience of having power of a scooter. (Warning, once you try this, you’ll never wanna go back to a manual wheelchair ever again.)
1,000 times, yes!!!
It is the best! (
& btw- it can get wet without issue- so no draping ponchos ️).