Originally Posted By Silly old Bear As luck has it, I may end up having knee surgery six days before our trip to DL. Recovery time is supposed to be quick but I'm not sure it will be THAT quick. My wonderful husband is not very thrilled about the thought that he might have to push me around in a wheelchair with all the crowds, but that is a possibility. Does anyone know if I need to bring a doctor's note to rent a wheelchair? Do we get on the lines via the exit or will I wait through the regular line (ouch!) Hopefully I can change the surgery date, but I want to be prepared with the info just in case. Thanks
Originally Posted By dsnyredhead Unless things have changed...you don't need a doctor's note to rent a wheelchair. Whether you wait at the exit or go through the lines depends on the attraction.
Originally Posted By 8 ilovemickey 8 We recently took my 80 year old grandma to Disneyland and by the last day she needed a wheelchair. You don't need a note or anything; however, the ECV sell out quickly and the wheelchairs sell out by the afternoon usually. You pay for a wheel chair for the whole day so say you leave the park or go to DCA you simply show them the slip and they give you another one...if they are available. I thought it would be difficult to push the wheel chair around in the heavy Easter crows; however, it really wasn't all that bad. And using the exit for some rides was a park. However, you only get 6 people per wheel chair. And I even think 6 is a little much. Here is the website to give a little more information and the specifics for each ride... <a href="http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/help/gsDetail?name=MobilityDisabilityGSDetailPage" target="_blank">http://disneyland.disney.go.co m/disneyland/en_US/help/gsDetail?name=MobilityDisabilityGSDetailPage</a>
Originally Posted By tapdancemom Is it arthroscopic surgery. I've had three. Believe me you'll need that wheelchair. Not trying to sound discouraging but you'll be much happier in those lines sitting down.
Originally Posted By Silly old Bear Thanks for the website link. Yep, it is arthroscopic. I'm wondering which would be worse...waiting until after DL to have the surgery OR having it done a few days beforehand and taking the risk that I might not be able to ride every ride because of limited range of motion. Even the plane ride at this point is sounding miserable.
Originally Posted By Disneyma My friend had knee surgery a couple years ago. She had to use a wheelchair and she had trouble getting in and out of certain rides (she had to wear a brace) Hope you heal fast!!
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 DH had the surgery and IMHO you might consider rescheduling your trip. Another thing to take into consideration is the meds you will be given during the surgery. It takes me a few days to get that stuff out of my system. You will likely be given more meds and if you feel the need to take them they may alter your "insides" if you know what I mean I sorry you have to make this decision It's a tough one. How long would you need to postpone?
Originally Posted By Lisann22 I do not think it would be wise wheelchair or not to go to DL after knee surgery. Some of the rides will be difficult to manage getting in and out of. With lots of bending and pressure needed to push off. Walking in DL after surgery would be a huge no-no in my experience too much abrupt stopping, starting and turning due to crowds. You do not realize the mass amounts of uneven surfaces and inclines in DL until you've had bum knees. LOL!
Originally Posted By 73baloo As someone who has had 4 knee surgeries, wait until after your vacation to have the surgery. I am sure even your surgeon would recommend that. Have fun. I will be there is 73 days. My youngest is running in the 1/2 marathon.
Originally Posted By Silly old Bear Thanks for all the advice. I'm calling to check with the doctor tomorrow. It hurts a lot now and last time I was at DL had a lot of pain getting in and out of the rides (especially Matterhorn) but with a lot of aleve I'm sure I can tough it out again and have surgery when we get back. If you see someone limping around in early July...wave
Originally Posted By 8 ilovemickey 8 I have had a couple of friends have knee surgery. And although I know you are in a lot of pain before the surgery I think it is better to just go through that pain. That way after you have the surgery you can have time to rest and recuperate. This will allow you to maximize the benefits of the surgery.
Originally Posted By hammertime I took my dad last June to Disneyland with a bum knee - he had surgery about 3 months later. Anyway we got him a heave duty brace and we rented a wheel chair from Allens - I think it was $50 for a week. They delivered to and picked it up from our hotel. We brought a bicycle lock from home so that if wanted to park the wheelchair with out someone walking away with it. One word of warning - We were there for the opening of Pirates and the handicap line was well over 3 hours while the regular line was maybe 45 minutes. So my dad saved his walking for standing in line for Pirates. Also we were a group of 8 and were more than happy to wait in line but usually the CM's were nice enough and let us all in the handicaped line. I think it was because we knew the rules and were willing to wait in line.
Originally Posted By 73baloo If you stay at one of the properties they will let you have one of their wheelchairs for the duration of your trip. They will also transport you to then end of DTD in one of their handicapped vans. Have used this on the last 2 trips with my Mom.
Originally Posted By mickeynewe Whatever you decide to do, I just wanted to extend my best wishes to you~ Sending lots of Disney pixie dust your way for a magical trip!
Originally Posted By ImTinkerbellsfan I had knee surgury a year ago where I had my miniscus taken out and arthitis shaved off my knee. I was on crutches for 4 days after and off the crutches after that. Depending on what you are having done, and the pain, I would either change the surgery days or the trip to Disneyland. It only took me a week to be completely off meds and crutches, but everyone is different. But, it is feezible to do the trip 6 days after surgery as long as you don't over do it.
