Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: So, ducklings, how would you all deal with being told--by your doctor--that you could never again ride a roller coaster or any OTHER type of thrill ride that might cause further injury to an existing back problem you had? This is exactly what was told to one of our best friends, earlier this week. ORWEN: We feel so sorry for him, too, because he just LOVES roller coasters and thrill rides in general. He's only 35 years old and a part time cast member. ORDDU: But 80% of his vertabrea have herniated discs. He hasn't been sleeping well for quite a while and also has spasms. ORWEN: He told us the last time he recently rode Expedition Everest, he was injured a bit, due to the sudden backwards motion. And he had even ridden this coaster several times before and knew what to expect. It just goes to show some people aren't cut out for thrill rides no matter how much they like doing them. ORDDU: We just hope our friend will be able to enjoy the less thrilling rides at the Disney theme parks from now on. ORGOCH: Got Trickey's Philhartragic?
Originally Posted By Mrs ElderP It was bad enough going through a pregnancy with a temporary no-no. I would hate to have a fovever no-no!!
Originally Posted By lilgoofymom I feel very sorry for your friend because I am in the same boat as he is. Heart Problems instead of back. It really is a big bummer to have That reality hit you. That is the major reason I don't go to places like Six Flags and Carowinds anymore. Nothing but coasters at those places. We will always have our Haunted Mansion & Pirates of the Caribbean though. : )
Originally Posted By danyoung I'd think that of all of the bad things to happen to you in life, not being able to ride roller coasters has gotta be pretty far down the list. And as lilgoofymom pointed out, there are many many Disney attractions that aren't thrill rides, so he can continue to visit and ride and enjoy in moderation.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: Unfortunately, our friend doesn't enjoy dark rides or much else that isn't a thrill ride. So, for him, going to just about ANY theme park has lost it's meaning for him. ORWEN: He had to cancel his plans to go with us to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween for this very reason. He's still going to be with us at Christmas time to watch the Christmas parade, but that's all he has planned with us now. We used to go to the parks with him all the time but now it's most likely he won't go and we can't blame him.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: By the way, lilgoofymom, duckling, we meant to tell you how sorry we are that you're in a similar situation. I'm wondering if people like you and our friend might benefit from wearing one of those virtual reality helments that have have simulated roller coaster experiences programmed into them. ORWEN: That sounds like MAGIC!! I wonder what kind of spell somebody conjured up for that!! ORGOCH: Got technology?
Originally Posted By lilgoofymom Thank you. I have had a few years to get used to it now. I can live my life pretty normal. Just not strenous things like heavy exercise and thrill rides. Those are no-nos now. My problems started in my early 30's so I know how your friend feels. I was in no way ready to give up my rides at that age, but I knew I would have to give them up eventually. I don't see many older people on coasters. Maybe he feels like Dark rides are for "old" folks and kids. I always loved my dark rides too, though. Living as pain free as possible is the main goal, hopefully your friend can become happier as he learns to do that. I do feel sorry for him though. That helment sounds pretty cool.
Originally Posted By kennect Now lil, I like you have heart trouble but I have never been a major thrill seeker so those major coasters were never on my list of things to do...But when I do visit Disney I stop and pause for a moment when considering certain attractions...But I have found myself riding a few things that I probably really shouldn't...And I am not talking MS or RNRC...We have never done upside loop things...I have done Tower numerous times, I don't know why but I have...For me personally I feel my heart condition is very closely related to how stressed I am at the time and moment...I know it sounds weird and I have no clue as to what your condition is...But what I have found is if I am feeling good, calm and relaxed at the moment then I can go for such as Tower...If I am tense whatsoever I won't go close to it...Weird yes but my system just seems to change constantly throughout a normal day in regards to stress, etc...Some days I feel great and other I feel like hell...Best part is the fact that I simply have always loved the idea of just soaking in the atmosphere of a Disney park visit...So if I miss something this time I know it will be there the next time I visit...Weirder is my partner has terrible back problems and yet he will get on any coaster you throw at him even though he knows he shouldn't...Yet, he to date has always survived....I am the real dullard in this partnership...I spend a lot of time waiting around while he is having a good time...Then again, he has some great long term disability insurance...So I am not too worried if he isn't!
Originally Posted By jkayjs >>ORDDU: So, ducklings, how would you all deal with being told--by your doctor--that you could never again ride a roller coaster or any OTHER type of thrill ride that might cause further injury to an existing back problem you had? This is exactly what was told to one of our best friends, earlier this week.<< The best thing you can do is wait. Your friend is most likely going through the stages of grief. I know it sounds silly but believe me it's true on some level. I see this all the time esp with folks that have to quit smoking. Perhaps later after he's worked it out he will decide that the company of you 3 lovely ladies is more important than the rides. Not to be too serious but the "most" important thing is to help him stay on track. Often once a person feels better they think it's OK just this once. It's not! The VR helmet sounds fun for him as his limitations are purely exacerbated by movement. As for those with coronary issues not so much. That sort of technology can and is intended to give you an adrenaline rush, the bodies reaction to this directly affects the cardiovascular system. Sad but true. Anyway what great friends you 3 gentle women are to worry so for a friend.
Originally Posted By digby7 I am so sorry to hear about your friend's problem. I'm not much of a roller coaster rider, but the rest of the family are and they would be bummed to the max. Jkayjs is right though, help him stay on track and who knows, the body is an incredible machine.
Originally Posted By lilgoofymom I like your attitude kennect.I think you have a grip on what is right for your body. I don't follow the signs as closely as I should, either. I Will ride Tower of Terror, & rode Everest last time I was there (2006). This was before my latest bought with Heart trouble. I stay away from rides that will make me "tense" Like you I go by my feelings. If I feel like the ride is a No-No, I stay away. I have neck problems too and will not ride Rocking Rollercoaster (as cool as it is)because it is so rough on my neck. My latest visits to a theme park I have stayed away from all thrill rides. Mostly because my surgery to install the P/D had only been a few months back. (Oct 07) & I was afraid the "wires" were not settled into place. I did not want more surgery, nor more debt from more surgery to fix the wires, due my rush to have fun. I have Congestive Heart Failure aggravated by Arrhythmia. The Arrhythmia is being controlled with the Pacemaker/Defibulator (I think, I go back to the Doctor soon) OOO your partner better be careful if he is ON the Disabliity insurabnce. I don't know if they are watching or not but they may would hold riding coasters against him. He is blessed to be able to ride them. I pray these ride don't aggrivate his back.
Originally Posted By lilgoofymom I promise I did use Spell check. I just forgot to hit it one more time. Of course it is supposed to say "disability insurance" I'm sorry about that.
Originally Posted By nats 31 That is the reason I keep on saying (SLOW DOWN ON MAKING THRILL RIDES AND GO BACK TO THE BEINNING WHERE SPACE MOUNTAIN AND BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN WERE THE ONLY THRILL RIDES.) I have been going to the world since 1974 and every ride and attractiion was created for everyone. At that time the place was clean, lights were all lit and we could even smoke wherever we wanted too. Even Walt Disney was seen with a cigarette ALAS HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED.
Originally Posted By lilgoofymom agreed nats31. My brother and my DD hate most thrill rides. DD is nothing like her mom. : ) That is what we love so much about WDW. So many rides we can enjoy together. ( However, we still mourn World of Motion & Horizons). DB likes Everest and Big Thunder Mountain. I cannot figure out why everything has to be changed to a thrill ride. Just build a few new rides and keep the ones they have in top shape. That has kept us coming back since '72. All of us are someday get that No thrill ride message someday. Due to health or age.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: All of these responses have meant a great deal to us, ducklings, and we want to make sure you all realize it. ORWEN: And you don't sound at all silly, jkayjs, you sweet thing! I think a lot of folks go through private grieving when they have to give up something they love. But they're afraid to tell anybody because--like you said--they don't want to be called 'silly'. ORDDU: We actually met up with our friend just today, 8/31/08, at the Prime Time Cafe, where he works as a part time waiter. When he got off duty he joined us outside the park at Down Town Disney and actually seemed to be in good spirits, despite what he had told us earlier this week. ORWEN: He DID say he thinks he can still ride the Tower of Terror because it's not something that would involve twisting or turning his neck. But I'm not a witch doctor, so I can't be sure about that. Could just be wishful thinking on his part. ORDDU: So sorry to hear about your heart condition, Kennect, dear. You're certainly braver than any witch in this coven because not a single one of us has dared do the Tower of Terror yet. I seriously doubt we ever will, either. ORWEN: Hugs to all! ORGOCH: Got a Doctor's note ta ride that thing?
Originally Posted By lilgoofymom I agree that he may be grieving privately. I admit to having a good cry about not being able to ride my roller coasters anymore. Or try the newer coasters like Batman. Just the thought of it. I was watching one of those shows about the top ten coasters and it hit me that I would probably never get to try those. Being a woman, I can admit to having a good cry about it. He may feel as a man he is not allowed those feelings. Give him time. I am glad he was in better spirits today. Maybe some of the shock is wearing off for him. At least I hope so.
Originally Posted By kennect Witches and Lil, Words and questions for both... First, Witches, you three have never done Tower? That I don't believe...Can I assume you have done RNRC? My first ride on Tower was completely a mistake that should have never happened...Plus it really is a fun story regarding how certain CM's at WDW still go way beyond what they are required to do... Second, Lil, Everest is one ride I probably will never do...The whole backwards spiral bit and not knowing exactly what to expect does stress me out putting me into a situation I am not willing to risk...Basic stress is a major factor with me as I have said above...I doubt Everest would kill me but it isn't worth giving it a second thought...And this is so great to learn, I also have congestive heart failure...They can't figure out why since I don't show any of the typical physical symtoms that most people do...My question for you...By any chance do you find yourself sleeping more or wanting to sleep more than normal?
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORWEN: No, we really haven't ever done the Tower of Terror. We don't like elevators, because of that awful claustrophobic feeling that comes with getting inside a metal box like that, which we're always afraid will get stuck. We also don't do any roller coasters that are any more thrilling than Space Mountain.
Originally Posted By lilgoofymom kennect, when I rode Everest I was under the impression that I was a former heart patient. Longer story than I'll hijack the thread with. I'll send you an e-mail, ok? To answer your question, Sometimes, yeah I feel like all I want to do is sleep. Especially when i have been under a lot of stress. Or Extremely busy.
