Disney with fibromyalgia

[rufio]

So I'm getting a little worried about my mom. We're going in December for 7 days (with a possible day at UNI) and she has fibromyalgia. She gets tired very easily and changes in her routine can really throw her off her game. Some days she's exhausted when she wakes up and in pain all day. I mean, she takes vicodin and flexeril every day of her life and either of those would knock me completely out. She hasn't planned on renting a scooter (she'll be 54 and she's never used one before for anything). She's done a tour of DC (but I'm thinking that was part bus tour) and she went to The Holy Land Experience last year and was okay, but that one was only a day.

I have two to three hour long breaks planned in the middle of each day and days going from 9/10am until 9/10pm. I anticipate staying after she goes back to the room because I know she won't be able to hang that long. Each day we have 1-2 table service meals each day and shows planned (Nemo, BatB, CP, etc) just about every day, so at least part of our time will be spent sitting. Anyone have any experience with this situation? Should she just rent a scooter? Opinions?

 

[rob0519]

Sometimes it's difficult for people to admit they need assistance in getting around places as big as WDW. It's not easy to think of one's self as losing control of something we take for granted like walking. Perhpas she would consider a rented wheel chair instead of a scooter?

My wife needed knee replacement surgery (co-incidentally, she also has Fibromyalgia, but is not on your mother's medication regimen) for several years, which she kept putting off. At the parks she could barely walk, but refused both a scooter and a wheelchair; partly out of vanity and partly because our son is in a wheelchair and that would make two people in the group fairly immobile. Her frequent stopping and complaining made parts of our last two visits very tense and at times argumentative. Finally, I flat out insisted she accept the wheel chair. It wasn't easy on her ego, but it did manage to let her actually enjoy the parks for the rest of the visit.

Don't worry about being "that person / family" getting on the bus. Do what is best for your mother and family. Just be courteous in getting on and off the bus and everything will be fine. Enjoy your trip.

 

[tor29c]

I've been dealing with lupus for over 30 years (I'm the same age as your mom) so I totally understand your mom's limitations. I suggest holding off on the scooter but make sure she has a walker (see photo) or a cane for support. She'll know when to slow down or stop entirely. My family knows I have to be in bed by 7:00 due to the pain but that doesn't mean they have to stop too. I also brought earplugs so when everyone returned at night I could sleep through whatever noise they created. I did incredibly well using a cane, taking little breaks by sitting to watch shows throughout the day and sitting down for meals. December shouldn't be overly warm so I don't think you have to worry about the heat exasperating her condition. You've planned well; I think your mom will be able to keep up. Have fun!

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

I completely understand how your Mom feels. Although I don't have fibromyalgia, I do have a compressed disc in my back and suffer from bouts of sciatica problems. This past November, I had to finally give in, and we actually rented a wheel chair from our resort. Admitting I needed this was a super blow to my self esteem, believe me. After day 3 of 10 days, I decided to give in however. I did, get up and actually push this darn thing, holding bags and my purse LOL. (Hey, I gave it a heck of a good try!) In my case, sitting for long periods of time made me stiffen up some. I agree with @tor29c excellent advice there. Maybe your first day, rent a wheel chair, see how she does with that? My heart goes out to her, I know how she feels. Best of luck!

 

[smk]

My husband is just plain miserable with a bad back on some days and being with him at the parks, knowing he is in pain is miserable for me. We went last year, he should have rented a chair or EVC but out of pride did not. I finally got him to talk to somebody who rents an EVC at the resort, the guy was kind enough to let my husband take it for a spin to get a feel for it and it sold him on renting one in the future.