What to do at WDW with a bad back?

[Joshrzmeup]

My dad has a chronic bad back, to where he can hardly walk, bend or stand for a short time without pain. But we all really want to go back to WDW and this seems to be the only thing stopping him.
I have already suggested parks for awhile and then going back to the hotel for a few hours to rest and then coming back, sitting frequently (as much as we can). Rides don't bother it, etc. I even suggested mid-september, as it won't be too crowded, less wait times and we can take it easy.

What else can we do? He won't do a wheelchair (since he technically can walk, plus he's a tall guy) and I know that it's not severe enough (in my opinion) to try to get a GAC.

Any suggestions?

 

[ShookieJones]

Im not a doctor, but i play one on tv-- my perscriotion? get some sweet happy pills and a back brace.

 

[Susan Savia]

Rent a ECV for him to get around on. My husband uses one and I sometimes can't keep up with him in the parks!

 

[Joshrzmeup]

He refuses an ECV and he's done the 'back brace and happy pills'...or tried. Wore the brace once and he says the pills don't help. He's had injections done, PT, etc.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Doesnt sound like theres much of an answer for us to give. He just has to take it easy enough so he doesnt aggravate it to the point of ruining his or your time. He knows his limits and shouldnt push it. Theres always the hot tubs to relax in, massages available... bring a heating pad for using in the room... or those warming pads you apply to your back.

 

[lovepooh]

I have a very bad back, three back surgeries and arthritis in my spine and knee's. Disney is my favorite happy place. I rent a ECV. It is really the only thing that makes sense. I have a great time and I keep my pain in check.
I don't do 10 hrs. straight or anything like that. I hit the park in the morning. and go back to hotel for a few hours where I can lay down and stretch because sitting or standing too long its really bad on someone with a bad back.
then head back to the parks late afternoon early evening with our ECV.. that for me is the best way to enjoy my vacation.

 

[Spikerdink]

What does his doctor say? What is the cause of the back pain - is it due to movement, is it musculature, skeletal?

Ask his doctor for advice on what your father can do.

As I see it you have a few options presently -

1 - Rest frequently including trips back to the resort as necessary
2 - Rent an ECV for comfort and use it when he needs it
3 - Use a wheelchair and use it when needed
4 - Suffer

After seeing the doctor, and reviewing the options, ask your father to choose one of the options. If he chooses that he would rather stay home and do nothing than enjoying a trip with his family and trying ways to mitigate the pain, then you have a different issue on your hands.

 

[luv]

Honestly, I would suggest that if he won't use and ECV that he just not go. He will probably be miserable and there is just no point in putting someone through all that.

Disney if fun for people who aren't in pain, but it's almost torturous if you aren't up to it.

I know you want him along and I'm sure he'd love to go, if it didn't hurt so much. But if he balks, don't force him to endure pain, which I'm sure you wouldn't.

At this point in my life, I can only go to the parks for a short amount of time. My nephew was whining that I need to go with them because his mom sucks (she does not, of course, lol) and it's no fun when I don't go with them, but...I just can't. And I feel very badly about it. I always love going with them and I want to...but, right now, I just cannot.

I get kids wanting it. They are self-centered, plus we down-play our pain for kids. But as adults we need to respect other people's limits and try to make missing out as easy for them as we can. IMO.

 

[danpam1024]

If HE is not willing to do whatever it takes (ECV sounds like it would be the best option) then he doesn't really want to go. If I had chronic back pain that was alleviated by sitting- even though I COULD still walk, you could bet your last dollar my butt would be sitting in a wheelchair- DS could push after all, I spent all those years pushing him around in his stroller

 

[Violet]

Would he be ok with relaxing at the resort while you guys go off to the parks?
Are you ok with spending less time at the parks and maybe spending more time at the resort to balance things out a bit and make sure you spend time with him too?
How about making sure you do one fun dining experience together a day...I find those are just as "Disney" for me as the parks.

I think it's really up to him in the end, obviously, but you need to be honest with yourself and him about the kind of Disney trip you are willing to have as well.

 

[WDW 3]

On our last trip my back was a little twitchy and had me worried. Rode Space Mountain once and thought I'd better not anymore but I swear that the drops on ToT cured me After that it wasn't the least bit achey.

 

[polymissy]

Many people don't really want to use an ECV,but it is rare that someone actually regrets having one if they rent one. If he has trouble with standing for long periods of time and are concerned with ride rates, you can check with Guest Relations about a Guest Assistance Card(GAC). This will enable your group to move to the front of the line without much of a wait and might give him some relief from excessive standing. And of course, definitely consult his doctor to see what suggestions they might have.