Last week, I went to Disney World with my family for a week. I was a bit nervous due to horror stories I had heard about traveling with RSD (many claimed that being on an airplane made the pain worse and caused swelling). Not to mention Disney World is huge! Getting around the parks was going to be a challenge.
WORRIES
1 - Walking around the airport and the resort would end up hurting my feet.
2 - That the airplane would cause me pain and I wouldn't be able to take care of it.
3 - That I would be in pain the entire week, slowing my family down.
4 - That I wouldn't be able to participate with my family in the activities at the parks and resort.
Good news!
Check-in and security at the airport were so easy! I got a wheelchair and everyone was really nice. Due to my SCS, I was unable to go through the metal detector and received a pat down instead. It was done by a female employee, whom they specifically asked for (I guess to make me feel more comfortable). She touched me with the backs of her hands, and there was never a point at which I felt uncomfortable. She explained everything to me and was very nice. I really don't get why everyone is so upset about getting pat downs. I've never had a problem. Ever. They are just doing their job. Nothing inappropriate occurred.
Anyway, like I said, the wheelchair service was great. Getting on the plane was a breeze. I was allowed to pre-board due to my disability, so I could choose a seat with more leg room that was comfortable for me. This also allowed me to be able to sit next to my sister and niece. The crew of the flight were so nice and even gave my niece a coloring book to play with during the flight.
There was no pain on the flight. Take-off and landing were great. No pressure changes that affected swelling. Nothing. I was pleasantly surprised.
When we arrived, I received wheelchair service again, all the way to the buses outside. Disney's Magical Express was a very comfortable bus, with TVs and soft seats and (THANK GOD) seat belts.
I picked up my scooter when we arrived at the Art of Animation resort. All I had to do was sign my name and show them my ID. Then they brought it out to me and I was on my way with my family. That scooter had some punch to it! It was fast! By the way, the service my mother used to reserve a scooter for the week was Best Price Mobility.
The scooter was pretty easy to maneuver and I was able to change the top speed just in case my niece wanted to mess with the handles. This prevented collisions. LOL!
The resort was unbelievably accommodating. We didn't have cell phone service in our room, so an employee showed us to 3 different rooms to see if they worked any better. Unfortunately, they didn't, but it wasn't that big of a deal so we just dealt with it. It was still a nice gesture, though.
Having that scooter proved to be the best idea! Getting onto the buses to the parks was super easy. I got to board first and the bus driver secured my scooter with hooks. Then my family and everyone else could board. No one was rude or impatient with me. It was awesome!
The parks were SO accessible. Often times, I didn't have to wait in a regular line to get on rides. I had my own entrance - the disabled entrance. That line was often very short or nonexistent. I got onto rides quickly and had minimal wait times! My family was also able to wait in the disabled line with me so we could all stay together. It was so great.
Disney went above and beyond to accommodate those with disabilities like myself. They ALWAYS boarded the rides first and were taken care of quite well. No one had to wait in long lines that would cause pain. It was so awesome! I felt so included and not like an inconvenience at all! It was like I was just like everyone else. No barriers for me whatsoever :)
The resort was equally accessible. Despite the fact that I ran into the door one night (oops), it was easy to get around. The pool was huge (it was Finding Nemo themed) and Emma (my niece) LOVED it.
Best Price Mobility was a fabulous company. I noticed later on in the week that my scooter would not charge, so I called the company while we were at Epcot. They met me the next hour IN THE PARK with another scooter for me, free of charge. It was great and so convenient! I couldn't be happier with them.
All my worries disappeared on this trip. Southwest Airlines, Best Price Mobility, and Disney took care of everything and made me very comfortable. I was so happy with how nice and accommodating they were.
So here's some advice to you: Go to Disney World! Don't feel like you're going to miss out or slow down your family. They will do just about anything to help you out. They want to make sure everyone is happy and having a good time. They take their jobs very seriously.
They have a section on their website specifically for people with disabilities. It even has disabled guides for every single park. Click here to view the webpage.
WHEELCHAIRS: Available at the parks as well as through outside approved business that deliver it right to your hotel/resort. May bring your own as well.
SCOOTERS: Available to rent at the parks (must stay in the parks) or through approved outside businesses that deliver your scooter straight to your hotel/resort! May bring your own as well.
PARK ACCESSIBILITY: 10 out of 10
WAIT TIMES: Low to non-existent, fast passes were very easy to use as well
RESORT ACCESSIBILITY: 10 out of 10
BUS ACCESSIBILITY: 10 out of 10
AIRPORT ACCESSIBILITY: 10 out of 10
CONDUCT OF STAFF: 10 out of 10, always nice, always helpful
Extra tip: Get a scooter with 3 wheels instead of 4. They have a much better turning radius!
Happy healing!
-Sammie
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
The People Who "Get It"
One of the most surprising things I experienced after being diagnosed with RSD was ridicule.
I had no idea that people really actually ARE this mean.
I thought that this stuff only happened in the movies, but unfortunately I was dead wrong.
Scenario 1:
I was on crutches, coming back to my college dorm after class. I had to pass by the pool area on the way home. As I neared the hot tub, I noticed a group of guys pointing and laughing at me. One of them shouted out, "Hey, crutch girl!"
On one hand, his comment was, at best, unoriginal. It wasn't even funny or creative. Yes, I am a girl. Yes, I am using crutches. Good eye, there, buddy.
On the other hand, no matter how stupid the comment was, it was still hurtful. It was implied that there was malice in his comment and the fact that all his buddies laughed along with him made it worse.
I just ignored the comment and continued on my way.
Scenario 2:
It had been a bad day; I was having a pain flare. It was Sunday and I had been out of town, visiting my boyfriend at his university.
I had planned to drive home that afternoon, but my RSD had other plans for me.
So I decided to rest and then drive home when I felt okay enough to do so.
My parents asked if I needed them to come pick me up, but I said no and told them my plans.
My boyfriend was beyond accommodating. He went to get me lunch, he let me watch his Netflix, he sat there and held me while I cried. He even carried me out to my car when it was time to go. Unfortunately, once I sat down in the car, it flared again.
So we went back inside.
I told my boss what was going on and that I probably wouldn't be in the office on Monday. He was very understanding and told me to keep him updated on the situation.
As it got later, my parents got angrier. My mother texted me asking why I wasn't home yet and I explained it to her.
She flipped out.
I told her that I had everything worked out with my boss but she refused to accept that answer.
An argument ensued... one where I stressed to her the value of my health over not missing a day of work.
She didn't seem to agree.
She then drove up with my father, who was also just as angry. My boyfriend continued to be amazing and make sure I was okay.
Once they arrived, James (my boyfriend) carried me outside to the car and put me in the back seat.
My dad commented on this, saying, "You shouldn't make him carry you. That's such an inconvenience. That's why you should carry your wheelchair around."
Frustrated, I barked back, "I'm a human being, not an inconvenience. He knows full well what being with me means and he has told me that he is prepared to help me whenever he can."
My dad said that I should go back to using the wheelchair, but I disagreed. I hadn't used that chair since 2011, and trust me - I did not want to go back in it.
I told him this and he started to laugh. HE STARTED TO LAUGH.
He just said, "You really don't like that, do you?"
I told him, "Of course I don't like it! What's wrong with you?! I've come so far since then. You don't understand what it's like to be in a chair. People look at you differently. Every day tasks are so much harder. You have to ask for help. I don't want that life again. I want to walk."
As much as I tried to reason with my parents, they simply did not understand.
I have to make sacrifices to make this work. I have to utilize my spoons in an effective manner.
If that means I have to take a day off of work to rest, then so be it. I try my best and that is good enough for me.
I had no idea that people really actually ARE this mean.
I thought that this stuff only happened in the movies, but unfortunately I was dead wrong.
Scenario 1:
I was on crutches, coming back to my college dorm after class. I had to pass by the pool area on the way home. As I neared the hot tub, I noticed a group of guys pointing and laughing at me. One of them shouted out, "Hey, crutch girl!"
On one hand, his comment was, at best, unoriginal. It wasn't even funny or creative. Yes, I am a girl. Yes, I am using crutches. Good eye, there, buddy.
On the other hand, no matter how stupid the comment was, it was still hurtful. It was implied that there was malice in his comment and the fact that all his buddies laughed along with him made it worse.
I just ignored the comment and continued on my way.
Scenario 2:
It had been a bad day; I was having a pain flare. It was Sunday and I had been out of town, visiting my boyfriend at his university.
I had planned to drive home that afternoon, but my RSD had other plans for me.
So I decided to rest and then drive home when I felt okay enough to do so.
My parents asked if I needed them to come pick me up, but I said no and told them my plans.
My boyfriend was beyond accommodating. He went to get me lunch, he let me watch his Netflix, he sat there and held me while I cried. He even carried me out to my car when it was time to go. Unfortunately, once I sat down in the car, it flared again.
So we went back inside.
I told my boss what was going on and that I probably wouldn't be in the office on Monday. He was very understanding and told me to keep him updated on the situation.
As it got later, my parents got angrier. My mother texted me asking why I wasn't home yet and I explained it to her.
She flipped out.
I told her that I had everything worked out with my boss but she refused to accept that answer.
An argument ensued... one where I stressed to her the value of my health over not missing a day of work.
She didn't seem to agree.
She then drove up with my father, who was also just as angry. My boyfriend continued to be amazing and make sure I was okay.
Once they arrived, James (my boyfriend) carried me outside to the car and put me in the back seat.
My dad commented on this, saying, "You shouldn't make him carry you. That's such an inconvenience. That's why you should carry your wheelchair around."
Frustrated, I barked back, "I'm a human being, not an inconvenience. He knows full well what being with me means and he has told me that he is prepared to help me whenever he can."
My dad said that I should go back to using the wheelchair, but I disagreed. I hadn't used that chair since 2011, and trust me - I did not want to go back in it.
I told him this and he started to laugh. HE STARTED TO LAUGH.
He just said, "You really don't like that, do you?"
I told him, "Of course I don't like it! What's wrong with you?! I've come so far since then. You don't understand what it's like to be in a chair. People look at you differently. Every day tasks are so much harder. You have to ask for help. I don't want that life again. I want to walk."
As much as I tried to reason with my parents, they simply did not understand.
I have to make sacrifices to make this work. I have to utilize my spoons in an effective manner.
If that means I have to take a day off of work to rest, then so be it. I try my best and that is good enough for me.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Interesting USA Today Article about Chronic Pain
USA Today - Chronic Pain
Go ahead and check it out!
It is true that physical therapy can do a lot for chronic pain sufferers... but the trick is that you do it right.
Too much exercise or the wrong type can end up being more damaging than helpful.
The best plan of action is to discuss your options with your doctor before gallivanting off to work out.
I used to be a runner myself. I loved it. Especially when it rained, you could find me outside, jogging to a friend's place or nowhere at all.
It was calming for me.
Once I started experiencing chronic pain, running was taken away from me.
I still miss it today, but I have found other ways to exercise.
I have one of these under my desk at home:
Go ahead and check it out!
It is true that physical therapy can do a lot for chronic pain sufferers... but the trick is that you do it right.
Too much exercise or the wrong type can end up being more damaging than helpful.
The best plan of action is to discuss your options with your doctor before gallivanting off to work out.
I used to be a runner myself. I loved it. Especially when it rained, you could find me outside, jogging to a friend's place or nowhere at all.
It was calming for me.
Once I started experiencing chronic pain, running was taken away from me.
I still miss it today, but I have found other ways to exercise.
I have one of these under my desk at home:
Four anti-slip rubber pads prevent sliding and protect floor. Included on all units. Safe and gentle form of low impact exercise. Stimulates circulation. Ideal for toning leg and arm muscles. Tension can be adjusted. Attractive silver vein finish. Compact for storage and transport. Comes completely assembled.
You can find these peddlers here
Low impact exercise can be a great alternative to something like running.
Since strengthening the muscles in my right leg was a priority (I have nerve pain in my right foot and tend to favor my left side), this peddler did exactly what I needed it to do.
I hope you can find something that works just as well for you!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)