Chronically Ill and Headed to WDW

I am currently very ill with chronic lyme disease. It is so bad right now that I have been mostly bedridden for the past several months. In August we will be going to WDW with my whole family. I have gone in my wheelchair before and know how to get around the world in that regards but due to the treatment I am on I am worse before I get better. It is a lot like Chemo. Anyways, any tips for doing the World while ill? WDW is my favorite place in the world and I can't wait to go but have no idea how I am going to do it so ill. I have no idea if I made sense with this post, part of my illness causes brain fog and stuff so I can't always get out what I want to say. I want to make sure I canmake this trip special for my 4 children who have been through a lot since I have been sick.

While we have several members with medical backgrounds here, check also over at

All Ears-they have some real good info

PassPorters threads have a special thread that is also very detailed.
I believe they also have a book or a section of which that goes into
various details.

Hope you are starting to feel a bit stronger by your trip. :mickeykid

Although, unfortunately, I have no tips or info for you...

All the prayers and pixie dust the world can spare to you and your family, so that you feel much better for a GREAT trip, and for many years beyond that! :D

Thank you very much!

Casey...

Praying that your lyme disease goes into remission quickly and definitely before you go on your trip in Aug.

I mentioned the Passporter's book in the other thread you started and since somebody mentioned AllEars.net as a good resource in this thread , I just wanted to let you know that Deb Willis ...who runs AllEars is one of the authors of the guide book :D

Again if you have any other questions please dont hesitate to ask!

TTFN :mickeykid:

Thank you all so much! You all are so kind! Disney magic is everywhere!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ahrdlick

DON'T GO IF YOU'RE SICK! Simple as that

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Wow, aren't you a ray of sunshine! You don't need to be so rude. I hope you realize this thread was started a year ago, right?

Deliberate, I suspect

I have a feeling Disney makes people feel better. Why else would MAW/GKTW/ect kids choose to go to Disney for their wish

Quote:

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Originally Posted by joanna71985

I have a feeling Disney makes people feel better. Why else would MAW/GKTW/ect kids choose to go to Disney for their wish

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I think you're right. I've posted before that my wife suffers from Ankylosing Spondilitus and the 16 hour drive is a nightmare for her but she says getting to the park makes it all worth it. The long park days aren't any better on her but she refuses to not go. We'll see how she feels on our trip in July!

I have seen Disney Magic really help individuals living with chronic illnesses/disabilities blossom in ways not ever imagined by their loved ones.

As a former Make A Wish volunteer, I have witnessed first hand the way the magic of a wish (esp a Disney wish) has helped those children and families have a will to press on in life.

For me personally WDW has always been a place for me to get a way from the reality of life as a child living with undiagnosed ADHD (I recieved my diagnosis when I was 33) and as an adult it is still a place where I can get away and let my inner child "Fred" out to play 8(:-D (even when I am not visiting the parks) 8(:-P

If you are experiencing neuroborreliosis or other neuro complications from the chronic nature of your particular case the biggest issue will likely be fatigue (as I am sure you well know by now). The aggravating factor on your trip will be the heat and possibly also some peripheral issues from being in a chair for so long. That being said I'd think the key would be lots of water, perhaps mixed with 25-50% electrolyte drink (gatorade, etc), and occasionally getting up and walking, even short distances if able.

Of course talk to your doctor about everything before taking my advice, as I am confident you will. Also keep in mind that there are first aid stations in each park staffed with nurses, medications, etc. When in doubt, don't try to be a hero, flag down a CM and Reedy Creek Emergency Services will be happy to help, they have MARC (medical assistance rescue units) in the parks that are there for the immediate needs of guests.

Lastly, depending on your constitution and luck, if you are having any food sensitivities second to your treatment regiment, keep in mind that on property restaurants are good about having information available as to exactly what is in the food, and make accommodations where possible.

Oh, one more - if in a line (or waiting for the kids) you can always ask a CM to help find you a place to wait that is in the shade, less crowded etc. If waiting for an attraction they can help accommodate you by allowing you to wait in line without actually being in line. Be sure to ask though, even if a shady, secluded area isn't immediately visible, they will try and find some way to help. Let the CM's know the nature of your restrictions at guest services when entering the park, and they can help accommodate you further.

Most of all, feel better and have fun.