Advice needed: Back problems right before trip

[CeeCee101]

DH has had back problems since Vietnam. He’s cured for the most part now (long story) but I know as a spouse exactly how awful this is especially right before a trip. In addition to all the other things people have mentioned, do you have a back brace? Those have been a lifesaver for him through the years. He could walk but he could NOT stand, still has trouble with standing. Get the scooter. Maybe Try a back brace for the short term, but I also agree with everyone’s assessment of going to urgent care and have them diagnose you and make recommendations

 

[AnnaS]

My DH and I both have back issues. His are worse - he is always at the chiropractor. Long story for him. Surgery and the spinal shots have been suggested but not a candidate.

My back goes out here and there. The slightest movement might trigger it.

Everyone has made great suggestions. I have had it really, really bad twice that I ended up buying a new mattress. I was willing to try anything. I don't think this always works unless one has a really bad/cheap mattress to begin with.

The other time it was really bad we were driving down to Disney). My back went out. I could not get out of the car, any seat for that matter. I could barely move. I could not brush my teeth - had to do a split to try not to get water all over me. I am sure everyone has been through it.

We use the Lidocaine (prescription) patches (they don't always help) at home and always have them with us. We did forget them on this trip. We took a ride to the nearest drugstore and bought patches and Aleve. First time using Aleve. It helped me a lot.

Flex/move around/warm up your legs before before getting out of bed each morning. I am sure you must know the proper way to get out of bed since you have back issues. Not something we always do but should.

It's hard when we are not feeling well go go on a trip. Last month, we spent the majority of the time at the resort/pool & Epcot World Showcase - I was (still am) nursing a broken foot, ankle and torn ligaments.

When my back goes out, it can last a day or two or more than a week.

Urgent Care, brace, patches, some sort of pain killer , Voltaren gel, and maybe try a scooter. Good luck, feel well soon. Let us know how you make out.

 

[coup2516]

Thank you everyone for all of the advice and empathy.

Update: I’ve gone to the chiropractor every day this week. It feels better immediately after the adjustment, but it reverts back as soon as I get home. I was able to get in with my PCP, got trigger point injections (pretty sure this is stemming from piriformis syndrome), and am on steroids and muscle relaxers right now. Icing it repeatedly throughout the day, as well as using Voltaren and BioFreeze. Unfortunately, this seems to be a pretty bad case, and I’m still in a lot of pain, so it’s looking like the scooter for me. I’m irrationally upset about it, but at the end of the day, I’ll still be in Disney, so it’ll be okay

 

[Straulin]

Thank you everyone for all of the advice and empathy.

Update: I’ve gone to the chiropractor every day this week. It feels better immediately after the adjustment, but it reverts back as soon as I get home. I was able to get in with my PCP, got trigger point injections (pretty sure this is stemming from piriformis syndrome), and am on steroids and muscle relaxers right now. Icing it repeatedly throughout the day, as well as using Voltaren and BioFreeze. Unfortunately, this seems to be a pretty bad case, and I’m still in a lot of pain, so it’s looking like the scooter for me. I’m irrationally upset about it, but at the end of the day, I’ll still be in Disney, so it’ll be okay

As annoying as the scooter may be, you don't want to be in horrible pain at the parks. If you can't reschedule, do what you can to make it enjoyable. If you get there and don't need it, it is better to waste the price of the scooter rental than to waste the price of your vacation by being in too much pain to participate or enjoy it. Also as a bonus, at the end of the day you probably will not be as tired as you normally are walking the parks.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

We just got back from Disney. My DH has severe back problems. He is seeing a specialist right now and is awaiting results from an MRI. He was pretty miserable at Disney, but he made it. We wish we had rented a scooter at least for the ability to be able to sit while waiting for fireworks. He was sitting on one of the walls around the castle to finish a snack and was told to move. I asked where he could sit while he waited and was told there was one bench but it was probably already taken so he could sit on the curb. I told them that was impossible. The CM just shrugged. I feel that Disney should be more accessible to older visitors or visitors in general who just need to sit at times due to physical limitations. This is our last trip to Disney for a long time. This issue was just one of many reasons why though.

OP, I would definitely recommend the scooter. I think it will be a life-saver for you! Hope you have a great trip!

ETA: A few years ago I had looked into taking a fold up stool into the parks for DH to sit while waiting for fireworks and CP but was told those aren’t allowed. Another example of Disney making it too hard for some to visit.

 

[CeeCee101]

Also OP, please also think through EVERY ride before you get on it Lest things get worse. you can make this more a stop and smell the roses trip with your scooter. Do NOT risk making it worse by trying to power through rough rides. Been there, done that with DH. Next week is our first time in 13 years and both have some lingering issues—we’ll definitely be skipping certain rides. Good luck.

 

[CarolynFH]

A few years ago I had looked into taking a fold up stool into the parks for DH to sit while waiting for fireworks and CP but was told those aren’t allowed.

Rollators are allowed now, and they can have the attached seat. I noticed several guests with them when there in June.

 

[coup2516]

Also OP, please also think through EVERY ride before you get on it Lest things get worse. you can make this more a stop and smell the roses trip with your scooter. Do NOT risk making it worse by trying to power through rough rides. Been there, done that with DH. Next week is our first time in 13 years and both have some lingering issues—we’ll definitely be skipping certain rides. Good luck.

Definitely opting for the gentler rides this time around! No Space Mountain or Rock n Roller Coaster for me!

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

Rollators are allowed now, and they can have the attached seat. I noticed several guests with them when there in June.

Makes no sense that rollators are allowed but a tripod stool isn't. The stool takes up much less space.

 

[CarolynFH]

Makes no sense that rollators are allowed but a tripod stool isn't. The stool takes up much less space.

I don’t know why, unless it’s because the person uses it as a mobility device when walking, not just as a seat.

 

[Sammie]

Thanks so much! I have been wondering if my mattress is the culprit. I’m like you - my back goes out once or twice a year - too much if you ask me! I just don’t know where to start with finding the right mattress for me!

how long have you had your current one? I had the same pain and only therapy got me back to walking without pain. I did water therapy every day for weeks and was able to manage Disney with daily exercises in the pool, a scooter and muscle relaxers at night.

 

[coup2516]

how long have you had your current one? I had the same pain and only therapy got me back to walking without pain. I did water therapy every day for weeks and was able to manage Disney with daily exercises in the pool, a scooter and muscle relaxers at night.

Only about 2 years. It’s one of the “better” mattress in a box brands, and I’m wondering if I just need to go back to a traditional spring mattress. The scooter is definitely in my future. I’m not looking forward to it, but there’s not much I can do about it at this point.

 

[crisi]

Thank you everyone for all of the advice and empathy.

Update: I’ve gone to the chiropractor every day this week. It feels better immediately after the adjustment, but it reverts back as soon as I get home. I was able to get in with my PCP, got trigger point injections (pretty sure this is stemming from piriformis syndrome), and am on steroids and muscle relaxers right now. Icing it repeatedly throughout the day, as well as using Voltaren and BioFreeze. Unfortunately, this seems to be a pretty bad case, and I’m still in a lot of pain, so it’s looking like the scooter for me. I’m irrationally upset about it, but at the end of the day, I’ll still be in Disney, so it’ll be okay

I've loved TPIs for my reoccurring shoulder issues. As for mattresses, we have a sleep number because I like a really hard mattress and my husband likes them softer. They work well (but aren't cheap and we have replaced ours once in 25 years - they seem to last about 15). Good luck on your trip.