7 year old on crutches

[ScottyP]

We just found out our daughter broke her ankle and will have an air cast and crutches on our upcoming trip. Does anyone have any advice for us for navigating the parks and ride line ups?

[faline]

I'd definitely suggest renting a wheelchair for your trip. Having been on crutches in the last year or two, I can tell you the aches and pains from using crutches when you are not used to them is much worse than the pain from the actual reason you're using the crutches!

My daughter was 7 the first time we went to Disney. She was, fortunately, not on crutches. And, while she was so excited about being at Disney, she was pretty much of a trouper, all that walking did tire her out and she ended up riding on dad's shoulders a number of times.

[peemagg]

See if you can get a wheelchair before you go from home and take it with you. You will want one that fits her and has the ability to lift that leg up to reduce swelling. Check with your DR and see if they will write a prescription for a wheelchair. It will be great for the parks and for the airport. You can even get a attachment that holds the crutches when not being used. Your health insurance might even pay for the rental if you check. A lot of them cover durable medical equipment.

[Mickey'sGirl]

Just sending you some good vibes for your holiday! Hope you have a blast, even though she's in a cast! :mickey:

[Renfairwedding]

See if you can get a wheelchair before you go from home and take it with you. You will want one that fits her and has the ability to lift that leg up to reduce swelling. Check with your DR and see if they will write a prescription for a wheelchair. It will be great for the parks and for the airport. You can even get a attachment that holds the crutches when not being used. Your health insurance might even pay for the rental if you check. A lot of them cover durable medical equipment.

This is good advice!!!!! I love my Durable Med Company!!!!

[wdw_bound]

On your first trip to a park, go to guest services. Explain your situation to a CM and ask if your DD can have a Guest Assistance Pass. This will not allow you to go to the front of the line, but it will enable your DD to use alternate entrances where available.

I'd definitely consider getting a pediatric wheelchair or special needs stroller (not sure if you can rent the strollers - we purchased one several years ago as DD has a permanent disability). Also, talk to her doctor about which types of rides are ok, and which should be avoided, just in case, as well as whether you can admininister ibuprofen and signs to watch for in case there are problems. You might also want to get a recommendation (if your doctor doesn't have one, you can check with your insurance company to see where you are covered) for an ER or Urgent Care with Ortho services just to be on the safe side.

Have a great trip!

[offwego]

one other thing is wheelchair or not (and I would say you'll need it!) your child will be tired from the healing. My not quite 14 year old recently had multiple fractures in his leg and while normally he'd be on the go till 9:30 by 9pm he's in bed of his own free will each night if not earlier. And he's fallen asleep after class etc. Be prepared for some extra rest time in your schedule compared to what you might think they can keep up with.