Power chair question

BethCPTSD

Mouseketeer
Joined
Mar 4, 2016
HI,
I went to WDW for the first time last summer with my husband and service dog and we had a great time! This time I'm going again in May (depending on a grant I'm waiting for) but it's more of a business trip. I'm getting more service dog training for my dog, more skills to suit my expanding needs, etc., and the organization trains at the parks. Anyway, so I'll be staying in Disney Springs for about 3 weeks I think, and going during most days to train with them, as that's the whole purpose of the trip.

I first started using my power chair on my Disney trip last year. Now, I use it almost full-time, except I'm waiting on a lift for my car, so right now I only travel a mile and half twice a week to my doctor and have to walk into the building, otherwise, I stay home and only travel locally in my chair. I've wondered since I've started using it all the time, and now in light of going back to WDW, is there any physical benefit to me being more active, or being in the parks several hours or days if I can't walk?

I know last time I was only able to stay out maybe 4 hours per day and then I'd fall into a heavy sleep until the next day because it would tire me out so much. I do miss the exercise I felt I was getting when I used to be able to go all day to the parks and walk it. And I tell myself I can't get any benefit from going out now since I don't walk at all. But I don't know if that's really true, or more part of the self-loathing things I say to myself due to my psychiatric disabilities.

So I wondered if anyone has any insight about this? Especially if you've been in a power chair longer or have a child who or relative who has or something. I'm new to this and just looking for information!!

Thank you!
Beth
 
... I stay home and only travel locally in my chair. I've wondered since I've started using it all the time, and now in light of going back to WDW, is there any physical benefit to me being more active, or being in the parks several hours or days if I can't walk?

... And I tell myself I can't get any benefit from going out now since I don't walk at all.

Thank you!
Beth

If I am understanding you, the main question is "Will I enjoy Disney World if I don't get out of my chair and walk?" Is that right?

If that's the case, I would still encourage you to go. You can always park the chair, and ride (provided you can get in and out of the ride vehicle unassisted) and besides rides, there are lots of shows and attractions where you can simply remain in your chair. In fact, you don't have to get out of your chair at all if you want to try and experience WDW that way.

I can certainly see the benefit to getting out of the chair, and walking around a bit; if nothing else, it will help with circulation and it could also help prevent stiff joints and muscles from sitting too long.

Don't overthink your situation too much - it's easy to think that things "have to be" a certain way, and it sounds to me like you have some flexibility (at least right now) and some freedom to do as you please. I would plan a day or two at Disney, and just take it as it comes. I think once you are there, you will know what is right for you! :)
 
Thank you so much!
No, I think I needed to be more specific in how I worded the question. I've had anorexia for 30 years, yet have a ton of other disabilities by this point including mobility wise. I did just fine and enjoyed myself at WDW in my chair last year.

I'm wondering if I receive any health benefits from being active and outside, and going about somewhere like Disney World if I'm not walking? Is there any health benefit to this kind of thing outside of using your legs?

I'm overly health conscious because of my eating disorder and various other problems, and this has been concerning me. I know I got tired so fast last year at wdw, but don't know what from, since I was sitting all day???

I just wondered if anyone with chair experience has any idea about the health benefits of being active IN YOUR CHAIR, despite not being able to walk.

Sorry, I hope that's clearer!
 
Also, I typically only walk (with the exception of my house) if something makes it physically impossible to use my wheelchair (like not having a lift in my car.) I'm a full-time user.
 
I'm wondering if I receive any health benefits from being active and outside, and going about somewhere like Disney World if I'm not walking? Is there any health benefit to this kind of thing outside of using your legs?

This is a really good question for your doctor.

My opinion, I think getting outdoors and going places/doing things is good for pretty much everyone. Even if it doesn’t offer a physically active experience, it is good for one’s mental health and general well-being. I don’t know your personal medical situation, but i’m concerned that your muscles will weaken and atrophy over time if you do absolutely no walking when you are capable of small amounts of walking. I think this is a very good discussion to have with your medical team.

Enjoy your vacation!
 
Thank you! I do do small amounts of walking. I don't use it inside at home. But I have severe POTS and many other disabilities and within a few seconds of walking my heart rate is beating so fast I can't breathe and I have to lie/sit down or it won't come down. I'm supposed to use my chair all the time, as the severe heart rate increases, profuse sweating, shortness of breath and collapsing are not good for me. Don't worry, I'm not going to let my muscles atrophy, this is all under the care of doctors and specialists. The true problem is not having a lift yet so that I have to stress out my heart walking into the doctor's office (it's the only place I can go because my life depends on it). I'm waiting on a grant to come through to hopefully pay for the lift so I can start going out again. Anyway, it's is not really part of the question. But I appreciate your concern.
 
I thought you meant you use the chair all day in your house as well. My misunderstanding. I still think the question of “health benefits” for getting outdoors is a good conversation to have with your medical team, who can advise based on your own personal health issues. I know I always just “feel” better if i’ve been cooped up indoors for an extended period. I am if the belief that mental health can impact physical health as well.

Enjoy your vacation!
 


Thank you so much!
No, I think I needed to be more specific in how I worded the question. I've had anorexia for 30 years, yet have a ton of other disabilities by this point including mobility wise. I did just fine and enjoyed myself at WDW in my chair last year.

I'm wondering if I receive any health benefits from being active and outside, and going about somewhere like Disney World if I'm not walking? Is there any health benefit to this kind of thing outside of using your legs?

I'm overly health conscious because of my eating disorder and various other problems, and this has been concerning me. I know I got tired so fast last year at wdw, but don't know what from, since I was sitting all day???

I just wondered if anyone with chair experience has any idea about the health benefits of being active IN YOUR CHAIR, despite not being able to walk.

Sorry, I hope that's clearer!
can not say for sure but we always said being outside even in stroller would tire out younger kids at naptime if you understand what I mean. just being outside when used to being inside
 
you can NEVER underestimate the benefits of fresh air and sunshine. the vitamin D alone is worth it even if you don't get out of the chair and hoof it.
 
I agree that your health care team would be best to answer the specific questions for you.
My daughter is a full time wheelchair user - she is not able to walk or stand unaided.
As Betty mentioned, just being outside makes kids tired, even in a stroller.
And, as Mrsjvb mentioned, fresh air and sunshine are good for anyone.

I have found my daughter gets more tired being out - sitting up is exercise too, especially if you are engaging your core/abdominal muscles to sit up straight.
Doing deep breathing is also good - increasing oxygenation, expanding the lungs and helps with relaxation and lowering BP and heart rate.

You might want to talk to your health team about seated exercises.
 
Being in wdw is wonderful for my mind & body even if I'm not doing anything there at all.
Just breathing it all in is magical medication.
 
Thank you all very much!
Sue, I actually just bought some chair exercise DVDs that should be of some help!

Thank you all for your ideas and comments <3
 
Coming at this one late but maybe I have something worth reading. Maybe not. We'll see.

I have PTSD and a host of anxiety disorders. I fight them. But when I'm losing that fight, nothing feels so good as just staying home, indoors. It has gotten so bad at times that I have spent days in my room; hours under my bed. I do better these days but convincing myself to get out of the house and connect with the world outside it is never an easy conversation.

You may have practical reasons for staying indoors, but lack of benefit (even if true) has never been a reason to do anything. Why did Hillary climb Mt Everest? Because it was there. Why am I drawn to menu items with the word "rodeo" in them? ... Anyway...

Here's what you get by going outside... a remembrance that you are part of the world. Spend enough time out of it and this slips away from you and your desire to remain follows. It's how we lose the fight.
 
Thank you so much, cobright! Your answer is not what I was looking for when I started this post, but it's so important and caring just the same. Thank you for lending me your incredible insight. Things I need to remember. :)
 

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