My Experience Using a Wheelchair to Enjoy a Day at the Theme Park

It is interesting to compare experiences. I recently asked for a wheelchair because I was afraid I would not reach check-in in time at an airport. The experience was great, the people driving me extremely forthcoming and nobody would bother to check whether I could have reached the terminal in time (I could, I was in a panic). The biggest relief was not to be shouted at security control for moving so very slowly.

At the same time, I continue to be very reluctant to ask for a wheelchair. Firstly, I know it would be better for my health if I walked. Secondly, (and I am not sure what is more important) it bothers me that others have to follow my rhythm, and having to explain what is possible and what not. As a result, I end up staying at home (and working more)....

Yes asking for help is a good thing. People are wonderful and want to help however they can.

This was a very encouraging article. I haven't heard of the sunflower invisibility lanyard.

so glad you had such a great time ,,,no shame for using the wheel chair so you are able to do things like playing in a park or theme park or what ever you choose to have some fun ...yes you will send a nice note to the park for the great employees that helped you have a great time and where maybe they could make it easier for someone in a wheel chair and thanking them for thinking of you and others that are disabled to be able to have so much fun...thank you very much for writting this for i have done the same in a scooter and had so much fun with my children and grand children ...we went to Disney Land and their employees are really great also for helping us to have the same fun as everyone else...so proud of you and so glad you did do it to find that even though we can't walk alot we still can go and have fun ..will not let MS stop me from having fun...we can and will find the ways to have fun and to live our lives with happiness...thank you so much ...

I think that doctor was a complete idiot & I hope you got a new one right away. My family doctor worked with me for a year to see what my problem was. Then he sent me to the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic where I talked to a specialist who sent me for a MRI. After they explained it all to me while showing me the MRI scans & they also gave me two envelopes full of information about it. They included information on the shots available at that time(4),18 years ago. Just spoke to my neurologist yesterday & he said I have more lesions now from a new MRI but still no medications for me even with all the new ones available. I hope you're able to get a good doctor & nurse to help you with all of this.

My wife has had MS for over 40 years. She uses a cane and walker from time to time and we have a wheelchair
in our closet just in case. She never gives up. She does exercise every day on her treadmill and other exercises during the day to keep the strength she has left. She is an inspiration to me who tends to be on the lazy side.
NEVER GIVE IN TO THIS MENACE.

Many years ago when my children were small and I was still (barely) mobile, we went to Disneyland. The first day I would go from bench to bench, walk a little and then I had to sit down. I would not give up! My family was having a great time, but all I could do was sit on benches ALL DAY! I couldn’t go on the rides because I couldn’t stand in line long enough. Of course, my husband suggested to me, hesitantly, to rent a scooter or wheelchair. What? I would never! That’s giving up! Well, day two came. I said, “Oh, all right, let’s rent a scooter or wheelchair just this once. It is very hot today.” I had the best time! My family had the best time! The handicap perks were great for everyone, no waiting in line! All I can say is sometimes it is not giving up, but living your best life. We were then able to stay in the park late, have dinner, see the parade and fireworks because I had the energy, not like the day before. You will know when it is time to live your best life, no matter what family, friends, strangers think or say. Enjoy life no matter what it takes and don’t look back!

I second Max’s comments about using a wheelchair in airports. It has literally saved a connection that I wouldn’t have made. The staff was all wonderful helping us get through customs. My husband also likes it because he can put the carry on bags in my lap instead of carrying them.

Mobility=Freedom! For both you and friends/family as a group! So glad to hear you had a wonderful time.

God Bless you all. God will be watching over all who believe.

Hello Good on you for doing the right thing for you! I also struggle with what will people think first with my cane…now I’m working my way up to accepting that I need a walker. I just don’t want anyone’s pity…I’m strong and just need a bit of assistance is all ?. I hope this sunflower invisible disability makes it way to Canada soon!

I’m from Melb Australia , I’ve had ms since I was
18, now 45 in November .
Turned to SPMS when I was 36.
Unfortunately my MS Gave

Congrats on deciding to use the wheelchair to improve your experience. My first experience with a wheelchair was just this year when I had to go see a specialist in a large hospital. I had been experiencing a lot of difficulty walking with a cane, including some back pain caused by need to twist my body to get my right leg to move forward. I had resisted using a cane as long as possible, and I resisted going beyond a cane even though my inability to walk was really starting to limit me.

When I got to the hospital, they offered the use of a wheelchair and a pusher because the office where I was going was a very long way away from the entry. Aside from the pain, I walk so slowly with the cane that it would have taken me a half hour or more to get there assuming I didn't get lost along the way. With the wheelchair and the pusher, I got there in about 10 minutes and I realized that it was time to accept reality.

I don't need a wheelchair, but I did get a couple of walkers through the VA. One is a "rollator" for indoors and one is a product called a "Trionic Veloped" that I use outdoors. It is a sort of an all terrain walker with large wheels that easily handle gravel paths and uneven ground. These two walkers have really improved my life. I can go to parks again or shop malls without pain because I don't have to twist when I walk. I am still slow, but I can get there now including trips into hospitals. I don't need someone to push me, and I the fact that I can walk again for longer periods of time will help my fitness level.

I'd kick myself for failing to do this earlier, but that would probably make me fall down. Anyway, I suggest that you check out walkers. I suspect that something like the Veloped would have worked really well for you at the theme park.

I was so glad to read this article because I struggle with the same thoughts and peoples reactions to the things I can or cannot do myself. I’m just now getting myself used to the idea of using a cane to help with balance issues. I feel like I’m hard enough on myself & people’s comments just because I may not “look” like I have a disease, make it even harder and have no idea what I struggle with when I’m at home.

Thank you for sharing your experience with everyone

Great story - we have similar experiences. We flew to New Orleans, and while changing planes, it was obvious that we wouldn't make it to the next gate, as Kim walks pretty slow. I convinced her to hop into a wheelchair, and we made our connection. On the return trip, she asked to use the wheelchair, and things went very smooth. I convinced her to purchase a travel wheelchair, and we had a great experience touring the Biltmore. We rarely waited in lines, and even had some experiences that the regular visitors don't get. Using the wheelchair is actually easier on me, as we can get to more places faster.

Thanks for the Invisible Disability lanyard idea. Even though we live in the US where it isn't as common, I bought her one, and hopefully the idea will spread!