Menieres Disease

[Jax1970]

Hi Guys,

I hope you may be able to offer some advice. I am travelling to WDW with husband, and my parents in January. My mother (62) has Menieres Disease, which affects her balance and vision. Most of the time you wouldn't know that anything is wrong, however sometimes she can walk as though drunk. She can fall up or down stairs, has problems in low light areas, and sees lights as jumping up and down.

We have chosen late January as the parks should be nice and quiet. But I am worried in particular about her being pushed or missing her step in loading and disembarking areas from rides, and also in the waiting areas for theatre shows.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what we should or shouldn't do to make her stay more comfortable?

[loadsapixiedust]

My Dad has Menieres and it can be quite debilitating. He's had a few falls :(

Hopefully the lack of crowds will make it easier for your Mum. If she finds it difficult or it's busier than you'd thought then maybe hiring a wheelchair would help, aside from removing the risk of falling, it alerts people to allow a bit more space and time for loading and unloading on rides.

Be aware that there are quite a few areas in queues etc. with lower light levels, it can be difficult to adjust when you come in from bright sunshine. Just tell her to take her time.

My Dad uses a walking stick anyway so people are aware he may need a bit more time to get from A to B and give him space but he still doesn't feel comfortable in crowds.

[Jax1970]

Thanks Lynn.

The chances of getting my Mum into a wheelchair are slim to none, and I think she'd kill me if I suggested it.

I wonder if I could arm her with a walking stick, just as a visual aid to other people that she may need a little more time. That is something I wouldn't have thought of, so thanks for the idea. Now, if you can just find a way for me to suggest it without receiving a painful response......;)

[Dawn]

A stick would be a good idea. Give a bit more support to your mum. Those moving walkways catch me sometimes so it must be hard with a balance problem.