Seven days until we cruise and then THIS happens...

[Dee777]

I now have a boot cast on my foot. I get to take it to Hawaii with me. Do I only pack one stupid shoe from each pair that I planned to bring, and HOW is this going to look on elegant night with my pretty dresses?!?!?! And worse yet, WHOSE cruising experience am I going to ruin because I won't be wearing proper shoes in the MDR? LOL I just HAD to add that in. But really, this sucks so bad :( Does anyone have any advice for me? Never vacationed as an injured person yet!

[mara93]

Boot cast? Can you swim? Oh, the horror!

[AXiDMonica]

Sorry to hear. :(

 

At least you only have to pack one shoe...think of the space you'll be saving. Or all the extra pairs you can now bring. LOL :)

[PittsburghGirlee]

Time for the BEDAZZLER:D

[jt_83]

I haven't had a cast on in years, but heard it's OK if they get wet now. Any truth to this?

[pyropoodle]

That is just terrible that you will have to cruise in a cast. I am pretty accident prone myself, so for the past few days on my way home from work I have been repeating to myself, "slow down, do not fall or get hit by a car, or trip down the stairs, you do NOT want to wear a cast on the beach!"

 

I just have to make it 2 more days, then I should be home free.

 

My condolences on you having to wear the cast in the MDR, and I agree with the above poster, Bedazzler time!

[mkleblanc]

Time for the BEDAZZLER:D

 

HAHA! I have a friend that did indeed get out the bedazzler at Christmas to make her boot for her fractured foot more festive. Lots of rhinestones, great conversation piece!

[cdamion]

Sorry to hear that. I know you will make the best of it.

 

My ex-MIL broke her leg about 5 days before a land based trip to Kauai with us several years ago. She had a regular cast though. She was somewhat limited in mobility, if we went shopping or something she got to be pushed around in a wheelchair. Across the board it felt like we got better service because of her cast. Best seating at Luaus and dinners, upgraded room at the resort, etc.

 

It turned out to be a great trip. She really enjoyed herself (but was disappointed about not getting to swim).

 

I will keep an eye out for "worst cruise ever" reviews from those whose entire cruise was ruined because you wore the boot cast on formal night.

[Soonerbaby]

I haven't had a cast on in years, but heard it's OK if they get wet now. Any truth to this?

 

Some of them can. Our youngest fractured his wrist and had to get a cast 5 days before we left on our cruise. They put one on that could get wet so he could swim. :)

[Normal 1]

Take an ice pack with you. You may want to ice after a long day out and about.

 

Also, to put a positive spin on it.... my daughter tore ligaments in her ankle a couple weeks prior to cruising and at cruise time had 'graduated' to a cane. We were prepared to wait in line for boarding, etc. We were pulled out of line and allowed priority boarding. This was at FLL. It was very appreciated as she had been up on her foot for a while and it was beginning to ache and swell.

 

Who was I to argue with the port personnel when they insisted we skip the lines :D.

 

Go and enjoy and don't worry how things look with a boot. Those who matter don't care and those who care don't matter!!

[tassycatt]

Bella made it work during prom in Twilight...youll be fine! :p

[debster11]

Time for the BEDAZZLER:D

 

Hahaha!!! I was going to say the same thing!

[SadieN]

Might want to think about renting a collapsible wheelchair.

And ask for wheelchair embark/debark.

 

Have fun on your cruise!.

[Dee777]

Awww thank you all so much for the positive comments! It was a VERY freak accident, and I've been on the verge of tears all afternoon. You have all cheered me up considerably! I never thought of decorating it, I might have to hobble on over to wally world and hit up the craft section ;)

 

The doc said I can remove "the boot" when reclining, and must exercise the ankle which is not injured, thank goodness. But, it MUST be in place when any pressure is being exerted on the foot :rolleyes: BUT... I am thinking that if I have enough DOD's I MIGHT be able to shove a shoe on it to go to the MDR one or two nights (OK probably not in my best interest but let me fantasize a little bit here!)!

 

Anyway thank you for the thoughts and ideas, going to toss in an ice bag that is an awesome idea!

 

Dee :)

[AKB10]

I had to wear a boot for about 8 weeks. When choosing the shoe to wear on the other leg make sure the heel matches the boot heel. After a few weeks my hip started hurting and I realized it was from walking with one leg being taller than the other.

Have a great cruise!

[OfcSupport]

I've had foot problems and surgery and have traveled with limitations many times. I am so glad that I didn't let it hold me back. If you are on crutches I would try to rent a wheel chair to help you get around the ship. Being on crutches can be tiring. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance.

 

The nice thing about a cruise vacation is that you can sit on deck reading a book, visit the casino, watch shows, etc. You can pick and choose what you want to do and don't have to worry about holding people back or walking for miles.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[Dee777]

I had to wear a boot for about 8 weeks. When choosing the shoe to wear on the other leg make sure the heel matches the boot heel. After a few weeks my hip started hurting and I realized it was from walking with one leg being taller than the other.

Have a great cruise!

 

Thank you I will have to go through my shoes and find some that match the height of "the boot". I hate the stupid thing already and haven't had it for more than a few hours :D

[Dee777]

I've had foot problems and surgery and have traveled with limitations many times. I am so glad that I didn't let it hold me back. If you are on crutches I would try to rent a wheel chair to help you get around the ship. Being on crutches can be tiring. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance.

 

The nice thing about a cruise vacation is that you can sit on deck reading a book, visit the casino, watch shows, etc. You can pick and choose what you want to do and don't have to worry about holding people back or walking for miles.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

Thank you, there will be MANY hours of reading on the deck :D

[K&P Luv2Cruise]

I now have a boot cast on my foot. I get to take it to Hawaii with me. Do I only pack one stupid shoe from each pair that I planned to bring, and HOW is this going to look on elegant night with my pretty dresses?!?!?! And worse yet, WHOSE cruising experience am I going to ruin because I won't be wearing proper shoes in the MDR? LOL I just HAD to add that in. But really, this sucks so bad :( Does anyone have any advice for me? Never vacationed as an injured person yet!

 

Is it one of the boots that is secured with Velcro ? (think they are called Bledsoe Walkers) Hubby had one of these 3 summers ago, and was also allowed to take it off when he was laying down, or not putting pressure on the ankle...he would sit on the deck in the lounger, take off the cast, and he got a very even tan while reading :D He even removed it to get into the lake and enjoy modified swimming (couldn't use the ankle),

 

When you remove it, just make sure to let it air dry...nothing worse than warm weather and a sweaty foot to make the boot smell awful ! I used febreeze (anti-bacterial one) on the inside foam at night (while he had it off for sleeping) which made a big difference.

 

Also, if you don't have a cane, you may want to look into getting one :)

 

The ice pack is a great idea, but since you will have no where to 'freeze' it, you may just want to take along a few Zip Lock heavy duty bags (medium size would do), and ask your cabin steward for an extra ice bucket so you can fill up the Zip Lock when you need to (just use a washcloth or small hand towel to wrap around the bag).

 

Hope you have a fantastic cruise...don't let this 'blip' hinder your enjoyment of the cruise.

[NeuroQueen]

Try and find one of those scooter things. It looks just like a scooter the kids ride but it has a pad for your knee, which is bent at a ninety degree angle and you just scoot along. It's great for longer distances when you do not want to be in a wheelchair or hobbling along limping. I wish I knew the name of it but someone on here is bound to be able to post a pix or just go to a medical supply store and they will know what you are looking for. Have a great time in spite of the setback and let us know how it goes!

[chocolate melting cake]

Two comments

 

I broke my arm the day before a cruise (I had cruise insurance and could have stayed home with no penalty) and went anyway. It was one of the best I've been on---the crew couldn't do enough to help me, I was treated royally (except by my wife). Each evening the waiter and matre de practically fought over who would cut my meat!! I considered saving the sling and bringing it on the next cruise.

 

Really look into renting the "scooter" it is so much better than crutches. My wife broke her foot (I just realized that it sounds like we are very accident prone) 3 years ago and rented one. It was great---she got around faster than me! They are probably improved now, but here's a picture of the 3 year old model, the basket was a huge help at work.

 

[dixieva]

Don't worry about formal nights. See if you can find a pair of wide leg dressy black pants that will fit over the boot, wear a sparkly top and whatever shoe will make your walking even. You'll be fine.

 

We cruised with a friend last year who had the very same boot (broken foot) and he did fine.

[llachance]

a tennis shoe because it was the most comfortable with my boot. I wore one off and on for a year before I had surgery on my foot.

[happycruiser1960]

I have done 2 cruises in a big black walking boot. The last one was in December on an 8 night cruise. You will be ok. I got soooo much attention from the crew and other passengers. You will have a great time, I promise!!!

[Danacat222]

That is too bad t hat you are injured right before vacation! While on the Pride in Sept/Oct a young lady was in a boot, she had broken her foot while getting luggage from her attic to pack for the cruise. She really made the most of it though, she was on our horseback riding excursion and was able to participate, we saw her singing at karaoke and we saw her partying by the pool. She said she was not going to let it mess up her good time, so you don't let it mess with yours either!