injured and suddenly in a Wheelchair

[daisysu64]

I have been so excited, my sister and brotherinlaw are taking us on The Brilliance of the seas in three weeks as an early birthday present. My enthusiasm is a bit dampened though because I injured my knee and have been using a walker. I went to the doctor today and found out I will need surgery right when I get back from the cruise. Now we are bringing a long a wheelchair for me. Does anyone have any suggestions for an able bodied person that now isn't so abled bodied?

[iiramos]

See if you can get switched to a wheelchair accessable room, if available by calling royal and providing documentation from your physician.

Edited December 31, 2013 by iiramos

[LarryL]

See if you can get switched to a wheelchair accessable room, if available by calling royal and providing documentation from your physician.

 

That's great advice. Those cabins have more room and can accommodate your wheelchair easily. I'm sure you will still enjoy your cruise.:)

[daisysu64]

thanks for the suggestion. I will call rccl tomorrow. How about any less congested routes.

[jmf123]

I'm sorry about your injury, daisysu64, I hope all goes well during and after your cruise, you will love the Brilliance!

*Be sure to check out the adult Solarium for some relaxing pool time.

*Besides dinner, consider having breakfast and/or lunch in the MDR. It will be less hectic than the Windjammer buffet, and you can order from the menu and be waited on.

Also, the Park Cafe is great for lunch.

*A note about the forward elevators, they tend to be less busy than the others- particularly important when using a wheelchair.

*There may be beach wheelchairs available to use, depending on your itinerary.

*I like to bring a battery-operated candle for the stateroom. It adds a bit of atmosphere, as well as safety at night.

*You will find helpful info on the Disabled Cruise Travel forum here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=190.

Bon Voyage and Happy Birthday! :cool: P.S. Maybe bring a small pillow to make the w/c more comfy...

[gcvt]

That's terrible news! We can't offer any advice on Brilliance specifically but we hope you have a wonderful cruise, a successful surgery afterwards and a quick recovery. And, Happy Birthday!

 

As suggested, definitely contact RCCL tomorrow and let them know what's going on. Hopefully they can make it more comfortable for you.

[Epaul3]

Brilliance is one of my favorite ships. You will have a wonderful cruise. The crew is very good. We had an issue with a group cruise several years ago on the Adventure. We all flew in a day early. One of our group fell down a flight of stairs and messed up her knee. Royal Caribbean was very nice about helping her with everything. May have to tone back excursions but you will still have a great time!

[cruiserdudebobby8]

I hope you enjoy your cruise

[Esilef]

Have you thought about a portable mobility scooter?

[meatloafsfan]

Have you thought about a portable mobility scooter?

 

I second this - it would give you more freedom of movement around the ship. If you or your companions are not used to using/pushing a wheelchair - well, it can be hard work.

[cruisefrost]

Wife is in a manual wheelchair on last cruise. No problems other than the elevators. To the one pushing the chair go over the ramped doorways backwards to avoid dumping the wheelchair passenger on the deck. No I did not do that for those asking.

[xxoocruiser]

I have been so excited, my sister and brotherinlaw are taking us on The Brilliance of the seas in three weeks as an early birthday present. My enthusiasm is a bit dampened though because I injured my knee and have been using a walker. I went to the doctor today and found out I will need surgery right when I get back from the cruise. Now we are bringing a long a wheelchair for me. Does anyone have any suggestions for an able bodied person that now isn't so abled bodied?

 

• You can try contacting RCCL to see if an Accessible Cabin is available. However being disabled mysef I can tell you most Accessible Cabins get booked a year or so in advance due to the limited amount available. However if there was one assigned after the final payment period to an able body person RCCL may be able to make a switch but don't get your hopes up.
  
• The wheelchair chair will not fit through the doorway of a standard cabin . Nor will there be enough space in the cabin ( unless you have suite) to use the wheelchair. You'll have to also bring your walker
  
• Are you able to do steps or a least one step as the bathroom in a standard cabin will have a 4"-8" step into the bathroom. Also the shower will have a step over base.
  
• What type of wheelchair are you taking as it makes a difference in how easy it will be to operate on the various flooring materials throughout the ship? If it's a Transport Chair with 4 wheels not larger than 12" and has to be pushed by someone it's not the best optimum choice as you will be dependent on someone else the entire cruise. A standard wheelchair with two very large back wheels that can be operated by the person seated in the chair will give you more independence. Better yet have you considered renting a mobility scooter ? There are small scooters (depending on weight capacity needed ) that are available for rent through one of RCCL's approved venders that will fit into a standard cabin with some adaptions to the furniture. A mobility scooter will give you the most independence on the ship as well as on shore. RCCL's approved vendors are: http://www.Carevacations.com or http://www.SpecialneedsatSea.com
  
• A shower chair can be provided free of charge by contacting RCCL's Special Needs Department. Phone (866) 592-7225 (voice), fax (954) 628-9622, e-mail special_needs@rccl.
  
• There is a chair lift at the main pool . You need to request assistance from the pool attendant to operate it. If you are able to do stairs there are steps into the Solarium Pool.
  
• If you have chosen Traditional Dining, suggest you proceed to the dining room upon embarkation to check the path to your assigned table to insure there is sufficient room accommodate using a wheelchair to get to the table. If not than ask the Matre'D to be reassigned. If you have select MTD this is not needed as you can request table location each evening upon arriving at the dining room. Note that each evening after being seated the wait staff will remove the wheelchair and place in location out of the way and return to you after dinner.
  

 

I cruise regularly using both a walker and a mobility scooter. Have used both standard cabins as well as accessible cabins so if you have any specific questions don't hesitate to ask. Was just on the Brilliance this past September and it's one of m favorite ships due to the ease of accessibility.

Edited December 31, 2013 by xxoocruiser

[jb008]

I think you'll be fine on this trip, especially if the wheelchair is being prescribed for longer distances rather than for full-time use (you mention you've been using a walker up to this point). It might be worth a consult with a physical therapist to consider some specific options for the trip (is there a different style walker for example that might be better for close quarters, or a walker stool combo) to give you some additional options along with the wheelchair.

 

If you've never flown with a wheelchair, the standard chairs won't fit the aisle, so they'll check it at the gate and then have you use a special chair (if needed) on the plane. If you notify the airline in advance, they'll have a skycap there to assist you to and from the gate, and may make adjustments to gates if necessary (e.g., will warn gate if you'll be on a small regional jet that you'll need extra time and jetway is preferred).

 

My parents did a cruise shortly after dad had an achilles tendon repaired and mom had surgery, and they both loved relaxing and being pampered. I'm not sure they even went into the ports that trip, instead they took advantage of the discount spa rates and an empty ship to just relax and recover.

 

Safe travels, enjoy the vacay, and get well soon!

Edited December 31, 2013 by jb008

[sousak78]

Something similar happened to my sister before we went on our cruise on the Independence a few years ago - she broke her fibula and was wheelchair bound due to all the hardward in her leg.

 

The wheelchair doesn't fit in the room, unless you have a suite, as a previous poster mentioned, but if you bring your walker or a pair of crutches along so you can get in and out of the room and move around the room, you should be ok (my sister brought her crutches). Only time we struggled with going through the hallways to get to our cabin was on the last night, when everyone had their luggage out for collection. I was moving luggage out of the way a fair bit just to be able to get her through the hallways.

 

When we boarded, we requested a shower chair from guest services and one was brought up for us that evening (we didn't think to contact special needs beforehand to ask for the chair, so you probably should contact them ahead of time, just to ensure you get one).

 

She did have to skip a few excursions due to accessibility but we were in the Med so it was to be expected - they weren't thinking of wheelchair access in Roman times!

 

We found that all of the staff on the ship went above and beyond to help us. We did eat a lot of meals in the Windjammer and the Windjammer managers went out of their way to help us find tables among the crowds. We also had loads of help when getting on and off the ship. She did have to get a pat down by security every time but they were very discreet and made sure it was a female officer doing the pat down.

 

Only issue we had was with people rushing in front of us to get on the elevators so we often had to wait a bit to get on them. We also found that for sailaways, people liked to stand in front of us without realising they were blocking our view, so get as close to the railing as you can if you want a view.

 

Finally, I would suggest investing in a pair of fingerless gloves (like weightlifters use) if you plan to manoeuver yourself in the chair in order to protect your hands. My sister got some nice blisters on her palms from trying to manoevuer herself around.

[Janet524]

So sorry to hear of your accident! Last year DH did the same thing a few weeks before our cruise on Allure. If the crew on Brilliance is anything like those on Allure (and I'm sure they are), you will have no problem navigating the ship getting into the dining room, getting seating in the theater, etc. They were all extremely helpful and very sensitive to our situation.

 

I hope that your results turn out as well as DH did. He's up and around and with no sign of what happened to his knee last year.

[daisysu64]

Thank you so much for all the lovely replies. I really appreciate all the well wishes. I am a planner and this has really thrown a monkey wrench into things, but we will roll with it (pardon the pun) I use a walker around my house (haven't been back to work yet, a semi forced vacation). We will be bringing a regular wheelchair. My twin sister is designated pusher. She has reassured me it is no problem for her to do. I understand the regular cabin doors are 23" so my "plan" (you know how those go) is to get out of the wheelchair at the room and use the walker while in the cabin.fold the wheelchair up I also have a cane, that has already been rhinestoned that I will take with me in the wheelchair in case have to get out when we are out and about. We have already been to Cozumel so we were planning on staying on the ship while we are in port to enjoy the less crowded areas. I don't want to take a handicapped cabin away from anyone that really needs it, so I will skip that. I think I will be all right at the pool and try and use the elevators at off times. I am concerned about the muster station, but y'all have really put my mind at ease. I will read the boards until I cruise 1-23-14 and familiarize myself with the deck layouts. It's the planner in me!!!! Thank you so much.:)

[daisysu64]

ohhh no scooter for me. I have used them at Target and almost killed my sister!!! :)

[mom says]

ohhh no scooter for me. I have used them at Target and almost killed my sister!!! :)

 

Snort! Now I've got coffee all over my keyboard. And good for you for knowing your limitations when it comes to ECVs. There are so many people who can never figure how to safely operate the darn things. And don't get me started on the number of drunk drivers I've seen in the evenings. They're great if you know how to use them properly and responsibly. But SO many don't/won't.

 

DH (so far) has been happy to push my wheelchair on those trips where it has been necessary. He says one of the best gifts I ever gave him were the fingerless gloves with the padded palms, so HE didn't get blisters from the chair's hand grips.

 

OP, if you find that you are spending several hours at a time in the chair, especially outside where it is hot, you might want to put a folded towel on the chair seat. Those seats are usually of a waterproof material and don't "breathe" worth a darn. Using a towel will prevent damp areas on your posterior from perspiration.

[meatloafsfan]

OP, if you find that you are spending several hours at a time in the chair, especially outside where it is hot, you might want to put a folded towel on the chair seat. Those seats are usually of a waterproof material and don't "breathe" worth a darn. Using a towel will prevent damp areas on your posterior from perspiration.

 

You may also want a small pillow for behind your back since wheelchairs generally offer no lumbar support. We also put fuzzy socks on the footrests to give them a bit of grip and so if my mom doesn't have shoes on, that she's not resting her feet on the hard plastic.

[xxoocruiser]

We will be bringing a regular wheelchair. My twin sister is designated pusher. She has reassured me it is no problem for her to do. I understand the regular cabin doors are 23" so my "plan" (you know how those go) is to get out of the wheelchair at the room and use the walker while in the cabin.fold the wheelchair up I also have a cane, that has already been rhinestoned that I will take with me in the wheelchair in case have to get out when we are out and about.

 

Just so you know that 23" door width that RCCL has told you and that's posted on the website does not take into account the 2"depth of the door when opened as it does not open flush to the wall. So actual door clearance is only 21".

Edited December 31, 2013 by xxoocruiser

[Esilef]

Silly question but would your knee be better if it was operated on prior to cruising?

 

This way you could be in the recovery phase?

 

I dislocated & broke my knee cap in Hawaii. On return to Australia they had me in surgery the next day and 3 weeks in I was walking unaided but in physio. Full recovery was about 6 months.

 

You can also buy small walking wheeled frames for your knee. I could not use a wheelchair nor crutches as I didn't have the upper body strength. Which surprised me as I carry a 20kg boy around all the time.

 

Hubby has a broken back so for our cruise we have let special needs at RCI know. I purchased an electric mobility scooter for $160 online. We are in a covered aft cabin so the scooter will be kept there.

 

I have read that In America there is companies whom specialise in helping those with mobility needs cruise. They will supply all you require and have it all delivered to your cabin before you board.

 

The electric mobility scooters can have their speed turned down to stop you speeding a head.

[retiredgram]

Thank you so much for all the lovely replies. I really appreciate all the well wishes. I am a planner and this has really thrown a monkey wrench into things, but we will roll with it (pardon the pun) I use a walker around my house (haven't been back to work yet, a semi forced vacation). We will be bringing a regular wheelchair. My twin sister is designated pusher. She has reassured me it is no problem for her to do. I understand the regular cabin doors are 23" so my "plan" (you know how those go) is to get out of the wheelchair at the room and use the walker while in the cabin.fold the wheelchair up I also have a cane, that has already been rhinestoned that I will take with me in the wheelchair in case have to get out when we are out and about. We have already been to Cozumel so we were planning on staying on the ship while we are in port to enjoy the less crowded areas. I don't want to take a handicapped cabin away from anyone that really needs it, so I will skip that. I think I will be all right at the pool and try and use the elevators at off times. I am concerned about the muster station, but y'all have really put my mind at ease. I will read the boards until I cruise 1-23-14 and familiarize myself with the deck layouts. It's the planner in me!!!! Thank you so much.:)

 

When I was on the GOS, my dnl mom used a scooter and when we went to the muster station, the mom, was kept inside and given instructions there. She did not go out on deck for the muster drill.

Don't know how this works on other ships.

[Sherlock43031]

the newer consumer EVO's are nothing like the tanks they have at Target or grocery stores.

[Trainman-2]

ohhh no scooter for me. I have used them at Target and almost killed my sister!!! :)

 

Don't write off renting a scooter with out checking it out.

 

The Special Needs At Sea http://www.SpecialneedsatSea.com people are fantastic. You can make arrangements in advance and the Scooter will be waiting for you in your cabin, fully charged. When you debark, you leave it in your cabin.

 

And they are easy and safe to operate.

 

Check into it before you make a final decision...

[gerif]

Don't write off renting a scooter with out checking it out.

 

The Special Needs At Sea http://www.SpecialneedsatSea.com people are fantastic. You can make arrangements in advance and the Scooter will be waiting for you in your cabin, fully charged. When you debark, you leave it in your cabin.

 

And they are easy and safe to operate.

 

Check into it before you make a final decision...

 

But if OP doesn't have an accessible cabin, it might not fit.