Amusement Park Rides

[Snoope]

I will be taking my 68 year old aunt to disney world and universal studios next week. We are vacationing there for two weeks from Canada. This will be her first trip since requiring dialysis 3 times a week. My questions are this: she has the dialysis that has the catheter in her neck. Is there any concern for her to go on extreme rides? Can it be crushed, moved,or dislodged from shoulder restraints, going upside down or jerky movements? She loved these rides before but her sisters think it's not a good idea. Additionaly, her doctor has suggested she only go for dialysis twice a week for the two weeks while she is away. She normally goes three times per week. The doctor said it would make her trip more enjoyable. I'm not too sure what to think. She has appointments in the clinic in Celebration.

I'm just nervous about this whole thing. I want her to have a great time but be safe as well. If anyone has words of wisdom, or advice, suggestions, even on some issues I may not have thought of, please chime in. Also, criticism from the davita clinic is celebration is welcome. I want to have peace of mind with whatever decisions we make. Thanks.

[obsidianom]

I cant give specific advice without seeing things but I would really be careful with a catheter on extreme rides and harneses. I personally wouldnt do it but I am the extra careful type . There are plenty of rides and things to do without that kind of risk.  Catheters are not held in that well in many cases and can be ripped out . Again that is a general feeling not specific to anyone. Remember they go into the heart often so caution is always a good idea.
In terms of twice a week dialysis, if the nephrologist is ok with it , he-she knows the patient better then anyone. Persanally I would not cut back but perhaps in her case the doc feels it is safe. It depends on so many factors that I dont know in this case as I never met her. your own doc knows best. If that is the advice then perhaps listen to it and dont worry. Maybe you can try it one week and if she feels badly then go to 3 times the next week. See if you can arrange that in case. Set it up in advance to be safe.  Have fun!!

[PatDowns]

I've had permacaths for dialysis and my recommendation is not go on any "extreme" rides, ones which require a harness over the catheter area, or are over stimulating.  Your aunt is 68 and might have other extenuating medical conditions as well.  The good side, there are numerous other things to enjoy at Disneyworld and Universal Studios than the rides you have described.  Your aunt should have a good time!

[amanda100wilson]

I wouldn't recommend it.

[Bungarian]

I would not do it. The seat belt in the car bothers my catheter.

[CebuShan]

I would be careful with the neck cath deciding which rides to go on.
As far as the dialysis, if the Dr. is happy with it, then go for it! It probably would make her trip a little more enjoyable.
Have fun!   

[BattleScars]

I don't have any knowledge to say about the catheter but I do know I had some trouble on simple amusement rides and I'm on PD. I was trying to ride the bumper cars and couldn't get the bar down over my stomach so I had to get up and walk out. Kind of embarrassing but I also didn't want to hurt myself either. I think we as dialysis patients do have certain limitations and we need to be aware what those limitations are and try not to push it.

As far as her dr recommendation I think her dr knows what's best for her. If she has some kidney function left maybe he feels it's safe to skip treatments. I wanted to take a trip to NYC but had no place to do my exchanges and my dr said as long as I watched my sodium and fluid intake I could skip that day. I think it just depends on each individual.