Vacations for those with limited mobility

[Crowe]

I'm hoping I'm jumping the gun on this, but my son dislocated his knee a couple of weeks ago and is currently in a large brace and will be starting PT soon. Recovery from this type of injury can be anywhere from 2-5 months. There's no sign of bone damage but there may be soft tissue damage that can't be seen yet. Right now we are supposed to be going to Norway in August, which will require a lot of walking. We're very active when we vacation, but as a preemptive strike so to speak what do those of you who are mobility impaired do while away? Sitting still is not an option! Thanks.

[Tiger4x4RV]

I can walk up to about a flat mile using two hiking sticks; these are much more maneuverable in crowds than crutches or my other mobility device, a rollator (a walker with a seat). A rollator is probably too bulky for you to take to Norway if your son does not recover in time, but two hiking sticks could easily be taken along. Or perhaps you could rent appropriate equipment when you arrive?

Will your trip involve a lot of stairs? With railings??? Sometimes with knee problems going up the stairs is fine and down is difficult. If you are going hiking, are trails groomed or rough?

Note on later edit: The above devices are not useful if he is not allowed to bear weight on the knee. A knee roller scooter would be useful for non-weightbearing injuries other than the knee. Ask the PT what types of assistive devices might be useful in your son's situation. Or perhaps consider postponing your trip.

[Thom02099]

How old is your son? Age can be a determining factor in how quickly one heals from a trauma. Was he active before the injury? Being fit or active also contributes.

Talk to, or have him talk to his PT. The PT should be able to give him a sense of what to expect. You gave a range of 2-5 months. He could be back to normal in 2-3 months depending on age and fitness. And even at 4 months, he should be able to do a lot more than at the beginning of therapy.

Been there/done that/won the t-shirt!

[magnusfide]

Hoping he's able to heal before then. In 4 months time if he's consistent in doing his PT exercises at home (they give you "home work") he should be able to do okay barring unseen damage. A cane with one of those seats attached is an option if he tires.

OTOH there are options out there even for those who are wheelchair bound.
http://www.disabilitytravel.com/independent/accessible-scandinavia-vacations.htm

[kohldad]

I'm active as much as my body will let me be. One big thing is to know your limitation so you don't over do it to the point you are down for the next several days recovering.

Being young and in good shape helps the recovery process a lot. Especially if he fights through the pain and works hard at the PT.