Fiancee injured - Mobility advice sought

We will be on Odyssey for a cruise beginning May 2 as part of our honeymoon in Europe following our marriage. Unfortunately, my fiancee very badly injured her knee last week which now requires surgery and a lengthy rehab. For now, she is in a heavy brace and can "walk" only with crutches.

She is a trouper and while she insists on making the trip, I'm hoping to make things as comfortable as possible for her, knowing that she will feel clumsy and be in some pain, depending on the situation. She'll need at least a wheel chair or a four wheel scooter/cart part of the time and between sites, especially.

We are very active walkers but have already scaled back our shore plans in favor of more time on the ship. Given that, can you experienced cruisers who've also had the misfortune of being rather immobile while aboard give advise about how best to get around, especially getting on and off the ship, and share your favorite "staying behind on the ship" activities?

Honestly? I might think about postponing the honeymoon until her knee is healed and she is more mobile again. Getting around the ship is easy enough but getting on/off can be tricky either via gangway or tender. If she's still in pain and generally feeling under the weather your honeymoon might turn out to be memorable for all the wrong reasons. Your insurance (you do have some, right?) should cover any cancellation costs in these circumstances and I'm sure Seabourn will be happy to help with planning a future cruise which you can both fully enjoy.

Honestly? I might think about postponing the honeymoon until her knee is healed and she is more mobile again. Getting around the ship is easy enough but getting on/off can be tricky either via gangway or tender. If she's still in pain and generally feeling under the weather your honeymoon might turn out to be memorable for all the wrong reasons. Your insurance (you do have some, right?) should cover any cancellation costs in these circumstances and I'm sure Seabourn will be happy to help with planning a future cruise which you can both fully enjoy.

Honestly, thanks for your advice.

If anyone should find themselves in this position you can try here for mobility:

http://www.specialneedsatsea.com

I agree with Rusty -- I suggest you use your insurance and stay home now, and reschedule the honeymoon cruise far into the future so you can be sure your fiancee is fully healed.

You are scheduled to be on a port-intensive cruise where having good mobility is very important for full enjoyment of the trip. Even though you could just hang out on the ship, someone who is not used to being chronically limited in mobility would likely feel very frustrated not being able to get the most out of the cruise, probably more so than someone who is chronically limited and has no other options and is used to being disabled. On a Med cruise last year I met a lady with an ankle injury pre-cruise who pushed ahead to do the cruise "because it was scheduled" and she was just miserable.

I am so sorry your fiancee was injured, but as someone who has experienced a similar injury (foot instead of knee) and foolishly pursued going ahead with a European trip -- where I then landed up reinjuring myself due to my haste combined with clumsiness in the crowds -- I will not do that again.

I now have chronic pain, and all my cruising and other trips are limited in activities I can pursue in part due to having had that poor judgment and reinjury.

Post-injury proper PT and meds after an injury, with easy access to proper specialist doctors who can make adjustments in plan of care if needed, especially if there are complications, is important ( as opposed to visiting the generalist cruise ship doctors who may try hard but are often clueless and have limited resources).

Be careful and take care!

Appreciate your well wishes but the trip won't be cancelled for a variety of reasons, one of not being insurance, as it is not the only portion of a longer stay with family and friends in Europe, So thanks anyway, we'll make do and have a great time as we always do, even if I carry her on and off, cart her to the spa, and we sit and have food and drink brought to us elsewhere. LOL

I have spoken to Seabourn and our hotel folks since posting this, all of whom have had excellent suggestions and even an offer of scooter tours in Prague and a hotel staff driven car in Istanbul. We'll be fine. Happy traveling, all!

Good luck. Just remember if you eat and drink too much (and you will) you won't be able to carry your bride anywhere!

I'm unclear whether you have insurance but if not I strongly advise you try to get some if you are travelling with more potential mobility/health issues. Of course, it's now a "pre-existing" condition so getting cover might be a problem anyway.

Never mind. I'm actually sorry I asked.

If anyone is on the cruise, you'll certainly see us, and we invite you to say hello and share a good cheer. But, if you want good cheer, don't tell my Dolly that she shouldn't have tried to take this cruise! ;)

Good luck. Just remember if you eat and drink too much (and you will) you won't be able to carry your bride anywhere!

 

I'm unclear whether you have insurance but if not I strongly advise you try to get some if you are travelling with more potential mobility/health issues. Of course, it's now a "pre-existing" condition so getting cover might be a problem anyway.

We have insurance. If we decide to exercise that option, we will. Thanks, you can have "I told you so" rights if it proves less than a great time. Don't hold your breath. ;)

Wow. Why the hostility? You asked for advice and I think you got some respectful replies which you don't seem to like. I wish you a long and happy marriage and a wonderful honeymoon.

Wow. Why the hostility? You asked for advice and I think you got some respectful replies which you don't seem to like.

The OP asked how to deal with the situation not should they do the trip

OP there was a lady with ALS on our Antarctica trip and SB did an excellent job of catering to her specific needs. Similarly there was a lady who had a knee reconstruction just prior to her baltic cruise and she did private tours which meant more flexibility and I noticed there was a small timber ramp in place in some ports for the chair to be taken over so debarking was possible.

My tip would be to forgo group tours, not being offensive to you but these are less likely to be able to be enjoyed due to the attitude you have already experienced. Mykonos is certainly doable and there are some areas at Kusadasi that are wheely friendly.

Whilst there will obviously be somethings which have limitation you can still use the jacuzzi out on the bow during a port stop, get some caviar and sparkles delivers, maybe ask about a picnic possibly in Patmos (we did this from another line)

Life is too short to wait until the stars align… enjoy..

We've had people on our cruises with Seabourn on a number occasions with significant mobility issues. On every occasion Seabourn has very ably provided for them. This included facilitating tender transfers. Most recently there was an Australian retired Army officer who had had a failed hip transplant and was in a wheelchair with a "temporary" hip. He was able to get ashore whenever he wished and also go on excursions.

Given your fiancée is mobile, albeit on crutches, I see few limitations associated with being on a cruise, other than those she would experience at home.

I presume that the OP has notified the Travel Insurance Company of his fiancée's accident, and obtained it's agreement of cover under the Medical Insurance section of the Policy.

Additionally, has the airline been notified, and has it confirmed that it will not require a doctor's letter confirming that it is in order for her to fly?

I had a knee injury a couple of years ago and we asked Seabourn if we could have one of the Wheelchair friendly suites, this was not a problem for them. The wheelchair suites are almost identical but have wider doors, sliding wardrobes instrad of a walk in one and a shower only wetroom. The suite does not have a raised toilet or any visual stand out assistance features but if she feels her knee is giving her some jip, she may just find using the wheelchair in the suite with the extra width for wheelchair use may just make her more comfortable till it subsides.

Just for the record, great to hear that a plucky lady is not put off her honeymoon just because of an inconsiderate knee, let's face it she has got two!

Have a great trip.

I actually love staying on the ship when everyone is off exploring the port. You have the ship to yourself. Extremely relaxing. Wherever you want to sit by the pool and keep the glasses of champagne coming! Happy honeymoon!

From personal experience I have found a walker easier to handle than crutches; there is no problem taking one on airplanes and aboard ship and it tends to "clear the way" when moving about, as well as being more stable than crutches on a moving vessel. If you don't want to travel with a walker the doctor's office may be able to loan you one during your cruise.

You will also find that the officers and crew will be wonderfully accommodating and attentive to you both. Their empathy is beyond bounds.

Have a wonderful cruise. Staying aboard can be delightful, either on your own veranda or on Deck 5 forward with a swimming pool and whirlpools and wonderfully comfortable chaises in the shade. (And the Club bar is just steps away should you become thirsty!)

Best wishes on your wedding and honeymoon; I cannot imagine a better beginning than on Seabourn.

Winnie

When on a cruise there are always some people with those electric scooters. They seem to work very well and allow the person to get around well. I am sure you can rent them. I once saw a person getting on the tender and the crew loaded and unloaded their scooter. Have a great honeymoon.

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Don't know whether you have thought of this already, but, if not, you should call your airlines and let them know that your fiancee will need some wheelchair assistance for your connecting flights and at your departure and arrival airports. Believe me, it will be much easier than trying to navigate on crutches.

Good luck and congratulations on your wedding! May you have many happy years together.

From personal experience I have found a walker easier to handle than crutches; there is no problem taking one on airplanes and aboard ship and it tends to "clear the way" when moving about, as well as being more stable than crutches on a moving vessel. If you don't want to travel with a walker the doctor's office may be able to loan you one during your cruise.

 

You will also find that the officers and crew will be wonderfully accommodating and attentive to you both. Their empathy is beyond bounds.

 

Have a wonderful cruise. Staying aboard can be delightful, either on your own veranda or on Deck 5 forward with a swimming pool and whirlpools and wonderfully comfortable chaises in the shade. (And the Club bar is just steps away should you become thirsty!)

 

. . . .

 

Winnie

Though the OP has by now expressed the view that he is sorry he asked his original Q and may no longer be following this thread or care what it says, for anyone else still interested it is worth noting that a walker, though steadier on a ship, may not be an appropriate replacement for crutches in a post-op knee surgery setting if part of the therapeutic plan is to totally avoid weight-bearing activities for a while, so as to facilitate proper healing. It depends on what surgery was done and when. Many an orthopedist's good knee and foot surgical work has been fouled up by patients' prematurely putting weight on the newly operated extremity. Crutches, and a portable wheelchair, but not a walker, facilitate avoidance of weight-bearing, if that is needed. The default rule is it is best not to improvise or deviate from exactly what the surgeon recommends.

It is also best to bring along more pain meds than you think you will need, just in case the pain gets worse with the stress and swelling of travel, along with the prescription bottles and labels, as pain meds post-op are often controlled substances and narcotics-sniffing customs dogs may find them and you may have to explain their presence.

Further, depending on the wound's healing status, it may not be appropriate to go into a public pool or whirlpool with a surgical wound that is not fully healed and closed. Infection can occur, leading to septic arthritis or even osteomyelitis, not to mention potential water contamination can occur that may impact other vulnerable swimmers if the wound is carrying staph or other pathogens, even with chlorination in the water.

Finally, at the airport, do arrange for wheelchair transport and priority boarding but watch out who is wheeling you. In Chicago the guy pushing me at the huge O' hare airport was in a hurry to get me to the flight and was chatting with other guys as we zoomed along, so he did not see the unexpected bump in the path ahead. When he hit the bump abruptly, and the wheelchair lurched, I started sailing out of the chair, heading for another fall on my injured foot and other injuries. Mr Catlover, carrying bags, just barely caught me before I hit. After that he either wheeled me himself or watched the employees like a hawk to make sure they were careful.

Come on! Get real!! She has a brace n her leg and uses crutches. This is all very manageable on Seabourn. I can't see the need for handicap suites or scooters being relevant. They will make sure you can access tenders etc and beyond that, the ship is very "user friendly" for anyone with some limitations. And as others have indicated, if you prefer to spend a day on board that is no great drama. In most ports there is a shuttle to the centre of the town (if the ship is not already there) or you can catch a taxi. I would have no reservations about traveling with Seabourn with the limitations indicated. (PS. Just had 2 hip replacements so I do understand what limited mobility may involve).

Though the OP has by now expressed the view that he is sorry he asked his original Q and may no longer be following this thread or care what it says, for anyone else still interested it is worth noting that a walker, though steadier on a ship, may not be an appropriate replacement for crutches in a post-op knee surgery setting if part of the therapeutic plan is to totally avoid weight-bearing activities for a while, so as to facilitate proper healing. It depends on what surgery was done and when. Many an orthopedist's good knee and foot surgical work has been fouled up by patients' prematurely putting weight on the newly operated extremity. Crutches, and a portable wheelchair, but not a walker, facilitate avoidance of weight-bearing, if that is needed. The default rule is it is best not to improvise or deviate from exactly what the surgeon recommends.

 

It is also best to bring along more pain meds than you think you will need, just in case the pain gets worse with the stress and swelling of travel, along with the prescription bottles and labels, as pain meds post-op are often controlled substances and narcotics-sniffing customs dogs may find them and you may have to explain their presence.

 

Further, depending on the wound's healing status, it may not be appropriate to go into a public pool or whirlpool with a surgical wound that is not fully healed and closed. Infection can occur, leading to septic arthritis or even osteomyelitis, not to mention potential water contamination can occur that may impact other vulnerable swimmers if the wound is carrying staph or other pathogens, even with chlorination in the water.

 

Finally, at the airport, do arrange for wheelchair transport and priority boarding but watch out who is wheeling you. In Chicago the guy pushing me at the huge O' hare airport was in a hurry to get me to the flight and was chatting with other guys as we zoomed along, so he did not see the unexpected bump in the path ahead. When he hit the bump abruptly, and the wheelchair lurched, I started sailing out of the chair, heading for another fall on my injured foot and other injuries. Mr Catlover, carrying bags, just barely caught me before I hit. After that he either wheeled me himself or watched the employees like a hawk to make sure they were careful.

Probably dont have to worry about the dogs. They are generally not trained to detect pharmaceutical controlled substances, except marijuana, cocaine, ampetamines. Not opiates though.

Hello 4yanx, I hope you're still reading.

I'm sorry to read about your fiancée's injury.

We did a 14 day SB cruise last year, from Hong Kong to Singapore, with our niece. She had torn her ACL and meniscus a month before the cruise. Her surgeon gave his blessing for her to take the cruise and scheduled surgery for a month after her return. I'm not clear reading your OP whether or not your fiancée will be having her surgery before or after your honeymoon.

Now, fair to say, our niece is much younger than many SB cruisers, so perhaps her general fitness is better than most.

She managed perfectly well on crutches and thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. She did miss out on Caviar in the Surf but that was because she was anxious about using the tenders.

There were some moments of frustration due to her reduced mobility, and I think she was sometimes embarrassed by the amount of help the SB crew offered her - but that's because she's their age group.

I remember your early posts about how excited you are for your first SB cruise and wanted to offer some reassurance, plus you've been given some good advice and encouragement here by some posters. And I agree that staying onboard during a port day can be a real treat, it's very relaxing and the crew have time to chat more to the guests still onboard.

Have a wonderful time!

I'm not sure if the OP will read this following some of the negative responses.

I can't thing of a better vacation for someone with mobility problems. On board the ship is perfectly designed to cope with limited mobility, plenty of people use various aids up to and including electric scooters or even substantial electric wheelchairs of one form or another.

You don't need me to tell you the staff will go out of their way to help you in any way they can. You can do as much or as little as you feel able on the day off ship when in port. I would probably suggest independent arrangements so as not to feel under pressure.

I am certain you will have a great time.

Henry :)

Oh dear -- sounds like with this sort of terrible development the new ships should be called the Seabourn Denny's and Seabourn Olive Garden.seriuosly, I hope they rethink this new procedure.

Woops -- meant to post this under the new dining procedure thread.