Disney World
I am getting ready to leave for Disney World and have just started reading so many conflicting opinions on ICDs and roller coasters. I had my ICD placed 2 1/2 years ago more for pre-cautionary purposes. It does not even currently pace, they will unlock feature when needed. One cardiologist told me I had no restrictions and to have fun. The second cardiologist cautioned me against roller coasters saying that they had had patients have near shocks due to the movement of the rides. I am so conflicted! I have been going to Disney my whole life and this will be my first trip with my device! Please help!
2 Comments
DO IT!
by lshiel26 - 2017-05-04 10:54:44
I have had been PM dependant for 23 years now and I absolutely love all rides! The only one that I would have cautioned against would be one that's closed now - Tower of Terror.
After a holiday in Orlando I had a check up and the graphs showed the PM working overtime at this certain point, they'd asked my mum what we'd been up to and she was like "oh well...in Florida...there may have been this ride...it was quite frightening and Laura was screaming her head off!" So I never went back on that one. Other than that, all of the rides are fine!
Have fun!!!
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go for it
by Tracey_E - 2017-05-01 19:10:32
Doctors vary widely. I suspect it's because there aren't that many of us with devices who want to ride coasters so it's not like there are hundreds of patients who have been studied. I've been told repeatedly to do whatever I want, and I have with no issues. The only things in Orlando I avoid are the Hulk and IoA and Manta at Seaworld. They are both new, accelerate very quickly and stop quickly with magnetic brakes. The magnetic brakes are the concern. Magnets won't hurt us but they can affect pacing, and I pace every beat. They're probably ok, too, but I don't want to go on it badly enough to find out.
Pacemakers that use rate response may activate on bumpy rides and speed the patient's heart up. Not an issue for you.
Some rides may have harnesses that put pressure on the device. Not a good idea. You won't hurt the icd, but we bruise up pretty easily.
They have security now when you enter the park. I used to go around but they'd pull out the wand, which is worse for us than the metal detector, so now I walk on through without saying anything. It has never gone off.
You'll find cardiac warnings on most rides bigger than a carousel. I've heard of people who asked the park if they could ride such and such. As soon as the park found out about the device, they weren't allowed on most of the rides. It's a cya world and the parks have no clue what is safe for us and what isn't. So, I've always gone with don't ask, don't tell. YMMV
Enjoy your trip!