My physical therapist and I have been talking a lot about how I need to handle my injured leg while I'm in Disney. One of the things that we're anticipation is circulation problems due to veins that were cut during my surgery. I'm still dealing with swelling and the circulation is not as good as it should be. Add the high humidity of September in Florida with sitting in an ECV most of the day and I'm sure to have some issues. So - I thought I would share my Physical Therapist's tips for reducing swelling while on vacation.
1) Compression socks - These are great on the airplane to help combat blood clots. I won't be wearing them day to day though, it's just going to be too hot. 2) Elevation - 15 minutes a day up a wall. For elevation to really help your circulation you need to get your feet up above your heart. I usually lay upside down on the bed with my legs resting up the headboard/wall. 3) Ice - You've got an ice bucket, chill those problem points before you go to bed each night. 4) Hydrostatic Pressure - In other words, go swimming every day. The hydrostatic pressure from 10-15 minutes in the pool will help to force excess fluids out of your body. 5) Don't spend the whole day in the EVC - even though you have a scooter pick a point to park it and walk if you can. It doesn't have to be great distance, but get up and walk around the Emporium or other gift shops. The movement will help keep the fluids in your legs from settling.
