10 replies to this topic

[esslouis]

hi i'm just about walking wounded have had cauda equina in december last year. I need a four wheeled walker and i can't sit or stand for long periods. I know that i would need to sit for quite a long time on the flight. Do you have any tips or ideas for me?? Would the airline fly me with a walking frame, what would they do with it and how would i get on the flight if they put it in the hold? I have flown a lot in the past but never with the probs i have now so its daunting to say the least! I can't walk far with out the frame and my balance is shot so i tend to sway when standing unsupported. I can't feel my feet, legs are dodgy and the only things that work correctly (when i'm nice to them) are bladder and bowels which i'm very lucky with. So any tips,ideas or anything would be great esslouis

[greybeard]

I think I´d go by boat.

Seriously, there are a lot of regular flyers here so someone will give sensible suggestions.

[lissalyon]

esslouis, on 14 June 2011 - 08:17 AM, said:

hi i'm just about walking wounded have had cauda equina in december last year. I need a four wheeled walker and i can't sit or stand for long periods. I know that i would need to sit for quite a long time on the flight. Do you have any tips or ideas for me?? Would the airline fly me with a walking frame, what would they do with it and how would i get on the flight if they put it in the hold? I have flown a lot in the past but never with the probs i have now so its daunting to say the least! I can't walk far with out the frame and my balance is shot so i tend to sway when standing unsupported. I can't feel my feet, legs are dodgy and the only things that work correctly (when i'm nice to them) are bladder and bowels which i'm very lucky with. So any tips,ideas or anything would be great esslouis

They just had 3 more earthquakes yesterday !

[pinkcloud]

I think theres a special section on here for travelling and experiences there.I hope some NZ fellows here can give you the really lovely places to go, as with your limited mobility a genuine insight of great places will be great to know about so you can avoid trying and testing and finding rubbish parts rather than all great parts.

I cant wait to read your threads 'I am going to New Zealand' - and 'I've been to New Zealand' and letting everyone know how to get the best way arond travelling.

Dreams...hope...reality..you go gal

[Bill Forrester]

I wrote this guide to the South Island a couple of Years ago. Obviously the Christchurch section is no longer valid.

[HiltonP]

http://www.apparelyz...newzealand.html

http://www.apparelyz...lfordsound.html

[MTB John]

lissalyon, on 14 June 2011 - 10:47 AM, said:

They just had 3 more earthquakes yesterday !

More like 20. Where back to boiling water and the streets are a mess..
3 more weeks and I'm outta here..

[JaneC]

Hi

I am L1 incomplete and can manage short distances on crutches and wheelchair otherwise. I went to New Zealand 2 years ago for the first time since my accident. The wheelchair had to go in the hold so at the door of the plane I transferred onto my crutches. Does your frame fold at all or is it possible to get one that would dismantle to go in the overhead lockers? Could you manage on crutches in the plane ? I am very wobbly too but found getting to the toilet etc was ok. I sat on my wheelchair cushion all the time in the plane to protect my bum !

The airlines were very good on the whole although the ground crew varied in how helpful they were. My chair did get damaged in the hold despite being plastered in "Fragile" stickers and I gather that is a common problem.

Folks in NZ could not have been more helpful and we hired an estate car to get around. Lots of their towns are modern and shopping malls are level access. We managed quite a lot of places to visit and they really have a "can do" attitude. I even went parasailing at Bay of Islands....they said if I could get on the boat they would get me up....so I crawled/bum shuffled onto the boat and away we went !

Good luck with planning the trip !!

[Apparelyzed]

Hi,

I went to New Zealand, but standing wasn't an issue for me as I'm a C5/6.

We went from Heathrow to LAX, had a stay over for the night, and then continued from LAX to Auckland.

If your frame doesn't fold, could you manage to stand with crutches, as the staff will be able to store them easier.

Simon

[esslouis]

hi my frame does fold but will it be ok in the hold of an aircraft as i've heard stories of wheelchairs etc being damaged in holds. If my frame got damaged i would be knackered as i wouldn't be able to replace it. I can use crutches but not very balanced on them more of a short transfer is the limit. Just a few more questions - what seat is the best type to get, what airline is the best to fly with, do i tell them about my mobility probs before or after i book the tickets. Sorry for the 20 questions but i'm really nervous about flying for the first time since the accidents and ops. esslouis

[lavenderthistle]

I just got back from there!! North Island for me. I was wiped out, pulled muscles, over did it (I use a cane) but I'd do it all in a second again.

1.) when you get to the airport tell them you need wheelchair assistance to the gate...(long walks are over rated) besides they get you on sooner too, stow the frame but ask if they can hold it inside (some airlines can hold it inside)
2.) get an aisle seat near the restroom (you can hold the seat backs for balance and if you fly Air New Zealand they are especially helpful) If you can manage a cane at all get a folding one to keep with you for trips to the bathroom down the plane aisle
3.) take anti spasm medicine before you fly if vibrations set off spasms
4.) When you book the tickets also tell them then you will require assistance to the gate.
5.) security will be odd
6.) Air New Zealand rocks