Ok, the backstory.
I have serious problems saying "No" to sales people. As a result, I am the proud (?) owner of several timeshare contracts. It actually works well for me, because as I stated previously, I enjoy taking vacation and having the timeshares allows me to go more often than I could possible afford if I had to pay the full rate for accommodations (not to mention that by now I am spoiled and hotel rooms just don't have enough room in which for me to sprawl).
So, back in February, I looked at my summer schedule (I am tied to the school calendar) and opted to not work the summer position that I have done for the past 10 years but instead to take my summer trip early in June rather than late in July. Hoping for slightly less hot weather and hopefully before everyone else gets down to Orlando.
In consideration of the Pandora expansion at AK, the remodeling of Norway into Arendell at EP (among other rumors floating at the time of possible closures), and the anticipated (rumored) closure of sections of HS for other remodels and expansions, I decided to focus this trip on the parks of Universal and SeaWorld. Especially considering that in all my trips to the Orlando area I had never gone to US or IoA, though I did visit SeaWorld once many years ago.
With the aforementioned ideas swirling in my head, I made arrangements for 10 nights at the WorldMark Kingstown Reef Resort near the SeaWorld complex and relatively close to the parks of US - at least according to the images on Google maps.
Over the next couple of months, I evaluated and bought tickets for the parks (direct from SeaWorld with a 2-year premium pass) from
UnderCoverTourist, with the intent of upgrading to the premium annual pass once inside Universal Studios. Thinking being, between the 10 available days in the parks this trip, and if I go back next spring break for 7 days, not to mention my annual summer trips (for SW) the tickets would approach a per day cost that is well within my acceptable range. Doing this, though, does shift my focus away from WDW, which with the announced/ongoing/anticipated closures is an acceptable trade-off for me over the next 12-18 months.
Everything was going according to plan, when on the morning of May 12 I suffered a seizure/spasm in the lower left quadrant of my back. Having had similar though temporary pains, I was not initially worried until it persisted day after day after day. After 9 days of incredible and debilitating pain - to the point that I became dependent on my roommates to successfully get dressed each morning - I eventually contacted both a chiropractor and my regular doctor in search of some kind of relief.
After evaluation at the chiropractor, the diagnosis was given to me of a level 3 (out of 4) spinal misalignment, with a prognosis of "possible". Treatment began immediately, with intent to continue daily therapy sessions for at least 4 weeks, easing to alternate days of therapy for another couple of weeks, finally ending with once weekly therapy sessions for another month (which would put the last week of daily treatments being during my first week of vacation).
The regular MD did a cursory exam, and prescribed a muscle relaxant and mild pain killer.
A week later, having achieved some small improvements - to the point that I could walk almost completely upright, but only with the use of a walker and only for extremely limited time frames, the chiropractor allowed that if improvements continued at the current rate he did not foresee any insurmountable issues with me going on vacation - provided I took it easy, took it slow, and didn't push too hard.
The regular MD provided a prescription for hydrocodone as the mild pain killer initially prescribed did not noticeably dull the pain I was in. He also provided a referral to an orthopedic clinic.
Two weeks later, and I can now walk short distances unassisted, though for anything over about 50 feet I still need a cane at a minimum and will suffer another onset of incredible pain. I have also seen the orthopedic - who also did a very cursory exam, though he did take x-rays, and who provided a diagnosis of swollen disks both above and below my L-5 vertebrae with a recommendation for two weeks of physical therapy before coming back for a follow-up. None of the doctors have prohibited me from taking vacation, though all have (to varying degrees) suggested I take it easy, go slow, and don't push too hard.
Now, the day before I leave, I have broken with past plans and made hotel reservations along the route. Instead of driving straight through overnight, I will leave early morning and stop after about a 12 hour car ride, continuing on for the last 5-6 hours the next day. Additionally, and in keeping with past plans, I also have an ECV reserved to be dropped at my resort sometime on my check-in day. Finally, though this was initially planned to be a solo trip, I have agreed with my roommate that he will be of sufficient assistance that he may accompany me on this trip.
And, that is where things stand a mere 17 hours before the anchor is lifted (metaphorically speaking) and my summer trip to the other place begins.
to the ride!!
on your car!
