Airports
I was wondering if anyone has had any problems not going thru the new scanner at the airport. I just got back from a trip to Florida, was told by my doctor, I cannot be scanned, no matter what. I was given a very hard time at the West Palm Beach Airport, even though I told them under strict orders I cannot go thru the scanner. I know the new scanner does not have metal material, but my doctor says no. I had to argue with the guy for about 10 minutes, and had to beg to be patted down. I have a ICD and am 100% pacemaker depend. I will now get a note from the doctor. I thought this might be useful information for others
6 Comments
Edouard
by Tracey_E - 2011-05-15 01:05:48
That gets you out of the metal detectors. His dr has said not to go through the new 3d scanners, which are officially safe for pm's and other metal implants. They're still optional so anyone who chooses should be able to have a pat down instead if that's what they want.
Hi mongee
by Hot Heart - 2011-05-15 07:05:09
I just have my little bit of cardboard that i was given when i left hospital and show it to them and ive never had the slightest problem. I dont think the scanners do too much damage though, ive been through the prison ones where i works hundreds of times and my doc says theres been no damage to the pm.
HH
why
by Tracey_E - 2011-05-15 08:05:02
Why does your dr say you can't go through the new ones?? They're based on xrays and perfectly safe for us, it's the standard metal detectors that we have to avoid. If you don't want to go through the new scanners, they usually immediately do a pat down. I live in the area so I fly out of PBI a dozen times a year, they've never been anything but nice. Sorry you had problems.
Do you have your PM ID card?
by Edouard - 2011-05-15 10:05:30
A month after getting my PM last year, I went on a cruise with my wife. I went though airport security and through ship's security countless times. Last month, we went to Sicily. Again, numerous passes through security. Every time, I flashed my PM ID card and was patted down, no problem, generally courteously.
Granted, this was going through Canadian or European security. I haven't had to face US security personnel since my surgery. Perhaps their training is different when it comes to pacemaker-dependent travellers.
Regards
Edouard
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thanks
by Mongee - 2011-05-15 01:05:15
Thank you everyone for your fast replies. I have never had a problem before with security (I have had my icd for 5 years), but this security guy was very sure that going thru the scanner was the only way for me to get on the plane. I made it home (back to cold, wet weather in Michigan) after a 6 hour delay.....so I am happy.