Pacemaker

ive had PM for 16 years, and every time I go to airport security I get humiliated and harassed. I give a letter stating I can't go through any scanner of any type because it turns pm off, and makes me sick as hell. Yet still made to wait 15 minutes or more and when go through I have to go fast past scanners because of pain in chest. Got threatened at LAX

now worried about Gatwick airport on Friday. And sick of being told millions go through with no problem, may be so, but for me it's not the case unfortunately, making something I love to do miserable 

7 Comments

Gatwick Airport

by IAN MC - 2017-10-30 12:58:42

I fly via Gatwick airport frequently.  In fact I did 5 days ago and will be returning home via Gatwick on Wenesday morning

I have always found the security people there to be more courteous and empathetic  than in many other airports.  

You will be sent through a gate way to the side of the metal detector. You will be asked if it is OK for them to use a wand  on your lower body.  You will be asked to go through an X Ray body scanner.  As far as I know it is technically impossible for this to interfere with a PM.    Are you also unhappy  about having an X Ray in hospital ?

If for some reason you are genuinely hyper- sensitive to any form of radiation you should either give up flying     ( we are all exposed to radiation at 30,000 feet ) OR notify the head of security about your problems in advance of your flight.

Best of luck

Ian. ( in sunny Spain till Wednesday )

Pacemaker

by honeyalmazar@yahoo.com - 2017-10-30 15:45:02

I'm genuinely hyper sensitive, as scanner turned off pacemaker before, and I need it because my heart stops completely.  And all emi hurts badly, so not radiation, like I said it has been since day one and I fly at least twice a year for job and family.

Gatwick has caused me problems, for instance last year and I ended be extremely sick because of it. And I should not have to give up travel because of me uniquely situation. Security needs to realise we are not all the same and some will have problems others don't have. When you have a letter from specialists then that should be enough.

questions for your doctor

by Tracey_E - 2017-10-30 16:23:47

If a security device affects the pacer, it should show up in the interrogation report so there will be a record of it. Also, if it affects the pacer, it won't turn it off, only put it in test mode like when they interrogate. Not saying that feels good, but it'll keep us safe until it can be fixed. Theoretically it will go back to full function as soon as we get away from the source of interference but there have been a very few cases of it being reset. 

The new 3D scanner at airports are xray technology, so they work totally different from metal detectors and are perfectly safe for us.  I've shown my pacemaker id card and requested the 3D scanner many times, no issues.

How old is your device? I got a new one last year. The new ones are made of a different alloy and can go through metal detectors without setting it off or being affected. So your problems may go away when you get a new battery. After 20+ years of pacing, countless flights, I practically get giddy now at the airport when I can walk on through with everyone else. 

p.s.

by Tracey_E - 2017-10-30 18:21:37

your last comment accidentally posted multiple times. I deleted the duplicates.

Tracey, moderator

Very odd

by Shaun - 2017-10-30 18:41:15

I don’t mind passing through airport scanners, but I always show my card (in case my pacemaker sets off the alarm) and security always direct me to a side gate where I get a pat down.

Leads

by Grateful Heart - 2017-10-30 22:12:47

Is one of your leads set unipolar like mine?  They can be much more sensitive than bipolar leads.  If not sure, check with your Cardio.

Grateful Heart 

gatwick is the best !

by bridgermichael - 2017-11-01 20:38:43

I travel quite a lot and I have to say most airports are good but Gatwick tops the list - ok so u have to queue and not fast tracked but once you reach the scanners you walk to one side flash you pacemaker card and u bypass the metal detector but go in the body scanner one and they are really quick and easy - if u really unlucky you have to wait for shoes to be put through if you have hollow heels - other countries really good include pPortugal - faro new facilities and they do a pat down instead - Dubai are good - Ireland - Shannon and Dublin very efficient - I think security at most airports are aware of our situations but we also are in difficult times as well and security is important so I can understand why there are queues sometimes

you will be fine Friday 

mike 

You know you're wired when...

Your signature looks like an EKG.

Member Quotes

I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.