Can you lovely people advise me what will happen at the airports in the usa. I have my card saying i have an scs and letter from my consultant so what should i say to people before i go through scanners??
today i am in college and would like to update that the Mark cushion which arrived the other day is so far doing a great job as these college seats are not made for people with our problems!!

When I got up to the guy who looks at my ticket, in the security line, I start by telling him I can't get a regular screening as I have a medical implant. Then after I take my shoes off and stick all my stuff in the bins prior to going through Xray, I walk up to the Xray walkthough machine and then refuse to go through the Xray, telling them I can't as I have a medical implant and show them my card. I also make sure to tell them I can't be "wanded" either. What they do is have me stand in the body scanner (smile as you're getting your picture taken) and then they sometimes take me aside and do a pat down. Make sure you allow extra time to go through security as it does add about 10-15 mins. to do it this way. Another time all I got was a pat down, no body scanner, so I think it depends upon the airport. Just make sure you give them an explanation of why you're refusing to walk through the normal Xray machine and they'll have an alternative for you. Seems it's no big deal these days. Good luck!

Fiona it sounds all straightforward then.

I will be heading to London in the middle of March with my husband and daughter to visit my son who lives there. So I too will have to do the same.
Sounds like they are used to these things anyway, as a lot of people would have pacemakers and other implants that Im sure cant be put through the scanners.

Hope Jenna its smooth sailing for you when you get going!!! BON VOYAGE

Jackie

irljenn, I have traveled with a wrist brace with metal in it for 8 years. I refuse to take it off because of the pain. I am always taken aside and wanded, swabbed and patted down before I can clear security. It really isn't that big of a deal. I try to wear clothing that doesn't have a lot of metal in it (like a skirt, dress or yoga pants), but I always cringe when the underwire in my bra sets the beeper off. Hope you have a great trip, Lisa

Great tips everyone! I haven't traveled via airplane yet and all this information was very helpful.

Thanks,

Rhonda

I was issued very nice credit card sized cards from each of my manufacturer and my surgeon identifying me as a spinal stim implant bearer. I carry them in my wallet all of the time [so I had best never lose my wallet], but the idea is that I thusly have the data should I be in a travelling circumstance. Also, our dear Smae provided a link, oh where is it, probably in Rae's left pocket with the lint, for a medical alert bracelet company which does a nice effective inexpensive job of producing a bracelet for you to use in case you should ever be incapacitated and cannot pull out the precious ID cards regarding your implant.

I need to get one of those.
Travel comfortably and safely,
Mark56z

I ALWAYS carry my PSYCHO-delic 'lint' with me!!

.....and the airport peeps don't seem to mind....

Yes, that bracelet ID thread was a good one....
I'll find it..... hold on.....

ahh! here it is
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread131635.html

I too have one of those place 'credit card' cards that I have in my purse ....I cant wait to use it in the airport I have it on me all the time too.....

I also purchased one of the medical bracelets with my details on both sides, detailing the implant, Dr's name, No MRI's and phone numbers. It is NEVER taken off my hand, told to wear it on my left wrist, as apparently that is where the emergency services look first if you are in an accident etc. Better to be safe than sorry

I have one of those little card things too. I decided to put mine in my wallet ON TOP of my driver's license since if there was an emergency they medical people will find it before they find my i.d. I also wear one of those plastic RSD bracelet all the time. I wish there was one of those for SCS. Lisa

Yep, a Good Idea!!
Mark56