traveling with medical conditions

If you post the countries you are visiting, we can give you more information. Each country is rather different when it comes to the questions you are asking.

Public transportation is so widespread in Germany, that I have never seen anyone give a dirty look to someone sitting in the "handicapped" seats. These are the seats by the doors and are supposed to be for seniors, pregnant, etc. On the trains, there are so many doors, that this is hardly ever a problem. I will sometimes ask to sit down, and have never been refused.

Hi Gwen:

If you have a pacemaker or other implanted device that you are worried might set of a detector bring a letter from your doctor stating you have this. If you show it to the people at security it can lesson issues and might save a search.

Also you might want to consider bringing a letter that states what the device is, the maker, model and why you need it. Just in case. You never plan on anything happening but in the rare event it did anyone who would be treating you would have access to needed information. Also bring your medical plan information and your physician's contact information.

If you take medication, take it in the original bottle and take a copy of the prescription with you with the generic name for each one. That way you can get refils abroad if needed. Yes, I left a bottle in a hotel, luckily it was the last day of the tour and I was able to manage until I got home. You will need the generic name because the brand name might be different then here in America.

Other than that, don't worry and have a great time. M

Sorry 'bout that-- we will be going to The Netherlands, primarily Amsterdam with some day trips into other parts of the country.

Thanks for the other tips. I am flying out of O'Hare and everytime I have flown out of there for a domestic flight-- it almost seems as though the security personal don't believe me when I say that I have a pacemaker, I can't walk through the machine- and I REALLY can't be wanded. (machine, is debatable, wand is not. :P) I think it is because I am younger, but they have always been quite surly and disbelieving to me. So it makes me a little nervous for the International security point! Part of the reason why I have taken to wearing tanks that clearly show my scar-- even in the fall/ winter.

Gwen, I have a relative who had a hip replacement at age 23. He sometimes walks with a cane on long walks, like the ones through an airport. In security, he's often asked to walk without the cane. Not sure what that proves-if he collapses on the floor he's not a risk? Kind of like the witch trials of old-if the old hag drowns in the pond, she's not a witch.

Is is possible for you to get a document direct from Homeland Security? If one doesn't yet exist for unseen medical conditions, maybe you should lobby for that.

As far as sitting in handicapped seats, I'm sure a rueful smile and patting your chest may help in any language.

Hi Gwen, We always take a complete list of our Rx and OTC medications with the prescribing doctor's address, phone #, date and have him/her sign it. We keep it in the ziploc bag with the medications. This could be done with your pacemaker too and shown to security first thing. Patience and willingness to "help" seems to be a benefit too!

I've made several trips to Europe and one to Asia since my Medtronic ICD was implanted and have never had a problem with security. On the rare occasion when language was an issue, I just patted my device, pointed to the metal detector and shook my head. Also, Medtronic issues a card with info about my specific device - I assume they all do - and this gives me comfort that should I have a problem, the hospital would have this information. Just never had a problem with security in this country or abroad. Relax and enjoy!
Duane

Hello Gwen, I have a Pacemaker and right after it was implanted I got a card in the hospital (looks like a credit card)with make, model number and serial number. I carry it with me all the time. Not just on trips. I have not had problems in airports so far. I just tell them I have a pacemaker and they check me "manually"!!! Good luck and have a wonderful time. Karin

Thank you all. I do have my pacemaker card that I carry everyday. Perhaps I may ask for an extra one, and carry one on me, and keep one in the hotel- just in case.

gwen - here's another quick idea that might help: before you leave on your trip, learn what the word for "pacemaker" is in the language of the country you plan to visit. In german, for example, I think it is "der Schrittmacher." I don't know the Dutch translation, unfortunately.

if anyone challenges you, make sure you have your medical proof, of course. However, you may find that you may be able to put people at ease simply by saying the word for your situation in the language they understand.

as for Schipol, i have always found the security people to be very professional.

Enjoy the Netherlands ...... you will find that most people speak at least some English ....... you won't have a problem.

I wear an insulin pump. I have a letter from my doctor that delineates the need for it, as well as the medication and equipment required. That way I can take them in my carryon. I have only been asked once for theletter--in CDG during a very heightened security time. My pump is not bothered by the machines. However, I tell them straight off that I am wearing it. Sometimes they swipe for explosives, etc. Once I was asked to remove it and I refused.

I would transalte the hand search line into the languages of the place you will fly from, and ask that the doctor run them on on his letter head and sign it. Then you will have the right words in the right language.

When I provided my letter at CDG, they barely looked at it and couldn't read the english, I suspect. But they let me through.

My dad has a pacemaker. He carried a medical card from his doctor, as well as a card that translates into several languages. He had no trouble going through Amsterdam's airport or anywhere else in Europe (we went to Italy via Amsterdam). The security folks at Schipol were completely professional and polite, and European screeners generally have a better reputation than our own TSA folks (although the ones we experienced in Seattle were also completely professional).