Flying with new Medtronic Cobalt

No worries

by Gotrhythm - 2023-06-20 15:08:30

The other day I had to go through a security screening to get into the hospital where I get my routine pacemaker checks! Sign of the times, I guess. Anyway, I did exactly what I always do. I just walked straight through it.

Pacemakers these days take on the machines with nary a problem. You won't feel a thing and no buzzers, sirens, or whistles will go off.

Enjoy you trip. And the fact that you're alive to take it.

Flying

by AgentX86 - 2023-06-20 15:08:58

There is little reason to do anything out of the ordinary. Modern security measures don't affect pacemakers at all.  Older "wand" and really old magnetometer styles of screening systems could affect older pacemakers.  Modern airport screening and pacemakers make it perfectly safe to go through security without a problem.  Keep the card in your wallet.  No one wants to see it (anywhere).

The only things you need to worry about is how much the airline is going to rip you off for your baggage fee and if that fee really gets the bag where it gets you.

Thanks.

by Boltman92124 - 2023-06-20 16:03:50

Ha ha! My baggage is in bigger trouble! So no problem with the spinning one with the hands in the air either? I guess I will set if off for sure then. I'll have the card handy. Maybe show it before I walk through. Was hoping I might get a TSA bypass if I show the card ahead of time at check in. I'll give it a try!

Thank you!!

Don't bother.

by AgentX86 - 2023-06-20 23:54:32

The millimeter radar machine will certainly see your pacemaker but the operators have seen one or two before. This is the least likely security system to cause a problem.  The operator won't bother you, even if he does wake up.  Showing your card will just slow things down, best case.  Worst case, they teach you a lesson for slowing things down.

No, you certainly will not get to bypass the machine.  If you tell them that you don't want to go through the machine, you'll get a pat-down that would make a proctologist blush. DAMHIKT

Seriously.  That card is pretty useless.  Doctors and hospitals didn't even care about mine when I was admitted after a siezure. The only thing they wanted to know was that I had one.  I told them that and it is pretty obvious under my skin.  They didn't even look at or want to know about any of the information on it.  I'm paced in a fairly unusual way but they could tell that from the EKG. Don't trust and verify.

Sorry Bolt

by Gotrhythm - 2023-06-21 13:40:58

I used to use the pacemaker and a slightly wan expression to bypass the line. No more. Tell them you have a pacemaker and they'll just point you to the line for the 360-degree thingy. And ask if you can stand.

I guess the fact that the pacemaker can't be made to explode in mid-air (and the machine won't hurt you) is all they care about.

Fact is, having a pacemaker doesn't make you special at all anymore. You can, and will, be treated just like anybody else. Being able to look like a frail little old lady when neccessary is far more useful.

Thanks again for the comments

by Boltman92124 - 2023-06-21 14:37:11

Just glad the machines are safe. Don't care about getting any special treatment. I guess my little card isn't worth much lol.

Thanks!

PS- What's up with keeping the cell phone 6 inches away? I think I've broken that rule a few times!!

Take any card

by IAN MC - 2023-06-21 15:08:40

The last time I was asked to show my pacemaker card was at a Spanish airport about 5 yrs ago.  I was so surprised that I inadvertantly handed over a supermarket loyalty card !

The Spanish security guy stared at it , for what felt like 10 minutes ,before waving me through. 

Now I follow Gotrhythm's advice and do an impersonation of a frail little old lady.

That , together with my supermarket card , ensures that I'm never held up in airports

Ian

PS  Old habits die hard. I, too, try to keep my mobile phone well away from the pacemaker area..........probably unnecessary though .

six inches

by AgentX86 - 2023-06-21 15:18:56

Some cell phones have powerful magnets in them.  Pacemakers have a magnetic switch to put them into a diagnostic mode.  In this mode all features are turned off (put into a default state).  Some pacemakers signal information, like battery state, in the pacing rate. 

Strong battery + magnetic switch = diagnostic mode

With a pacemaker, it's not much of a problem but an ICD will also turn off the ICD function and there is no protection.

Six inches

by Boltman92124 - 2023-06-21 16:04:38

Good to know @AgentX86! Yikes. I'll pay attention now!

Airport security

by Lurker (Doc DX) - 2023-06-24 14:08:41

About 3 months ago I spent 2 weeks in Cuba and went thru several airports. 
I just said I had a pacemaker and all they said was "go right over there sir" I never had the feeling I was holding up the line but rather giving someone something to do. It was always a wand but one place was a rather good pat down.

For the record. When in Cuba. Never ever eat the beef. 

Doc DX

No problemo

by Boltman92124 - 2023-06-26 17:49:54

So I merely mentioned it to the TSA check in guy and he told me to go through the walkthrough scanner (the one with your hands above your head). Didn't even stop me afterwards so I guess it didn't set off any alarms. No delays.

Thanks for all of the feedback! Not planning any Cuba trips soon!