I've traveled a couple of times since my diagnosis, but that was when I was on MDI, so I only carried insulin pens, needle tips, meds, and various other small supplies. Well before I went on the pump, I looked into how they work with airline travel. I've read what TSA says about it, but still I'm not so sure how I feel about this.
Now sure, there are several other categories of people who will be more greatly affected by this than me. And yet, how familiar are TSA officers with insulin pumps? I've read so many stories (pre-full body scanners) about how if a TSA officer sees your pump, they will insist you take it off. Then you explain that you can't. Then you get a full body pat down and they test your pump for explosives. Most of these stories ended with the moral of putting your pump on the back side of your waistband or hiding it in a pocket.
That won't work for a full body scanner. So, if I opt out of the scan, I'll get a thorough pat down which sounds like quite the violation. But if I go through the scan and they see my pump, am I going to get pat down anyway? Then they'll get to see me virtually naked and feel me up? Either way, it's incredibly unappealing.
I'm all for airline safety. But I also don't like the idea of strangers putting their hands all over me. I can only imagine how troublesome that would be to victims of abuse or assault.
So I'm still doing research and hoping to find some stories about the scanners and insulin pumps. I'd like to not feel violated as I travel back to Missouri for Christmas but I also believe in adhering to safety guidelines. Anybody in the DOC have experience with these things and might be willing to share their stories?
(PS - That lovely, lovely coffee drink from yesterday was delicious, but it did wreak a bit of havoc on my numbers. Thank you, diabetes, for reminding me of your awesome power to bring me down)
I traveled last month and ended up in the scanner, but I put my pump in my purse and sent it through the bag scanner. I did end up getting groped because I had the Dexcom sensor on my outer thigh, but as someone who is terrified of air travel, I'm okay with being groped for the greater good, so long as my diabetes supplies remain intact. Oh, and my dignity is a plus, too.
ReplyDeleteJasmine,
ReplyDeleteA rather lengthy discussion (and at times heated debate/gripe session) about the new TSA regulations can be found on this discussion on TuDiabetes:
http://www.tudiabetes.org/forum/topics/new-tsa-screening-procedures
Hope it might help.
I have never had trouble traveling with my pump. They usually ask to take out what is in my pocket and when I say that it is an insulin pump they understand. Sometimes I get patted down, but not always, you just have to know that they are not trying to violate you, they do it to many people. I have traveled to both Kenya and Morocco with my pump and have had not problems as well. I think the airline community is very understanding of pump travelers, domestically and internationally. Now when I travel overseas I do bring with my a backup pump, which you can request from your pump company, for me that is Minimed. It is nice to have for peace of mind in case something wacky goes wrong with my pump and I do not have access to getting one sent to me. I hope this helped a little, you will do fine. Hope you have a great Christmas with your family!
ReplyDeleteOne person profiled in this NYT article says:
ReplyDelete"Laura E. Seay, an assistant professor of political science at Morehouse College in Atlanta, said she wore an insulin pump and was disturbed to find that she would have to submit to a pat-down every time she flew because the device showed up on the full-body scanner. After experiencing that physical search for the first time at Washington National Airport, she said she realized that she would have to endure the same thing once a month, because she traveled frequently for work."
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/19/business/19security.html?src=me&ref=business
Best wishes to you--hopefully someone will come to their senses about this.
Jen
i have very, very mixed feelings on these new "security measures." and i totally hadn't thought about the complications of going through with an insulin pump. i hope it is an easy peasy process for you, friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone, for the tips and stories!
ReplyDelete