I recently heard on the news that they are upgrading the technology at airports so now they can see through your clothes to see if you are carrying liquids... um... not to be funny... well... lol... do you think I'd get stopped at the gate because they can see that I have liquid in my ostomy? I'd empty it right before, but it squirts constantly, especially when I'm nervous, which I am about flying. Just wonderin'.

jojo, I have been wondering the same thing!I have a China trip planned for March, and a full body scanner will show my appliance as something strapped to my waist. I don't need to be pulled out of line, and dragged to the office. This is a major thing for Ostomates. If full body screened, we will be seen as carrying an appliance. Makes me nervous as hell! Degrading to have to show in front of the world, that human waste is not explosive.

Hey...good question you guys...

Good question. I suggest you check the TSA site and see what they say. I was recently scanned at the Albuquerque airport and could not have so much as a piece of paper in my pocket! I didn't have an ostomy, so it was not an issue. But, there are loads of people who this is going to affect. Specifically, I can think of those with insulin pumps, pain med pumps, urinary leg bags, etc. There are lots. You will basically have to speak up and let them know that you have a hidden condition. They need to know before you step into the scanner.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/a...cialneeds/index.shtm

Jan

That's awesome! Thank you so much for your response. I checked out the website and I greatly appreciate your input. Thanks!!

I just got back from the UOAA SPMeeting in chicago Il. One of our topics was to talk and assist TSA with this issue ( and TSA Agrres they want more advise with this and other medical issues).
One of our members was pulled aside after going through the scanner. They tested the contents of his bag and actually had the nurse test to see if his port cath returned blood. It was in a private room and our member had no issue with it. Took a few minutes. He said yes right away and not sure what would happen if he said no.
I am sure in the near future this will all be spelt out much better and proper training to the TSA will be done/Improved
Jason PA
UOAA ASG Advisory Board Chair
UOAA 30+Committee Board member

Jason,

I don't quite understand this from your post:

quote:

had the nurse test to see if his port cath returned blood

What is a port cath and what is with the blood thing? I have an ileostomy -- does this affect me?

I checked the TSA links and didn't see anything pertaining specifically to ostomy bags.

Thanks,
Jim

JP
You are fine... A port cath is a unit that is small and installed just under your skin above the chest muscle. Its used to get ivs/chemo/take blood and so on. It uses a special needle. Usually ppl on long term IV meds and ppl like me that have no veins left that are good. That way no more poking around looking for veins.
His case seems very extreem; however, they did have a stand by nurse and like i said tested the output of his ostomy and blood flow of the Port.
I got patted down coming home and no big deal.
I think in the future TSA and some of this will sort out better but again to me its not a issue I want to be safe!
Jason PA
UOAA ASG Advisory Board Chair
UOAA 30+Committee Board member

Thanks, Jason. I did look more extensively at the TSA web site and found this information:

From TSA site: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/a...ditorial_1370.shtm#3

"Security Officers should not be asking you to remove your orthopedic shoes, appliances, or medical device (insulin pump, feeding tube, ostomy or urine bag, or exterior component of cochlear implant) at any time during the screening process.

Advise the Security Officer if you have an ostomy or urine bag. You will not be required to expose these devices for inspection."

Hopefully, they are still going by this but I don't know how old this information is or whether or not they are updating it.

I have asked my GI doctor to write me some kind of a letter, ID card, etc. that I can present to the TSA personnel.

Jim

Jim,
That is def not current info. Again I was just at the UOAA MBod meeting (Im on the national board)and they are able to pull you into another room and test the output with a nurse doing it all. You do have the right to say no - though dont know what would come from that. As for ID Card or letter at this time no way - security issue as that stuff is simple to make and fake and they wont risk the security issue. Again, we will be sending ppl to TSA for screening training, ideas and a meeting in the future and then hope to bring it all together.
I never tell them I have a ostomy (Fly a lot) and even when I just got patted down never said anything. If they patted it id tell them and go from there.

Ew, I do not want to be pulled aside and have my output tested. How embarrassing. But if I say no I don't want to be put on the terrorist watch list either. It's great that we have certain security measures, but at the cost of our dignity? I don't know...

This has been a good discussion, but i definately don't feel any better. I don't believe the Chinese will be as considerate when they pull you out of line. My trip is in a little over a month away, and I may need to have a discussion with the Airlines. I'm still not completely comfortable with my Ostomy, and a scene would be devestating. Great........

Mike,
They will NOT do that in public and make a sceene. I only think there are 20 Airports that have and use full body scanners. If you are pulled to the side (odds are no way you will) they will bring you to a seperate room and in private. I fly all the time and have YET to be asked or go into one - though I would and have no issues with it thats just me. Relax and enjoy the trip!