Blog Entries With Tag: TSA

Blog: Anna's Blog

From: FatCatAnna

Well, I hate to go off George Michael – but seeing as I always seem to have issues with my pump whenever I go on holidays – and I no longer have a warranty OR loaner pump available – I’m going to be disconnecting from him as of January 1st, 2013. Don’t freak out (last time I did this – the hate mail from pump users I received was astounding).   I’ll be going back onto him probably as soon as I  come back to Canada.  I just don’t want to risk that he will break down on me – and ruin my holidays – I just want to be prepared.

I’m not sure if it’s the cabin air pressure that has created glitches up my previous pumps from Animas over the last 4 years – or the metal detector at the airport – but I’m not taking any risks this time.  I want George to last as long as he can – without any undue stress to him.   With the latest replacement pump I received back in Feb 2012 - I don’t even take him into water anymore after talking to an Accu-Chek rep this past June – who stated that they have same water tight test aka IPX8 on their pumps – but say NOT to immerse in water.    

Yes, I am just being abit paranoid, but heck, with the recent news that many out of warranty Animas 2020 users (along with IR1200/1250) have received or heard about, I feel I have every right to be feeling this way.   I want to protect my investment to the extreme – as I can’t afford to purchase another one yet.  I hope that my pump will last as long as other pump users claim with the different manufacturers presently on the market.   Personally, if I can keep a pump for 10 years – the cost of $1K a year is worth the investment to my health.

So, I’ve got my prescriptions for pen refills of Lantus / NovoRapid – and I figure giving myself a lead time of a month prior to taking off on my holidays – I’ll have things sorted out so that the transition of using my “poor man’s pump” will be made easier.  Prior to going onto the pump, I had issues with hypos overnight / waking up – which we T1D’s know is not enjoyable.  I actually can attest to the fact that going onto the pump – has helped me understand how to use my insulin more efficiently – with having the proper basal setting (which my Lantus will be doing – not as efficiently mind you) – and setting up my carb ratio with my insulin coverage (I:C).   It can be done with MDI – but is just a wee bit more complicated for some folks to do – but in time – we get used to it – and frankly – it is less expensive by a long shot to use the poor man’s pump.  I know many T1D’s who can attest to this – though I don’t go to the extremes they do – with blood glucose (BG) testing of 20x a day – 10-20 injections a day.  I average when I’m on MDI about 5-10 times a day with BG testing and about 8-10 shots a day.

Some of you maybe cringing at 8-10 shots a day.  Trust me, the needles we use today, compared to those we used 50 years ago – night and day!!!  I use a pen needle which is 32 gauge – it’s Teflon coated – so it glides in easily.    Maybe because I’ve been diabetic most of my life – this is something that doesn’t bother me – I have a higher pain threshold then someone who gets diabetes at a later age – or who is a rebel without a cause (e.g. they don’t take their diabetes seriously to take the correct measures to stay in good control to ward off the serious effects of this disease).   

The one thing I’m looking forward to – not that it’s ever bothered me?  I won’t have to be pulled over by TSA due to wearing a pump(s).  Last trip I took coming back from Miami – I had to argue with them that my pump(s) could not go thru’ the full body scanner, or send my holiday loaner pump thru’ the x-ray – it was very stressful – but thankfully this has only happened once while I’ve owned a pump. 

So, Season’s Greetings to You All – and safe travels where ever you maybe going!!!

~ My "fur" nephew Arthur getting in the mood ! ~

Blog: Anna's Blog

From: FatCatAnna

Last month when flying back from Miami, I experienced my first scary situation with being a user of an insulin pump with a group of Transport Security Administration (TSA) agents.  I’ve flown many times and find TSA in the USA to be sometimes a little bit overzealous compared to my experiences flying from other countries.  There I just get waved through – no metal detector goes off – no questions asked with my holding my vacation loaner pump in my hand – they just nod – and I go through.  Now, are other countries more up on pump technology then the TSA agents?  Makes me wonder.

Now, it never has bothered me when the metal detector alarms, to be pulled over and then wait for a female agent to pat me down, swab my pump for explosives.  Often we are chatting about diabetes and they are curious about the insulin pump.  What they have to do is all part of protecting the passengers who are flying – as I could be a potential bomber and not be carrying insulin in my pump, but something else.  I.  GET.   IT!!!  The problem that occurred in MIA when returning back home to Canada, was that I had 3 agents insisting that I go through the full body scanner and I had to repeatedly tell them (as politely possible) that my Animas pump (and loaner pump) cannot be exposed to x-rays or radiation. 

The next thing that happened, that got me slightly worried is when one of the TSA agents asked me to hand over my loaner pump to her to be placed it in a tray.  That has never been requested of me before, I always continue holding it – it never leaves my side.  I asked her not to place it through the x-ray – at that point I was getting worried.  At that point with all that was happening I lost sight of that pump (Salvador Dali).  To this day, I have no idea if perhaps part of his failure a few weeks later and being replaced my George Michael was due to that agent putting my pump through the x-ray machine.  I just do not know!

So, now at this point, I had 2 agents insisting that the full body scanner would not do me any harm.  I told them I knew that – but my pump I was wearing CANNOT be exposed to radiation and I was fine with the hand pat down.  In the end, I stood my ground, and a female agent did their usual thing of going over my body, swabbing the pump (George Michael) and at that point, Salvador showed back up.  Again, who knows where he went, was he swabbed or not, because if he wasn’t, well, you know what he could potentially be carrying.

I know that many American insulin pumpers have written in forums that they never get pulled over plus they tend to hide the pump for some reason (mine is not noticeable as well - but I don't purposely hide it).  Obviously, they don’t set off the metal detectors or hand held devices that goes over their body.  Either it’s true; that I was abducted by aliens and some weird object was placed in my head that only metal detectors can detect?  Who knows?  

Blog: Anna's Blog

From: FatCatAnna

Last week I got back from a few weeks of holidays with my family - it's a little tradition that we do every December - usually just myself and hubby - but this year we brought along my ILS - since they were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.  All went well, we weren't sure at first since my FIL has dementia, but he's been on an experimental drug since the summer time and he had no problems at all while on the NCL Sun with us.  He knew that once he reached the whirl pool at the back of the ship (engine props churning away, to turn around LOL).  He's got as great an attitude to his condition as I do to my having diabetes - so we make a great pair.

My biggest worry with the latest changes from TSA back in October was how would it be going through each of our countries security check points.  I'd read various blogs / news reports - all from the USA mind you - that left me scratchng my head as to whether or not I'd be experiencing the same thing as my friends south of the border.

The good news is - I found no difference in previous travel with wearing an insulin pump, or carrying all my various medical bits and bobs.  The only thing that changed for myself this time was the fact that Animas now has made it very clear that our insulin pumps should NOT go through either the x-ray machine (I used to put my loaner pump through that with my carry on luggage - this time I held it in my hand through the metal detector / pat down) OR to go through the full body scanner (which I had done earlier this year at Miami International Airport).  These devices can cause malfunctions in the insulin cartridge mechanism, which could lead to insulin over delivery.  Something I do not want to have happen.  Luckily, Animas Canada sent me a few wallet sized cards before I left which I never had to show, even when I told CATSCA and TSA agents that my pump(s) could not go through some of their devices for security.  They took my word for it.

Yes, as usual I set off the metal detector - for some reason Animas is known for this - perhaps due to the clip on the pump which is metal (I have experimented in past with removing clip, placing pump in back pocket, metal detector still goes off)?  Maybe I'm just a highly metallic person, from wearing too much fancy glitter eyeshadow  in the past?  Who knows - but I set the metal detector off.

The TSA agent wasn't aware the harm that could be done to the insulin pump - I was abit shocked by that as the Canadian side when I'd left were fully aware.  I think it depends on what training the agents have had, though you'd think at the major airports that I go through, they would be more up to date.  Maybe we insulin pumpers are a rarity?  All I know is that at least I educated the TSA agent on the damage that could be done to the pump, and I had what I consider a routine pat down like I've had in the past.  None of the more invasive methods that I've read about with genitals being touched/swabbed.

I keep on wondering if people who approach what CATSCA or TSA are doing to us as an invasion of their privacy - and that they have no right to do this - then perhaps their attitude makes them get more aggressive with what is being done to them.  I have absolutely no problem with what is done everytime I fly.  I always get pulled over, it's no sweat and with my latest trip, it was all done within 5 minutes and handled very professionally in my humble opinion.

I had asked the CATSA agent at the Pierre Trudeau International Airport in Montreal about the full body scanner and you get "picked" for that at random (e.g. every 10th person).  I found that abit odd as I thought it would be based on what the agent felt should be done.  I just hope as usual, that with the increased security, especially around the holiday periiod, that they maybe not only use these machines prudently, but also go based on visual inspection of the person.  If warning signals go off, pull them over!  Better to be safe then sorry is my feeling.

Safe flying everyone over the holidays!

NB:  If you don't have the time to check out the CATSA link above - please note - that Canadians who are diabetic are permitted juice and gel on their carry on luggage.  This is something that American travellers are not permitted to bring onboard flights.  I searched TSA and could come up with nothing except Americans are allowed "glucagon emergency kit".  I also tried to see what the British Airport Security had to say about diabetics with insulin pumps, and medications - and found nothing.  It seems that airlines leaving from UK to American destinations have to refer to the TSA guidelines. 

Blog: Anna's Blog

From: FatCatAnna

Lately, in some of the diabetic forums I hang around in - alot of Americans have been very dissatisfied with the treatment they receive by TSA when going through security with their insulin pumps on.

I am used to being pulled over, patted down, questioned about products in my carry on that relate to my diabetes, along with swabbing of my pump when I fly.  Apparently though, as of October 29th, 2010 - procedures have changed yet again with TSA (Transporation Security Administration) and how they handle passengers that are deemed to be threats.  As far as I can tell,  for diabetics and insulin pump users, nothing has changed since I last flew.  You can check out what you are allowed at this link ( http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374.shtm#3 )

Last March, I had the delight of going through a full body scanner at Orlando International Airport.  As usual, metal detector detected my pump and I was pulled aside.  Though this time, instead of hand pat down, I was placed in this futuristic looking "bubble".  I went in there pump and all, sucked in my gutt, and within 5 minutes after pump was swabbed down for possible explosive material - I was free as a bird.

I am now finding out, after speaking with Frank at Animas Canada that I should NOT have gone through the scanner with the insulin pump on.  The same applies to my loaner pump I always obtain when I travel.  This is always in my carry on luggage and goes through the x-ray machine.  No, no, no - he told me!  Yikes, I didn't know.  Due  to magnetic fields, it can cause the insulin cartridge gizmo that pushes your insulin through the pump tubing go wacky.  He said due to rapidly changing TSA requirements, Animas is now issuing a travel card with their loaner pumps specifying to the TSA agent that your pump NOT go through these devices. 

Being the honesst Canadian gal I am - I went on to tell him that in Forums they were saying NOT to admit this to your pump company that your pump had gone through any of these devices - or the warranty would be VALID. Gulp - why am I so damn honest?  Because my Mum raised me right?  Frank was nice enough to say, if I was talking to one of their Animas Technical department then this statement would have caused some issues perhaps.  Therefore, I  will be requesting a manual pat down just like I've had in the past, prescanner time for me! 

One other topic I thought I'd add here is the questions amongst diabetics as to how much radiation do we receive when in these scanners?  Yes, they have been approved by FDA ... BUT ... what hasn't been approved one minute and then turned around to not be good has occured before.  I think at my age, I'd rather put up with the human pat down then the bubble machine - aka scanner.  Yes it will perhaps take longer, but as always, I will arrive at airport much earlier then required, just so I can make my flight on time.  Here in Canada, we have had much controversy over the full body scanners,  and according to Health Canada - " There is more shielding on airport X-ray machines — the entire belt is shielded; in medicine, the patient table is not shielded ".  Read more at this link ( http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/01/05/f-airport-scanners-radiation-risk.html )

I have to admit, as other diabetics have been saying ... flying the friendly blue skies is no longer the thrill that it used to be with the security measures that we have to face once we walk through the airport doorways.  Maybe taking the train, bus, personal car, or ship to destinations abroad might be the way to go?  Like my Dad said to me - take your time if you can and take in the sights you don't see when you fly!

Blog: Anna's Blog

From: FatCatAnna

I was going to blog about my fun experience with TSA yesterday at Orlando-Sanford Airport - where I was treated like a potential terrorist (I don't get treated this way anywhere else except in the United States - every other country lets me go thru' with my pump and insulin supplies with a simple nod). Anyway, since getting off the phone with my Dad - I've decided to change my direction of thoughts.

This morning I had my usual weekly call with my Mum - telling her about my trip to Orlando (finally got to see ALL of Epcot - took 2 visits - now I've travelled the "world" ). On the flight home, I had noticed a few passengers that were returning from Mexico. Of course, having watched the news the past few days (my in-laws have the TV on constantly - bit irritating at times) - the outbreak of swine flu was the top story - and they were abit worried. So, here I am - on a flight - with a few people with the touristy somberos on - and it's making me wonder - hmmm - should I be worried?

My Mum at the time didn't seem too concerned - and we'd agreed upon my purchasing some tickets for Too Many Cooks where a friend of mine, Harold Swaffield (a diabetic and the one that encouraged me to try out pumping) is acting in. So, fine and dandy, all I'm waiting on after the conversation is an email from my Dad to tell me what date they want to go - and hopefully it works out that I can drive to Ottawa which is a 2 hour drive from Montreal. Few hours later, email arrives from my Dad - short and blunt - "we have decided due to this flu epidemic we do not want you to buy tickets for the show". I called him up right away trying to understand their concern. Was it because I'd been in contact with people from Mexico or ??? I was confused.

My Dad then started to go on about the epidemic of the 1918's (Spanish Flu) and how this swine flu could be the next pandemic (it would be the 4th according to what I've read). This swine flu has affected over 1,500 (149 deaths at the time I am writing this) in Mexico, the age group affected though is between the ages of 20-40 (that skips us I told him jokingly but now I wonder does it?). I was always under the impression that young and older people would be more effected - but not so in this case (plus there are two phases - so this could be Phase 1 - scary). He's pulling out the mask he uses for painting - saying the ones they are handing out in Mexico are useless - so he's all set (what about my Mum??). Just the fact that now other countries outside of United States/Mexico are advising against travel to this part of the world - probably Canada will follow next.

Well, I'm not leaping on the panic button yet, I'll continue to do what I do to not spread germs (washing hands, coughing in sleeve) and hope for the best. That is the one thing now though with the Internet - news travels so fast - if it was around during the Spanish Flu - who knows what the minute-by-minute reports would have been like at websites such as Health Map.

Stay safe and healthy everyone!!!