Question about implanted device

[lunapnp]

I'm not sure if anyone can answer this question...I guess if anyone can answer it will be Sue! My DD had surgery this summer and had an intrathecal baclofen pump implanted. This is our first trip to DW since her surgery. Her pump has the "possibility" of setting off security devices, etc. I'm just wondering if there is any ride/attraction that we should specifically avoid?? I don't think there are any restrictions...but I just didn't know if anyone out there had any experience with this. We have her ID card that we will be carrying with us...just in case she sets off an alarm when we leave any of the stores!

 

[MousekeMommy]

Hi there!
Not quite the same, but we took my 5 year old son to Disney last summer, and he has a pacemaker. It does set off a lot of security devices (sorry, Target & Walmart greeters!!!) But we had no trouble at all anywhere in Disney World. But we do have a "pacemaker card", which works well for the "airport police" and anyone else who could make our lives difficult about setting off alarms . . . does your child's device have an official "card" issued by the physician/surgeon/manufacturer? If so, you can take that with you, just in case . . . About the rides, we did stay away from any rides that had "heart condition warnings", but he was too small for most of those, anyway. Hope this helps? . . . Good luck and have fun!

 

[SueM in MN]

I meant to answer, but couldn't right away and then had to hunt for the question. I can't find very much, so here's what I did find.
Kind of, as always, the first advice is to ask her doctor about any recommendations.

I don't know if Medtronic is the only maker of intrathecal baclofen pumps, but it's the one I am aware of. Because the pump is partly metal, it could set off the airport scanners, as the other poster mentioned.
In the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there is a section about air travel which includes some links to Transportation Security Administration web page about travel with disabilities.
Also, here's a link to the Medtronic FAQs page, which includes "it may make the scanner go off."

One thing that I know had been a potential concern in the past was magnets.
This doesn't appear to be as much of a problem anymore with any devices - my guess is because of better shielding on both the medical device and the other devices.
I found a link to the Medtronic pump instruction manual (if you have another kind, look for that company's website.) Here's what it said about electromagnetic interference:

Electromagnetic field devices–Testing indicates that the pump motor will stop while exposed to magnetic fields of 57gauss or more at a distance of 5cm (2in) or less.
Less powerful magnets at closer distances may also stop the pump. Magnetic fields of 10gauss or less will generally not affect the pump. Exercise care and avoid prolonged exposure to the following equipment or
environments:
• Electric arc welding equipment
• High-voltage areas (safe if outside the
fenced area)
• Magnets, degaussing equipment, or other
equipment that generates strong
magnetic fields

But, it does give instructions for safely getting and MRI - which is a really powerful magnetic field.

So, that doesn't sound very consistent.
I do know that there is nothing in the Guidebooks for Guests with Disabilities about magnets. There is also nothing in the first edition of the Open Mouse book.
There is a past thread from the Theme Parks Board (link in post # 3 of the disABILITIES Board also).

For what it's worth, if it was a big problem, I'd expect to see more on the internet about it, especially since people with insulin pumps would have some of the same concerns regarding exposure to magnets.
But, do contact the doctor and manufacturer to make sure whether or not it's OK for her to go on the rides with warnings about roughness.

 

[lunapnp]

SueM,
Thanks so much for your response. We are not planning on flying this time, so the airport won't be an issue. I've heard of some people with devices even setting off security systems at Wal-mart, etc. We haven't had that problem yet, but I do have her ID card with me in case that does happen. She does have the Medtronic device and I've researched a lot and asked her docs. They all give us a thumbs up! I don't foresee any problems but I just didn't know if there was anything at the parks that I was unaware of that I needed to be aware of! Thanks again for your help! You do a FABULOUS job on this board!

 

[SueM in MN]

SueM,
Thanks so much for your response. We are not planning on flying this time, so the airport won't be an issue. I've heard of some people with devices even setting off security systems at Wal-mart, etc. We haven't had that problem yet, but I do have her ID card with me in case that does happen. She does have the Medtronic device and I've researched a lot and asked her docs. They all give us a thumbs up! I don't foresee any problems but I just didn't know if there was anything at the parks that I was unaware of that I needed to be aware of! Thanks again for your help! You do a FABULOUS job on this board!

thanks
I'm just pretty curious when someone asks something I don't know the answer to.

 

[PBB]

I know this thread is very old and has been answered. I wanted to add some information in case another user of a Intrathecal Pump is searching for information.

I had the pump implanted in Novermber, 2009 and on of my biggest disappointment is I wont get to jump in the hot tub at WDW anymore. The pump suggests no higher than 102 degrees. So, be careful of the temperature before you jump in the hot tub.

Patrick

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for adding that piece of information, Patrick.
It's the kind of thing that might slip someone's mind until after sitting in the hot tub for a while.

 

[PBB]

Sue,

No Problem.....we are considering a WDW trip and the reason I have the pump is for failed back surgery syndrome. The planning has got me thinking about what can I do at WDW vs. what I can't do at WDW. I was thinking of the pump on how it related to me inside the gate only. I have to really think about the entire trip instead of one aspect of the trip.

One of my favorite things to do at WDW is go to Storm Along bay at the Yacht and Beach club and relax in the hot tub. When I read the literature about the pump and the 102 degree or less restriction I was certainly saddened. I guess I will have to ask the lifeguard for a current temperature when I am there next time to make sure. Maybe I will get lucky and it will be a balmy cool 100 degrees instead.

Regards,

Patrick

 

[Teachermouse]

Since this is an older post I was hoping to ask how everything went. My husband has a spinal cord stimulator (Medtronic) implanted and will have an intrathecal pump implanted within the next few weeks. We are planning a cruise for 2012. Did you run into any problems? He also has limited mobility and uses a walker.

 

[PBB]

Since this is an older post I was hoping to ask how everything went. My husband has a spinal cord stimulator (Medtronic) implanted and will have an intrathecal pump implanted within the next few weeks. We are planning a cruise for 2012. Did you run into any problems? He also has limited mobility and uses a walker.

I had not posted my questions and comments in the DIS Boards for quite some time. I did a google search on the Medtronics Intrathecal pump and cruises and this thread popped up.

I have an Intrathecal pump and I have taken 3 trips to WDW since the implant. Overall, it went fine. However, it is a lot of walking and that can be a struggle at times. I chose not to risk going on the Roller Coaster or intense rides/. I would suggest a long trip and splitting up the days into sections of three. One of the three parts in the room relaxing and napping. I experienced an increase of pain and I was not surprised at all.

Go in a slow period if you can. There were several days I used a cane and I had my caned knocked out of my hand twice. The crowds don't care about canes. LOL We did not have to resort to a wheelchair or ECV. If you are considering I would suggest renting off site. They are very expensive on Disney Property.

Do not do the Disney Dumbo Do or Die Plan and you will be fine. We drove from Atlanta and having back issues added about 2 hours on a normal 8 hour trip because we stopped and stretched, walked, etc.

We are kicking around going on a Disney Cruise this fall and I was looking at info for a potential trip.

Best of Luck !!

I hope your husband's pain is tolerable and he is coping well. As a caregiver, I hope he appreciates you for helping and being there during the struggle. I know I can get testy at times. My wife is a Saint.

Please PM me anytime if you have a question.

Patrick

 

[SueM in MN]

I had not posted my questions and comments in the DIS Boards for quite some time. I did a google search on the Medtronics Intrathecal pump and cruises and this thread popped up.

I have an Intrathecal pump and I have taken 3 trips to WDW since the implant. Overall, it went fine. However, it is a lot of walking and that can be a struggle at times. I chose not to risk going on the Roller Coaster or intense rides/. I would suggest a long trip and splitting up the days into sections of three. One of the three parts in the room relaxing and napping. I experienced an increase of pain and I was not surprised at all.

Go in a slow period if you can. There were several days I used a cane and I had my caned knocked out of my hand twice. The crowds don't care about canes. LOL We did not have to resort to a wheelchair or ECV. If you are considering I would suggest renting off site. They are very expensive on Disney Property.

Do not do the Disney Dumbo Do or Die Plan and you will be fine. We drove from Atlanta and having back issues added about 2 hours on a normal 8 hour trip because we stopped and stretched, walked, etc.

We are kicking around going on a Disney Cruise this fall and I was looking at info for a potential trip.

Best of Luck !!

I hope your husband's pain is tolerable and he is coping well. As a caregiver, I hope he appreciates you for helping and being there during the struggle. I know I can get testy at times. My wife is a Saint.

Please PM me anytime if you have a question.

Patrick

Thanks for adding more information!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I don't know if these would have any effect, but the WEDWAY People Mover used magnetic induction as its drive, and the Rock 'N Roller Coaster uses a magnetic induction for its launch.