Universal Studios with an ICD/Pacemaker

[twix516]

Good morning! I am heading to Orlando in about a week and a half and will be spending one day/night at Universal. About 2.5 years ago I had an ICD (pacemaker/defibrillator but I do not need it for any pacing) implanted as a result of a random cardiac arrest following an emergency c-section. My cardiologist is 99.9% positive that I do not need the ICD, but wanted to implant one in the abundance of caution. I have already spoken to him about riding the rides at both Universal and Disney and he has given me the green light to do what I want.

My question is that I know both parks now have metal detectors at the entrances. I have always avoided metal detectors (although my Dr. has said there is no need to) as a precaution, but I have read online that Universal will blacklist you from riding any rides at all in the park if they find out you have a device implanted (regardless of the fact that I have my Dr.'s permission). I already intend to avoid the rides with the metal detectors in the line (Hulk, RRR and Dragon Challenge), but I don't want to be blacklisted from all rides if I ask for a pat down at the park entrance.

Anyone have any insight or advice? This is stressing me out! We paid a lot of money to do one night in Universal before Disney and paid extra to stay on an on site hotel with express pass benefits and I don't want it to all be a waste!

 

[bumbershoot]

Your doctor and many medical websites (and pacemaker sites) say there's no reason to avoid the detectors. I'd go with that. From what ice read when looking up previous questions like yours is that spending a large amount of time near them isn't a great idea but the normal quick walkthru (or scan by a wand) is fine.

I'm here often and I've never read of them blacklisting anyone. How would that work? How would they know who you are? How would the staff communicate with the ride TMs? The logistics make it impossible.

Sorry you have a cardiologist who has implanted something even though he doesn't think you need it. No one will take my MIL off warfarin even though blood clots haven't been her problem and she's negative for afib. It's very frustrating. If it's frustrating to you too I'm sorry.

 

[janicept]

My Dad passed away a few months ago and we did some research about his pacemaker. They said it could even go through an MRI. Of course it depends on the model you have but if your doctor says not to worry you'll be fine. It was years ago they made them where you couldn't stand near a microwave but they are much more advanced now.

Also I don't think the detectors are very strong. My glasses don't set it off and my husband has gone through with change in his pockets.

 

[twix516]

Thanks for the replies! I'm not so much worried about the effect it will have on my ICD (I don't need it for pacing and I doubt I will randomly go into cardiac arrest the moment I walk through the detectors) but I don't want to set them off with any metal that might be in my device! I think I will just chance it and walk through.