Update.......

[LindaR]

This is an update of my previous post.

Went to my sports medicine doctor. He is bending over backwards to do the things I asked for! He, too, has been to WDW and knows how much walking there is. He was very willing to sign for the h/c placard, give me a letter to get thru airport security (I have metal in my spine), and a letter stating my limitations in case I need assistance while on vacation.

Unlike my back surgeon, (who I think has ulterior motives...) this guy was totally professional.

 

[ducklite]

Good to hear!

Have a great trip!

Anne

 

[SueM in MN]

glad to hear a good update.
Have fun

 

[Piper]

Linda, Will the metal set off the detectors? I have a titanium plate and 8 screws in my cervical spine--covers 4 vertebrae--just wondering if I should get a letter, too. Thanks.

 

[mamajoan]

Hurray!!! Big pat on the back for the Sports Doc!!!
Enjoy your trip!

 

[tink2dw]

Here are two examples of how sensative the metal detecters are,
Dd's underwire bra set it off and also the metal tabs on the pockets of her Rider jeans.

Metal Shanks in shoes also set it off.

Here is a really good tip I read on a board here,

I have a carryon with an accordion pocket on the outside, and I keep one of those plastic pencil envelopes in it, the sort with the plastic ziploc seal[available at Office Depot and then Target during back to school sale,about $1.00 each ]. I take it out in the security line and we dump the contents of our pockets into it, then close it & put it into the carryon pocket.

When they unzip the pocket, all that stuff is there in that clear pouch, perfectly visible for inspection. However, they would not be able to open and shut it too quickly with rubber gloves on, as their fingers would not glide over the zipseal. The outside of the pouch is marked with my name and cell phone number; if they took the whole thing I'd notice it was missing immediately. (Unlike a regular ziploc, this is stiff plastic that won't squish well. That's deliberate on my part, as I don't want to forget it is there.)

Also, when travelling with more than one adult, we always split up at security, and one of us goes through the line without any bags first. The other person stays a few people back; I don't go through until DH clears, for instance. That way, the first one through can retrieve the bags as soon as they clear. When travelling alone, I won't put my stuff down until the person ahead of me is clear of the detector; I don't care how long the line is; my things are not going through unless I can go with them.

 

[Piper]

Thanks--I will get that letter! I appreciate the knowledge and insite and your time taken in answering! I also use a crutch, so they will probably pull me out of line anyway!

 

[LindaR]

Yes, I would get something from your doctor. Mine told me to even be prepared to show them my scars! I had a small meltdown over that one! My scars are right above my rear and one is on my hip.

Get a letter.

 

[JudithM]

A few months ago my Rockport shoes set off the airport security alarm. As soon as the TSA person saw my shoes, she was pretty sure it was my shoes. She was VERY professional & courteous in handling this situation.

LindaR, I am so glad to read your doctor was able to help you. Recently I had to renew my handicapped permit with the state motor vehicle office. when I called the orthopedica doctor's office to get him to sign off on the form, his clerical assistant insisted he never signs off for my type of knee condition. I told her that he did two years ago. They made me make an appointment. When I got there the doctor looked at me like why was I there. I handed him the form & he signed it. The form was blank - my name was not even on it yet! After he signed it, I told him that he is a very good doctor, but that his staff leaves a lot to be desired. I gave him the specific details. Bottom line ... he said he would talk to her. I was ready with three specific examples of when & why I need the handicapped parking permit - I didn't even need to go into them .

 

[SueOKW]

the whole security thing is so intense now! my underwire bra made me 'go off' last fall - on a trip to England - ALONE - ahhh.... I'd never been there, and had never been anywhere alone - at least not like this - so i was kinda high anyway.

The security girl had me sit down - checked my shoes (timberland clogs...) then I had to stand up for wanding... then she looked me in the eye, and said i need to touch around your bra area!! AAAAAGGGHH!!! She said I'll use the back of my hand etc etc... i just smiled and said - hey whatever, i'm goin' to London, this won't last long. So - off she went.. and it was very professional, but really strange.. and there were no curtains or anything.

SO - after all that, my advice to you is - think about WDW if you have to show your scars.... sunshine, warmth, happy place! the humiliation of it all will soon be over. You can certainly bet i will watch what bras i wear!

Glad your sports dr is human as opposed to mr. control freak surgeon.....

Sue