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Posted 12/4/2013 7:23 PM (GMT -5)
From time to time I travel for work and now that I have post RALP continence issues I'll have to wear a pad.

I assume going through a magnetometer is no biggie, but for the x ray scanners I'll expect any liquid in the pad to flag a pat down. What's been your experience?
Posted 12/4/2013 7:36 PM (GMT -5)
Patrick, I don't think you will have any problems at all. Folks go through those things with pads every day and at every airport. A lot of people wear pads for reasons other the PCa. I had a brief time where I had a nephrostomy tube and leg bag and needed to take a business trip. I tried to tell TSA about it and they just waved me through the metal detector.

Good luck!
SC
Posted 12/4/2013 8:04 PM (GMT -5)
Never had a problem with that, flew a couple times and was incontinent for a year. Regards Inkhorn
Posted 12/4/2013 8:40 PM (GMT -5)
I have been upfront with it ( the female TSA are more understanding) - I just say, "I had surgery and wear a pad 'cause I sometimes leak". No problems after that - just straight through...

hugs,
Bronson
Posted 12/4/2013 8:44 PM (GMT -5)
Hey Patrick,

The few times I've flown since my surgery I didn't have any problems at all with TSA. I don't think you will either unless you happen to get some jerk for an agent.

I wouldn't worry about it. Life's too short to worry about stuff like that.

Jonathan
Posted 12/4/2013 9:52 PM (GMT -5)
Just make sure it's nice and full for the pat down.
Posted 12/4/2013 10:22 PM (GMT -5)
I wear a pad, have flown a couple of times since my surgery in October. It wouldn't have ocurred to me that there might be an issue with it, and there wasn't. Went through security as usual.
Posted 12/5/2013 12:05 AM (GMT -5)
Yep, never an issue with me, either. Not to worry.
Posted 12/5/2013 3:16 AM (GMT -5)
Since surgery I have traveled very little by air. I the US, I have had issues with TSA each time (Atlanta, Rochester), sometimes for the strange bulk of pads in my bag, other times for the soggy mess in my shorts.

I had to go to Mexico, and was strip-searched coming out because they couldn't understand a man wearing a pad. Really ugly. Won't be going there again, even if the job requires it.

I have eliminated travel completely from my job as a result. Not a pleasant situation at work.
Posted 12/5/2013 6:14 AM (GMT -5)
Great post, as I travel almost weekly by air for work...first trip not scheduled until JAN. Still on medical leave, and also worry about this. Not much you can do. I am TSA per check so most places that have that you zip right through and shouldn't be a problem.
Posted 12/5/2013 10:30 AM (GMT -5)
I asked the TSA agent at Tampa International Airport several months ago if a pad would cause problems. He said it might or might not, but you can always ask for a private search. Not exactly what I wanted to hear.
Posted 12/5/2013 3:39 PM (GMT -5)
It has not been a problem for me. I suspect the TSA sees a lot of folks with pads and xray would note any metal so don't hide anything down there! LOL

Bob
Posted 12/5/2013 4:24 PM (GMT -5)
Break60,

Would the TSA scanner detect wood? LOL
Posted 12/5/2013 4:44 PM (GMT -5)
Hubby and I travel by air  once or twice most months.  I have continence issues, and he's had them since his surgery in Oct. 2012.  We've been through both the background scatter radiation devices and standard old fashioned metal detectors and whatever other 'machines' they have.  Since we got TSA Pre-check we only have to go through the metal detectors here in Charlotte (saves time and reduces the radiation exposure) but at some other airports, they don't have that set up yet.  Neither of us has had problems with pads (and in his case a few times, full Depends underwear).  They are mostly checking for metal and the gases given off by traces of explosives.  But TSA agents are strange creatures.  They CAN and sometimes do pull you from the line for differing reasons.  This happens MUCH LESS OFTEN in the TSA Pre-Check line. 
Posted 12/5/2013 5:27 PM (GMT -5)
Related topic: Can you bring syringes and bimix/trimix vials in carry-on luggage?

Answer:
Yes, you can bring them on the plane.

Having a copy of your prescription (or your name on the vials) will help address any questions which may arise.

Ice packs (used to keep the bimix/trimix cold) can be a problem. It is best to make sure the ice packs are frozen solid when you go through security (so there is no "liquid" present). Or, you can bring your supplies without an ice pack and ask the flight attendants for a bag full of ice to keep medication cold (which is a common request).

-Gedman
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