Any special requirements when travelling with a port ?

Deblc

I will be traveling internationally for the first time since I was diagnosed (yipppeeee) . Was wondering if any precautions have to be made re security airport screening, and what the procedure is. I just read where a lady with a pacemaker died after being forced to go through the XRay machine, yikes! I know it's not the same for a port, but want to be prepared if there are any special requirements.

LovieLovie

Deblc - I have flown numerous times with no issue with my port.  Are you going to be gone for more than 6 weeks? If so, you may need to consider getting it flushed.  That's all that I'm aware of and I have had mine 3 1/2 years. 

Deblc

Thanks Lovie. I will only be gone for a couple weeks

Leah_S

I have flown internationally a few times since having my port with no issues whatsoever.

Enjoy your trip!

Leah

Kicks

I have not flown with my port so no direct experience. I have gone through the scan machines many times when going into the Courthouse and local Federal Building with no issues at all in the 5+ yrs I've had it.

It is not a mechanical device with working parts like a pacemaker. Basically it is a little 'bubble'/'hard balloon' (for lack of a better word right now) with a tube leading from it to a vein. When it is not being used to infuse 'something' or for blood draws, it (and the tube) is filled with heparin to prevent clotting. When it is not used for a specific time frame (different Drs say different time frames). The manufacturer of mine says to flush monthly - so mine is done monthly. Others do a longer time line between.flushes with no problems.

exbrnxgrl

I have had no problems on domestic or international flights. Enjoy your travels!

Deblc

Thanks Ladies