I’ve had four repairs, all with coils included- the rupture, second attempt, third attempt with a balloon assist none of which required a card. It was my last and hopefully final repair that involved a stent and it’s the stent that I received a card for. As @purpleplume explains it’s for imaging. When the airport asks if I have any metal in my body the answer is yes, brain and lumbar section. Sometimes my pins and screws would show up on the walk through machine which meant a side trip for the wand and pat down.
I’m not sure about Canada, but in the States a person can apply for a TSA card and bypass the long line for pre check. If Canada has this, I’d go for it. We don’t have one as we don’t fly enough in our minds. I was chosen by random and tried to explain I couldn’t be separated from BH due to my confusion, etc. I tried to get them to take the person behind me. They were pretty insistent and you really shouldn’t argue with TSA (Airport security). They double down on you and then someone with a weapon comes up and gets involved. The people in line get mad at you as they believe you’re holding up the line and start saying not nice things. I was a wreck, couldn’t answer their questions due to the noise, bright lights, my aphasia and stutter coupled with the stress of being pulled. Fortunately, the supervisor who was as flustered as I was told someone to go get BH🤣. I could probably do it now since my stent really has helped. Before the stent I wanted to wear a big sign that said “brain damaged, what’s your excuse?”
I remember a radiology tech trying to get me to show him a card for my coils. He was new and there ensued quite an argument. He wouldn’t listen and I, of course, got loud. He couldn’t understand I had dozens of MRI/A’s. It was a hospital I’d never been to but my Neurologist asked me to go so he could get the results faster. Fortunately a much more experienced tech came in and explained that coils weren’t an issue. She took over my questions and I was able to calm down as soon as she turned the lights off. She’d worked a lot with TBI’s and it was one of the first things she did.
My last visit with the Neurosurgeon and her NP, I was told to keep my card on me at all times, even working in the yard! It’s a good thing I like cargo pants to work in the yard😂
That is just horrible Moltroub! Such a terrible experience that you had to go through at the airport, not to mention the numerous surgeries. So glad that the stent is working .
Thank you for sharing all of this information. I will look into what is offered in Canada. What I am learning through your replies and those of others, is that there are lots of possible scenarios to consider when flying, way more that originally came to mind.
I haven’t flown but was told I could. Ny neurologist told me there may be some meds to take the day before day of and day after a flight just to be on the safe side. I don’t remember what he said to take unfortunately. Maybe more for an upset stomach? Sorry but maybe you can ask. I agree with ear plugs though. I usually keep some in my pocket or in my car when I go out to things, you never know. I’ve put them in at bars when the jukebox is too loud. People think I’m smart to have them but I know it can help me feel better
May1 2020 I suffered a 33mm unruptured aneurysm. I have traveled with no problems. I’m an Airline pilot when I’m not on disability and my docs all say no problem returning to work. Hopefully in about 6 more months FAA is terrible with the current administration. Definitely double check with your docs first.
I had 3 ruptured aneurysms coiled in June 2013. I was advised not to fly for a year. In November 2014 I flew, long haul, from Scotland to New Zealand. I also flew back to Scotland for a visit in May 2015 and to Malaysia (again for a visit) in September 2015. All went well but now, at 73, have no desire to fly again. I would say speak to your doctor for advice. Re Insurance: I had no problem in either Scotland or New Zealand but, should I have any problems due to my previous aneurysms, that would not be covered.
Thank you so much Doreen for sharing. I am amazed each time I read about what some of you have gone through. Before my husband’s ruptured aneurysm, all we knew was the term “aneurysm” and to us, it meant a singular vein had ruptured. Never did I think to make the distinction between vein and artery, and even less did I ever think that it could mean several arteries rupturing all at the same time. It comforts me to no end to read about the resilience of the human body and the utter strength of each person such as yourself Doreen who has gone through it. God bless!