New travel regulations?

[Bea]

I meant LINDA!

Thanks: )

[bobh]

I have the same problem as Bea. My insurance won't cover the prelubed catheters. I saw a posting on the TSA website which said they now allow up to 4 ounces of KY Jelly. All you had to do was have proof of your medical condition. So thinking this would be easy I contact TSA at Logan Airport in Boston. Boy was I wrong. I have a medic alert bracelet and ID but they said that would not be sufficient to prove my condition. THen I asked about a doctor's letter and was told that MIGHT be acceptable but not necessarily at every airport. I think Bea has the right idea by contacting my congressman. TSA could not get it thru their head that there was such a thing as an inside pouch. THis is getting frustrating.

[LindaAukett UOAA Advocacy]

Bea,

What brand of lubrication gel packets did you have - the Hollister Adapt variety or something else?

And, was it your State Senator who came through for you so well, or either Feinstein or Boxer, your US Senators?

Thanks,
Linda

[Bea]

Bob, how's it going? When are you planning on traveling? Let me know if I can be of some assistance.

Linda, I got .17 oz. sample packets of sterile lubricating gel from an RN. They are manufactured by PDI (Professional Disposables International). Don't you just love the name of that company?

Another thing to consider is quantity. I think TSA is now allowing well documented gels and liquids used for essential medical conditions if they are no more than 4 oz. My two packets of gel were not questioned or examined but my 4 oz. bottle was.

My trip was stressful enough so I'm glad I made the extra effort to get help from Barbara Boxer's office. Her staff was just great.

[bobh]

Hi Bea:

I had to cancel on trip already and I am still trying to figure out how to go in the future. I travel pretty frequently for work and my boss is as frustrated as I am. I carry 4 oz container of KY and usually 4 oz of Purell anibioitic soap. I can use regular soap if I have to but the KY is not an option. What is driving me crazy is that you cannot get a straight answer out of TSA. On line they say you can take KY (4 oz) for a proven medical condition and then they have the nerve to tell me that a medic alert bracelet and card is not enough proof. What is then? I think I am going to do what you did and contact Senator Kennedy's office for help.
I have daughters in Atlanta and Seattle so if I want to visit then this is an issue.
Bob

[Lynne]

Bob,

Surgilube, just like KY Jelly, comes in individual one-use packets. These might be an option for you just carrying one or two with you.

Lynne

[Bea]

Bob, I was thinking what Lynne mentioned. I got individual sealed packs of surgilube from my doctor's office to take on the plane with me instead of the larger tube I usually use. I'm not sure if it was due to the bottle of liquid that was the red flag, but security didn't even look at the gel packages.

Either way, make sure you have a Dr.'s letter explaining the need for the gel. No TSA staff looked at my letter as they had been contacted by Barbara Boxer's office. Contacting your senator might be useful since you have to travel frequently.

[kangirl]

I am flying from Pgh to Flordia to board a cruise to the Caribbean on December 9th. I've had my surgery for 1 month now and am getting along with the bag and blow outs. It seems blow out might be the least of the problems....do I first get a doctors letter. Will my carry on be opened in front of everyone??? Then what happens getting on the cruise? I was so excited to be able to go on a cruise. I always had to spend 2 days a week chained to a toliet and wouldn't be worth it. I was just going to carry supplies in my purse and in my suitcase.

[Lynne]

kangirl,

I would take some of my supplies with me in my carry on and some in my checked luggage. Pouches and flanges should not be "subject" in your carry on. I would precut the flanges and not take a scissors in my carry on. Someone else can correct me if I'm wrong.

Lynne

[Steve S]

I agree with you Lyyne. I carry on some supplies and pack some in checked baggage. I use precut wafers also.
I would contact the airlines to see what they say. Sometimes the TSA will look at what an airline wants and I know some are a little tougher than others. I know Alaska and American airlines will put medical info on your ticket profile for you. You might also ask if an airline representative can help you through security with your medical situation. It is certainly worth calling and asking. Steve

[Kale]

U.S. loosens airline security rules - as of Tuesday: toiletries in small bags, drinks bought in secure areas

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13018902/?GT1=8506

[Lynne]

I heard this also. Liquids less than 3 oz. are allowed and must be in quart size ziplock bags and taken out of your carry-on when going through security. I assume other ostomy supplies would be similar, although I would not be a "happy camper" if I had to display them for all to see !

Lynne

[Linda in NJ]

Don't mean to belittle your concern, Lynne, but for WHO to see?

The TSA agents are focused on looking for specific contraband ... they probably don't even register the other things they see.

As for the others in line, think about the last time you were in the security line. Amongst all the things you had to remember .........

- unstack enough of the plastic bins for your stuff
- put things onto the conveyor,
- take your shoes, maybe belt & maybe outer coat off,
- keep your boarding pass out to show,
- take your laptop out of its case,
- all of this quickly so you don't hold up the people behind you (who are also concentrating on their own shoes and belts and laptops).
- plus praying that you wouldn't set off the beeper and then have to be wanded

... did you really notice what anyone else in front of or behind you had? Do you really think they noticed what you had??