Tim LaPlant

Informing Not Arguing

I took everything out of my pockets and removed my belt. I went through the x-ray machine and it told the TSA that something was in my right back pocket. I let them know everything was removed. The TSA Agent asked if they could use the wand on me. I told them it was fine. The wand told them that there was something in my right back pocket. At that time, I let them know I had a bladder pacemaker implant under my skin. They never heard of one before so I began to explain to the agent what the implant does. Within a couple minutes, there were five agents listening to my explanation of a bladder pacemaker. They all had questions and I answered them all. I have metal throughout my body and am surprised this was the first and so far the last time I was questioned. I guess because most of the metal is titanium. I was happy they stopped me and I had the opportunity to share the knowledge so the agents are aware of the new technologies that SCI/D patients have and the TSA Agents have not learned in their training. The agents were very happy to learn and I know they passed it on to others. My son was pulled out of line because he was the lucky one the machine chose to be searched. I explained to him it happens all the time and it is random and just talk to them and answer all questions honestly. By the time he was done, the TSA Agents were joking with him and they were all laughing. They have a job to do just like all of us.