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A different kind of scanner
I haven't posted here before in any meaningful way; but want to thank everyone for sharing their stories, and their knowledge, which I have found very helpful since I had my own RP last November. While my follow-up PSA numbers have been good, I have lingering ED and incontinence--the latter in the shape of two Tena pads per day.
Recently, I took my first airplane trip to Europe, and passed through a different kind of scanner: a Millimeter Wave (MMW) scanner, which uses low-level, non-ionizing radio waves to detect concealed objects like weapons on passengers. I hadn't read here on the Boards any issues others might have had with the process, so proceeded on my merry way through the TSA MMW scanner but was stopped upon exiting. The TSA agent had me turn around, and pointed to the scanner profile of my body, which showed a large red warning signal in the middle of my crotch. I was mortified as a dozen people around me all looked at it as if I was carrying a bomb or gun or something in a very private spot. Apparently the signal was a high-alert signal as other agents circled around me.
Being deaf, I explained (in writing) I had had surgery to remove my prostate, and had a pad in place for incontinence. They were unmoved, if not also unpersuaded, and proceeded to put me through a ten-minute long pat-down examination in front of everyone. I don't think I've ever been more humiliated--and was perplexed. While a pad is essentially filled with polyacrylate, it has no properties that would link it to being explosive on the one hand, or a weapon on the other. Moreover, it was also dry when I went though the scanner.
Has anyone had this happen also?
I can imagine millions of women go through these scanners everyday wearing pads made from the same materials. So how is it that I as a male might have been singled out--? Anyone with insights on how the TSA works (and how MMW scanners work) is invited to weigh in.
Many thanks in advance--
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That is just awful experience 😧🥺 ! Oh my, I am so sorry that you had to endure that humiliating situation.
Can you perhaps acquire some kind of written document signed by a doctor that explains necessity of wearing a pad ? My husband got that from a pharmacist for his pump for penile rehabilitation. He checked his bag just in case to avoid agents opening the box and examining a pump in front of everybody. Also, can you get per-screaning check-in security clearance ? I forgot what is the procedure to get that, but it exists.
I hope that that event did not spoil your trip to Europe and that you enjoyed your time there 😎👍
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1 ReactionWhen I had a bone scan recently, the x-ray picked up the pad I was wearing for incontinence. They had me move my underwear, out of the way because it was causing the scan to come up with the wrong results in that area.
Apparently, more than one kind of scanner can pick up those pads.
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1 ReactionIf you have had any type of Joint replacement or have a large number of dental implants those type scanners will pick up the exact same thing as you are describing. While the Titanium in joint/dental implants is not supposed to trigger those machines it happens all the time and people with hip joint replacements have this happen all the time.
If you have a piercing "below the equator" 🙂 it can also trigger those machines as well. That's a pat down and more.
In the various MRI's and Scans that I had some of them required that I had only a gown on with no underwear and some let me keep my underwear on. When I first joined this forum, someone posted that they had lost all modesty. That's exactly how I feel, if you wanna look at my "bait and tackle" surgery scars etc. I will drop my pants quicker than you can blink.
I feel for you having that pat down right there in the airport that must have been horrible. When I had to go get adult diapers etc. I went early to avoid crowds but of course while I was in that aisle people came down that aisle and I was standing there just trying to decide on what I needed.
Try a doctor's note as Surf Suggest or get some of those diapers that look like briefs etc. I know they sell men's underwear that absorb liquid like they make for women.
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4 ReactionsI have never been much of one for flying but I need to get out and do things. I had a knee replacement 20yrs ago so I always trip the scanner. Now I wear a condom catheter bag. I carry supplies in my carry on. I keep peroxide, creams and extra condoms etc. I get a full pat down plus a drug swipe of my bag. They also remove about half the contents of carry on. I carry a vibrator for my sex nights with my wife. I usually put my daily supplements and meds in a small daily zip lock. I have been questioned about those. So I try to carry the prescription bottle. I get it there are bad people out there. By time I make it through security I have pretty much exposed myself to everyone. I have found just arrive early and who cares.
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