pacemaker and holiday

[Bimsyl]

I have had a pacemaker , now 9 months. I am going on holiday alone for first time to a hot country. What do I need to be aware of. I have extended family there and am staying in a large hotel for 12 days.

[BeeJayAitch]

I've got an ICD but no-one really knows what that means so I just say I've got a pacemaker too. I always carry the card which describes the technical details but have never been asked to show it. You need to avoid prolonged exposure to magnetic fields so that means you can walk through the metal detectors at airport security but don't hang around - they're no different from the scanners they have near the doors of many big shops. If you say "pacemaker" to the the security staff they will probably let you go round them anyway. I'm more concerned with the hand held scanners they might use so I just say "pacemaker" and place my hand over it so they avoid that area, but it means a physical "pat down" instead - although you get that even at football matches these days. Pacemaker does seem to be an internationally understood word.

As it's a big hotel you might ask at the desk what their first aid facilities are for your own peace of mind, but at a more domestic level just make sure that you don't carry your mobile phone in an inside or breast pocket next to the pacemaker (I use the side pocket on the opposite side of my body) and don't leave any headphones hanging around your neck - if you're not using them (eg on the plane or by the pool) then take them off.

But in general terms your biggest risk is likely to be from sunburn rather than your pacemaker so be sure to take a hat and plenty of sunscreen! Enjoy, and stay strong!

[Hidden]

Hi, Two simple things to remember.

1. Tell them you have a PM before you go through the scanner. I've always been taken through a side gate. Take your card/paper details as you will probably be asked to provide them. Some UK Airports have a Secondary scanner that you may be asked to stand in, so it depends where you're flying from, otherwise it'll be a body search.

2. Forget about the PM and enjoy your holiday.

Best wishes