No fingerprints

[creditcrunchie]

Hi / I have just returned from a visit to USA and it was interesting that on this occasion when going through screening they could not get finger and thumb print of either hand which held the queue up and I got slightly worried as I had a bit of a cross examination and as I was visiting my sister who is terminally ill I could not imagine how awful it would be to be sent home. I did wonder if perhaps on another occasion a GP letter explaining Scleroderma?? In September all was ok on similar visit so wondered if anyone has similar experience. Regards Credit Crunchie

[Gmargs]

Good topic! I’ve always wondered about the changing fingerprint issues (or not being able to get a clear fingerprint), as with Scleroderma you often get finger ulcers which leaves scarring, so changes the image (often). It also goes for devices that ask “would you like to set up a fingerprint security fingerprint” (I never do, as I worry I won’t be able to access later).

I also have issues with some touch items (touch ovens/stoves etc., iPad/iPhone ...), sometimes the item doesn’t connect/work for me (not sure if those are due to lack of blood circulation or the skin condition - so sometimes need to use a stylus or can’t use it).

While on the subject of issues that arise from Scleroderma that affect events/situations that others may not understand, I also get quite nervous if asked to do a random breath test, as my mouth doesn’t close well (due to the oral tightness from Scleroderma) and are unable to complete the test [luckily so far police have let me go on my way, but they could ask me to go for a blood test to check my alcohol levels which would be so inconvenient 😬]. Was told by one GP even if I had a medical note explaining my condition, I can still be asked to complete any tests needed.

It is even harder to explain to authorities or others when the condition is so uncommon and affects each person differently.

So I’m with you on this one.

[boome in reply to Gmargs]

When I read your reply, I thought you could read my thoughts! I always avoid fingerprint locks. Maybe I will need to ask for a formal paper from my doctor explaining these issues for my next trip

[Winfield1]

I was the same from a break in New York - security were not at all understanding

[Pennypetra]

Yes I had that problem when going into Canada as the tips of all my fingers are scared. I also have problems with touchscreen hob microwave and toilets with push button.

[positivedaybyday]

Hi,

I had issues too but mine were limited to my bent hands so I was unable to put my hands down flat.

Luckily for me I flew into a small airport near Orlando. The officer was very helpful as he could see I was in difficulty.

I laughed it off as I was so happy to be on an airplane after 2.5 years.

I can imagine the hustle & bustle of a major airport would of been very different.

What we have to endure!!! It's worth it though to try & get our lives back. Keep smiling!!! Xxx

[tall-tim]

My sympathies ...

Trying to get my crabby, eroded fingers to press buttons and touchscreens is a trial. Recently, trying to scribe a signature onto a hand-held Post Office scanner on the doorstep, when all I had to work with was my nail tips. Knuckles not much good either.

[creditcrunchie]

Hi

Thank you all for your replies/ its always good to know that so many other people can keep smiling and seeing the funny side of this frustrating illness.

Credit Crunchie

[keerti_bhargava]

I have the same problem with my finger tips due to ulcers 3years back