Flying with Incontinence: Going Through Airport Security

I've flown a few times, and maybe a dozen times before having problems with myasthenia gravis (MG) and incontinence. As we all know, the security check at airports is not fun. When arriving for a recent flight, I was prepared for the long wait in line to go through security. It was finally my turn to go through the scanner. Trying to stand with your feet in those positions and get your arms up at the same time feels like a whole acrobatic thing.

As soon as I got through the scanner, I was informed I would need further checking - something showed as possible metal in my groin area. I stood there in total shock! The agent asked if I would like to go to a private room. I said I'd be okay right there; the private rooms were a bit of a walk. Then she asked if I happened to be wearing a belt, which I was not.

Pat down in the security line

So, she started with my arms and my upper body. Again, I had to put my arms over my head. With MG, this is not an easy task. She also wiped my hands with something to test those. Next, I had to spread my legs so she could begin the pat down. She started at the top of my leg and moved to my waist and pelvic area.

She did this several times around, then asked, "do You had padding on?" To which I replied, "I am wearing an adult diaper because of incontinence!" She said ... "WHAT?" So, I repeated, "I am wearing an adult diaper because of incontinence!" To which she replied, "OH, you're good."

Meanwhile, my luggage was getting looked through. I am type 2 diabetic and need a daily injection of a non-insulin medication. That needs to stay cold, so I had gel packs around it.

At least I know what to expect

On the return flight home, the security check was pretty much the same, except for the whole pelvic area check. This time it was quite invasive! But at least I was a little more prepared for what was going to happen.

I have seronegative myasthenia gravis. In the state I live in, there is no specialist to treat seronegative MG, especially if you had a negative response to a repetitive nerve study and single fiber EMG like I did.

Every 6 months, I have to make this flight just to get proper medical care for my MG. And every 6 months I will checked like this at the airport ... but at least I know what to expect.

Singling people out

While I realize that security risks are real at airports, to single out certain people with medical conditions who need things that may not pass security is just wrong! If they were that worried about adult diapers, then they really should be doing checks for toddlers and infants also, as the threat is just as real! By no means am I saying the toddlers and infants should go through that - but maybe the TSA needs to change up how they screen.