âïž Traveling with a gastric pacemaker
In 2019, I underwent surgery to have a gastric pacemaker implanted. It consists of a small device placed under my skin (similar to the ones used for cardiac pacemakers), connected to my stomach by two electrodes.
In my case, this device has made a huge difference in reducing the severe chronic vomiting I was experiencing because of my gastroparesis.
However, there are a few precautions that come with having this medical device, particularly when traveling. Since getting my pacemaker, I can no longer go through airport security gates, as the electromagnetic fields may interfere with how the device functions.
Every time I fly, I have to inform the security officers that I have a pacemaker and go through an alternative screening process, which usually means a very thorough manual pat-down.
After my surgery, I was of course given a pacemaker ID card that I can show to security officers to confirm that I have the device. Since 2019, Iâve flown many, many times, so Iâm definitely used to this little extra step every time I go through airport security. đ
Itâs obviously not the most enjoyable part of traveling, especially when the pat-down happens in front of everyone, but itâs simply part of the reality of traveling with this type of medical device.
And since many people donât even know that gastric pacemakers exist, let alone what having one can involve in certain situations, I thought it would be interesting to show you this little behind-the-scenes reality of traveling with one. âïž












