Flying with LVAD #2

Well in a week, I fly. I think I have all my ducks in a row to make security and the flight as uneventful as possible. I am excited and nervous. I really don’t consider flying a big deal after all I have been on 100’s of flights on all kinds of planes from a 2-seater bi-plane owned by a friend to those international wide bodies like the Boeing 777 or 787. I never have felt unsafe flying although looking back at 9/11 and other flight safety and pilot/issues uncovered in recent years; I probably should have been afraid.
I don’t even seem too anxious over dealing with security/TSA. A friend told me that recently he in the security area where there was a separate line for passengers with medical inserts or implants to accommodate the different security procedures required. I hope for the best, but will not be surprised if my patience is challenged through the process. What comes to mind more is that this symbolically represents a certain level of freedom that I might again be able to enjoy. Otherwise, I will have to be like Whoopi (Goldberg) and only travel by vehicle (car, bus, van, etc.). Not that that is all bad, but it can be a bit limiting, not to speak of the cost of gas these days and being time intensive. I would just like to travel a bit; now that my health seems to be back in order for the most part. There is my family and friends I would like to return visits with who have been so supportive through my recovery. It is funny the little things we take for granted or that don’t occur to you when things change in your life. I had an invitation to go boating in Marina Delray this past weekend, and I didn’t even think about it, I just said yes. This was someone I had not met in person before, so he had no clue as to the specifics of my having an LVAD, much less that I don’t need to be submersed in water (or salt water for that matter). It kind of took my breath away when it occurred to me. I have only been sailing or deep sea fishing a couple of times, I guess I won’t be adding to that count.
A sudden chill went down my back about what other things would be of equal or similar risk. See there is a tube that exits from my stomach and connects to my controller (a mini computer) and then to my power source (whether it be batteries or to direct power via a tether). It also connects to an exhaust air vent-filter. The filter and tube provide the air source for activating the LVAD pump’s pull and push canister for moving my blood. Should water or various chemicals penetrate the filter, it would definitely have adverse effects./ Not only is this device electric, but anything sucked in the air vent filter could penetrate the bearings; either causing malfunction or excess wear (assuming everything hasn’t shorted out at this point. This could apply to everything from a spilled glass of water, a cocktail, a sudden thunderstorm without a coat or umbrella., or any situation where my chest/stomach were to become suddenly drenched.
I initially only thought it would mean no showers, no hot tubs, or swimming pools. But it really goes much further than that, my medical support staff gets nervous over how profusely I sweat when warm; well I can’t do much about that. So it just becomes another one of those things I must stay conscious of, just like a diabetic must monitor his/her diet closely in or to manage their blood sugar levels.
It really isn’t too bad – I am still here, just in a little bit different shape. This trip means a lot inwidening “my borders”. I am hoping all goes well!