Just a quick question, I'm due to fly at the end of the month, I'm a bit concerned that the metal in my hip may cause the metal detectors to go off, will I need a doctors note for this?
Thanks
More often than not the alarm is set off. My husband does not have a doctors note, nor does anyone else I know. The security girl at Bristol told me they know it is a hip implant from the reaction of the equipment when you are frisked.
Thank you for your response. I was slightly worried as I am very young to be having metal in my hip I was worried that might cause problems.
I've flown twice since my op and didn't set off any alarms...I was a bit disappointed! My surgeon did say if by chance the alarm went off the hand held scanner would prove it was the hip joint so not to worry!
The company that made the hip devices sent me a card as notification of metal detectors.
Has all the information for identification purposes. But we still have to go through the detectors.
Good question!
I do have a doctor's note but never asked for it!
One London airport goes bonkers with me...and one doesn't. Staff fairly relaxed as my vibes seem sincere and no probs boarding planes yet
good luck!
Mic
Hi Little one.
Yes you will need a letter from your consultant who did the op from what I have read on the web. I also took a photo of my latest x ray and have kept it on my phone so if I go away and something goes wrong in the future I have a record of my hip op. I will be doing the same when the second one gets done. Also if you go away within the UK hospitals do not share records so it is a good idea to have some info incase of an emergancy. I have bought myself a medic emergancy necklace and everything I am allergic to or operations I have had done throughout my life I have put inside. Always helpful just incase. 
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I got a card from the hospital with all the details of my replacement.
Airport staff should be familiar with passenger with hip replacement...we are a very large group!
That is something that worries my slightly, it's not a replacement that i have had, they just realigned my hip so my bolts and screws are in a slightly different place. I do have information that the hospital gave me before i left so i shall take that with me. Thanks
Thank you for your response. I don't have another appointment with the consultant until after my holiday so i will be unable to get that information. I do have a letter from the hospital that was for my GP about my procedure though, will that be sufficient enough?
Yes the alarms will go off.some doctor will give a note but the airport people wool surch you any way.Lolo
That is a relief, it's my first time flying so just something else for me to worry about!
When I had my knee replacements and my recent TRHR I was given an NHS card to carry with me to notify people of my joint replacements in case of emergencies etc.. I wouldn't think you would need a doctor's letter If you set the alarm off you just need to inform them about your operation 
I had a metal hip 15 years ago and have been abroad since - it didn't cause any reaction. However I haven't been abroad for a few years so don't know what it is like now.
I was allowed to fly after 6 weeks and am on holidays at the moment, lots of sea air and sunshine, says she hopefully!. I was not ordered any documents by the hospital. The consultant laughed and told me I would set off the machine, which I did. I explained the reason to the security guard, but it didn't stop her running her detector up, down, sideways, back ways, every which way.... All without a smile, but, hey, it's her job. Rather that than sloppy. 😎
I was told that mine would set off the alarms, so my doctor has a card he can give me to carry for traveling.
Have a great trip!
💛 Dawn, USA
Hi Dawn,
He gave you a card? With his phone number for post op TLC? How to get to his little romantic place by the sea? Need to know more....
take care -happy healing
mic
x
I am trying to prepare myself for the once over with the detector, I'm just slightly concerned that they won't believe me as I don't think the alarm will be triggered from the usual place in the hip, I suppose if all else fails I can show them my scars haha.
Mic,
I have not needed one yet, but I did ask and I know it is some form of proof, was told in card form, and that it is recognized as valid proof of prosthesis in the body and I assumed meant internationally. It makes sense given all the anti-terrorist precautions in place to make sure that we hippies are not detained like possible criminals. It would also make sense that the doctors license number and contact info would be on there for further investigation.
Ask your medical team about the card and also ask if your prosthesis device is made of the kind of metal that would set off all the bells and whistles.
I should request mine even though I do not see travel in my near future.
💛 Dawn, USA
My experience with the card is the alarms went off even with the card, they checked me with the wand anyway.lol