[Toughy]

I just had a total hip replacement over Thanksgiving. I have a titanium socket and partially titanium femur (they cut off part of your femur to make the ball piece of the joint). I asked the surgeon about going through airport security. He said I would set off every metal detector there is and I could have problems with the wand depending on how it is set. The full body scanner will show the all the fancy new parts I have.

I have always maintained the full body scanners are dangerous to EVERYBODY including the TSA security folks. If that machine was in a hospital it would be in a lead lined room with ALL the precautions needed for simple x-rays. I'm glad TSA is going to dump them.

I have never liked flying....it's just not natural.....and since 9/11 when fear took over and common sense died I have flown maybe 3 times. Taking off your shoes, putting liquid in 3 oz bottles, no sharp objects, no lighters, but 3 books of matches oh wait you can have a lighter now, is all just stupid and does nothing to make anyone more secure.

I absolutely dread the thought of airport security now because I will set off all their bells and whistles. The thought of partially dropping my pants and showing off my big ass scar is not a pleasant one. Funny though....I was at the Federal Building in Oakland and I set off the metal detector. They stopped me of course, asked me where I was going (the VA Regional office) and I told them I had had a hip replacement and they did not even wand me......I got a thank you for your service and was on my way.