Originally Posted by
thegeneral
I'm not sure if people get prescriptions for Glucerna. They do sell food in the airport, so I don't see why this would really qualify as something a diabetic needs as medicine. It's not even something that's overly good for a diabetic. It has some protein, but a ton of carbs and something like Muscle Milk or Designer Protein would be far better for a diabetic.
Guess it's time to be blunt -
THAT'S NOT YOUR CALL TO MAKE. When you do not have the knowledge to speak on matters, as you've just demonstrated, perhaps you should refrain from attempting to do so.
Originally Posted by
thegeneral
It's diabetes. It's not as if it's some radical disease that needs exotic food.
Thank you for PROVING my point above, general.
Originally Posted by
thegeneral
To me, it doesn't seem to be a valid reason for any exception and there are certainly dry alternatives that she can easily find. Glucerna might be marketed towards diabetics, but it's no different than any other protein drink around and not as good as those geared towards athletes.
The very easy solution to this is to just stop by a drug store on the way to the meeting. Drug stores are all over the United States and this product is easily found.
We're not required to make your job convenient for you, general. You're required to abide by the rules you put in place in cases such as these. When a medical exception such as this comes up, your job is to say, "Thanks very much, let's get that scanned and swabbed and get you on your way." Not to attempt to second-guess either the passenger or her doctor.
IF you had either firsthand experience with the condition, OR a valid medical license with appropriate specialization, then PERHAPS your comment might have some validity. As it is... no. Actually, it fails under ANY rational examination. A newly-diagnosed diabetic (and most others, regardless of when they were diagnosed) NEEDS to have food available AT HAND at all times. Period, full stop. You don't get to choose what that individual gets to carry, you don't get to decide where she may or may not purchase said item, you don't get to decide that your own rules don't apply. She declares a medical exception, you run it through the machine and swab it and say, "Have a nice flight."
Originally Posted by takerpark
Thank you all for the responses. She's going to give it a go and if worse comes to worse she's just going to let it go.
It's not any of my business what her treatment/regimen is for diabetes. I know her through another illness support site and I'm aware of some of the other illnesses that she has to deal with so treatment or diet prescribed for other diabetics may negatively impact her other conditions.
I've asked her to let me know how it goes and I'll post as such if and when I hear back from her. Thank you again.
I would advise your friend to get the doctor's note, on letterhead, to take with her, and to call loudly but politely for a supervisor if a moat dragon decides to violate TSA's medical exception rules. No reason for her health to be endangered by some know-nothing powertripper who can't stand to see someone "getting away with flouting TSA's authoritay!". Don't forget about filing a complaint in such a case, as well. The only way this will change is if idiocy like thegeneral suggests gets opposed by those he's endangering.
Conversely, if the screener treats her with prompt courtesy and doesn't give her any flak over a medical necessity, of course the appropriate POSITIVE comment form should be filed, as well. Reward the good behavior, and we'll see more of that (I hope).