Boz,
I've had a total knee replacement as well as other surgery requiring the use of metal. Flying is now a real hassle. Just the other day I had to remove shoes, belt and empty all pockets for a full body scan and frisk. They even scanned the soles of my feet! It is quite embarrassing, especially as they x-rayed not only my mobile phone but also my wallet, and made a very public point of doing so!
I don't know the correct protocol but it would sure help of something like an ASIC card was made available after the appropriate medical, character and security checks were made. I think the problem is that the security bods would still be unable to determine if the alarms were set off by the metal in one's body or something more sinister notwithstanding all the checks and letters etc in the world. It's a real bloody pain.
