Deep Vein Thrombosis

[PAULBACH]

I'm not a doctor and I did not even stay in a famous motel last night but ...

Check out these causes for Deep Vein Thrombosis (http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/diseases/dvt.htm)

All of the above article applies to airplanes but there seems to be some relationship to motorcycle riding.

For two main reasons: firstly, it is very dry in planes and there is a likelihood of passengers becoming dehydrated. With dehydration, the blood becomes thicker than usual and, therefore, more prone to clotting.

Motorcycling riding does involve dehydration. The simplest solution is a hydration system like the CamelBak. I have a CamelBak but it stays in the garage more often than it goes for a ride.

Secondly, because there are limited opportunities to move around on planes, circulation becomes sluggish. Cramped seating may cause pressure points on the legs that slow blood flow locally, and this can increase the tendency for a clot to form.

I have taken many long distance trips in aircraft and now on motorcycles. There may be limited movements in airplanes but motorcycle riding is even more confining.

Other Factors
What are the risks of it happening to me?

Factors that may contribute to a higher chance of DVT are:

* being a smoker

* being over 40

* taking the Pill

* being overweight

* having had the condition before

* having undergone major surgery recently.

Is there a message here, especially if you are over 40, that long distance riding may compel more frequent breaks?

[Voni]

Yes.

And a camelbak in your tankbag ; )

Voni
sMiling

[PAULBACH]

Statdawg:

You always have good information.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Smilies/thankyou.gif

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Smilies/good_post.gif

Ringo was right! Stop and smell the roses!

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Misc%20Stuff/200px-StopSmellRSCover.jpg

[Belquar]

Interesting that this thread popped up just as I had to write a little bit about DVT last night for my A&P 2 Lab.

A friend of the family died from an embolus caused by DVT. He was a chain smoker. Skinny. Older.

One day you are here and one day you are not. It is quick.

Much of this nation's health problems could be averted if people moved a little more.

Brian

[mrich12000]

http://www.vdf.org/diseaseinfo/dvt/index.php




:thumb

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So I thought I would include dancing Trombonist as well ..

And Ringo With Friends as You may Know The Wallruss is alive and well.:dance


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[darcym]

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/doomscribe/SMILEYS/headbang01.gif

[riderR1150GSAdv]

I did a major trip this summer and found that getting of the bike was more important than getting on it. The other thing is hydration. Pedialite is your best friend as there is far less sugar in it than Gatorade, giving you real hydration and no false energy.
Being physically fit helps with riding too and keeps the alert level high for a longer time. Getting of the bike at every gas stop for 5 minutes longer than just getting fuel may make or brake a trip. YMMV Just my 0.02 cts...

[PAULBACH]

It all seems to go along with items in the article. This summer I used 50 minutes of riding as a target and then stopped at the next rest area, Tim Hortons, or convenient stop. Then 50 minutes later would stop for gas. The time and the miles flew quickly by.

[mrich12000]

I find as I become more older, I to do the Tims's and gas routine.
(Still have a dram for ya Paul ):wave

[PAULBACH]

Found a relevant article dealing with DVT (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2007/July/jul2-jul9/jul0407dvthealthrisk/?&R=EPI-92466) <- Check Out This Link


Iron Butt Riders Beware

Bikers warned of DVT risk

By Blake Woulds

04 July 2007 12:17

Half of all UK motorcyclists risk leg problems and in worst cases deep vein thrombosis due to riding long distances without rest breaks, according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

Up to 600,000 motorcyclists could be at risk of problems such as varicose veins and other vein diseases due to spending long periods without moving their lower legs, the IAM said.

Peter Rodger, the IAM’s chief examiner, said motorcyclists should wear compression socks available from chemists to reduce the risk.

He said: “Wearing a leg support underneath the leathers can avoid long-term circulation problems such as deep vein thrombosis.”

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of blood clots in deep veins, often in the lower leg. It can lead to complications ranging from swelling and pain to, in rare cases, death. The condition is more commonly linked to long-haul flights.

Ellie, chair of a leg charity called the Lindsay Leg Club Foundation, said: “Motorcyclists must be aware of the signs that venous blood flow is being impaired by the riding position and riding gear.” She these included red patches and “skin depression” between the knee and ankle.

[kbasa]

Cue beemerguru.

[mrich12000]

I'm a diabetic and I find that if I ride to long my legs retain water and I have to use a duretic to alleave the swelling ,or I have to elivate my legs for an hour before I can resume the ride . Ihave since talked to my Endrcrinologist and she percribed a drug to treat this.:wow :wave

[rkasal]

I'm not on the pill.

[TR250Tom]

Paul,

I'm well over 40, and I fly commercial airplanes for a living. I just got home after a 7 1/2 hour day of flying (that's the time I actually flew), and some of my collegues at my airline fly runs from Chicago to Hong Kong or Beijing, up to 16 hours at a time. I fly about 800 hours a year. In 12 years of being confined to the controls of an airliner, and 10 before that of being strapped immobile in a Martin-Baker ejection seat in the Navy, I've never heard of anyone that I knew that got DVT. In the meantime, two guys I know have hit deer on their bikes.

Bad news, guys: you are going to have to die of something.

[Pat Carol]

I am glad that Paul brought this subject to light. I have a real good friend that suffered a major heart attack due to DVT caused by sitting on an aircraft flying from China. He also went into full cardiac arrest riding back from a day ride. He was saved by a great Paramedic crew.
DVT is a serious problem for frequent flyers. It can also apply for people that ride or long distances. My friend that suffered from two cardiac arrest is a non-smoker but frequent flyer.
It does not even matter if you are in the best physical condition. DVT can happen to anyone regardless of risk factors. So remember, get off your bike and stretch a bit. Get out of the cage and walk around. Regardless of what the airline stewardess tells you, get up and move around. Just be nice to the stewardess. If she needs an explanation, feel free to explain.


Take Care & Stretch About
Pat Carol

[PAULBACH]

Most of my flights are on Southwest where DVT is a lesser issue.

My last long flights were from LAX to Aukland, NZ. Quantas had a very thorough film shown before takeoff about DVT and how passengers should drink water and perform leg exercises. They also made the point that passenger were invited to get up and move around the cabin.

Just stop and

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Misc%20Stuff/200px-StopSmellRSCover.jpg

[JK]

I am glad that Paul brought this subject to light. I have a real good friend that suffered a major heart attack due to DVT caused by sitting on an aircraft flying from China. He also went into full cardiac arrest riding back from a day ride. He was saved by a great Paramedic crew.
DVT is a serious problem for frequent flyers. It can also apply for people that ride or long distances. My friend that suffered from two cardiac arrest is a non-smoker but frequent flyer.
It does not even matter if you are in the best physical condition. DVT can happen to anyone regardless of risk factors. So remember, get off your bike and stretch a bit. Get out of the cage and walk around. Regardless of what the airline stewardess tells you, get up and move around. Just be nice to the stewardess. If she needs an explanation, feel free to explain.


Take Care & Stretch About
Pat Carol

Word to the wise, Pat, you need to do what sky-girl tells you. :dunno

A lot of times we get ride reports of moderate to severe turbulence up ahead. When the word gets passed from the cockpit to the cabin to "sit 'em down and buckle 'er up", we're serious about being complied with. When things start rocking and rolling, you'll be glad you did.

And so will the FAA. :whistle

[Pat Carol]

That is very understandable. The sky girls have the power. That is their aircraft cabin.
I should have also included that if you have a history cardiac problems,DVT or even a recent surgery. You need to make the flight crew aware of the condition.The flight crew personnel are trained very well and would more than likely accomadate with the utmost professionalism.
I was on a C-130 flying back from England when we hit turbulance and a also had a wing de-icer not working. That was an experience I shall have burned into my brain for life.

Take Care & Fly Safe
Pat Carol