Riding On Blood Thinners

[Ron_B]

Since it looks like I will be on blood thinners like Coumadin for the rest of my life, I'm curious if any forum members take them. I fully realize that the risk when riding is enhanced when taking these meds, and I've no intention of giving up riding. I welcome any thoughts and advise.

[GSAnderson]

Eat lots of peanut butter.

Hi Ron! :wave

[Kenny2]

My Dad took it for years. I would think you should have a readily accessible Medical ID that states the thinner, by name and possibly the dose.

My Dad had complications after being in an accident, car, and received a laceration back of the head. ER upped the Potasium, to the point of clotting, tooo much. (It's been 15+ years, he been gone):cry

[Gnome]

Listen to kenny2 and get that dog tag,and don't crash! Losing any blood in a crash will turn into major blood loss,and thats not cool at all. You be careful friend, but keep enjoying life. Remember,life is about taking chances. When we're old and gray all we regret is the chances we didn't take.God bless ya!:)

[kbasa]

Tina has a blood condition (the opposite of requiring Coumadin) and she has a Medic Alert bracelet that details both her condition and what kind of medication she's taking.

Further details are available to first responders from the MedicAlert center via phone.

[gambrinus]

I'll second the vote for the MedicAlert braclet.. a MUST have for anyone with a medical condition that folks will need to know about if you can't tell them yourself. If you're not into the jewlery, you could just get a really cool tattoo with all the necessary info. You could put it right next to one like the tattoo a buddy in college got that says "Please try CPR one more time"

Ride safe

RW

[iRene]

Now that you mention it, the Medic Alert option covers you for ANY unforseen incident,
motorcycle or not, and is good for those of us with high blood pressure and other more mundane conditions.
This post is a good reminder for those of us planning our trips out to Spokane...
Don't forget that your pharmacist can help you with specific questions as well...

[GeoffMiller]

I saw something a while back, might have been in MOA about the need to get off the bike and walk every so many hours to prevent blood clots in your legs. I'm not doctor by any stretch of the imagination (I would suggest running if you see me slipping on rubber gloves:p ) but why not broach the subject with your doc? Granted, some doctors are going to tell you to quit riding murdersickles. There are a lot of helpful physicians who understand your need to maintain normalcy in your life and will work with you. Myself, I have battled hypertension almost all of my life. I quit going to the guy who offered lectures and almost nothing else. My present physician works with me to control the condition such as that I can continue normally. Well, normal for me anyhow!;)

[dlearl476]

I got a few of these (http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product.asp?id=infs) to post on my helmet. Might be something to think about.

[LTOwner]

The only risk to you is in case of an accident. Blood "thinners" just increase clotting time. In fact, a mild anticoagulant, such as an enteric aspirin is a good idea for any tourers, and along with changing positions frequently, can help to prevent embolisms. Wearing one of those Med Alert tags is a good idea also.

[Ron_B]

Thanks for all the advice.

See you on the road.

[frazz]

I know exactly what you going through....about a month ago, I was put on coumadin by my cardiologist and he also advised against MC riding...I declined, as this is something I have enjoyed for many years and I have so few vices left:evil that to give up this also, would be akin to just sitting around waiting to die (very safe, but not what I want)....that is not to say that I didn't take some precautions....I got the medic tag, I ALWAYS wear my protective gear and even upgraded some of the armor, I ride even more defensively and perhaps minimize risk, to an extent....anyway, that was my choice, and what I did.....I feel you need to live before you die and I have lived my life to the fullest and intend to continue......just my opinion. :)

[iRene]

Advised against riding? Did the doctor advise against driving? Bicycling? Rock climbing? Skiing?
Oooooh, my blood pressure is spiking !!!

[frazz]

Indeed....all of the above, I stopped skydiving a couple of years ago....but most anything can be hazardous and do you just stop, grab your recliner and clicker, and exist???

Sorry about your BP:)

[gec343]

I had a minor heart attack in November 2003. Prior to the attack, I had planned a motorcycle trip to Alaska in the Spring of 2004. The doctors put me on Plavix, aspirin, Altace, Toprol & Lipitor. I asked the doctors if I could still take the trip and they said yes.

However, I decided to postpone the trip until the Spring of 2005. Hopefully, I'll be off most of the medicine by then.