Coumadin and riding bikes
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Well, finally a thread that I feel some what competent to reply too. I am an RN and for the last 15 years have been running the Coumadin clinic here at my hospital with about 5K patient visits a year. There is an increased risk if you are on a blood "thinner" (actually a misnomer since the viscosity of the blood doesn't change at all) but that includes those of you who take a daily Asparin tablet to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke. One of my patients turned 80 in May and is still riding his Sporty every day. My best advice is to have some sort of ID device (more than one form is better) indicating you are a Coumadin patient, wear a good helmet (biggest risk is head bleed), and ride as safe as you can. But, as with all things in life, ride only if YOU are comfortable doing so. Good luck
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
You paid good money to a skilled, trained professional for his treatment and advice to keeping you alive. Now you're asking a diverse group of people who have no knowledge of your condition, or (for the most part) skill or knowledge in the subject matter involved if the advice he gave you should be followed. If you don't like his advice, I suggest calling him and discussing it with him directly.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 460
Likes: 18
From: Rhode Island/Pensacola Florida
I'm on coumadin; I have been since I almost died on April 24th of this year. I still have a large blood clot in my right leg but thank GOD the PE's (blood clots in the lungs) are now gone. Two of my doctors want me to stop riding because if I do get into an accident I could bleed out from road rash or internal injuries. Ill be on coumadin the rest of my life and Im only 52. The way I see it I have a lot of living to do and that includes riding my EGC.
I just came back from Sturgis and Yellowstone, a 6,144 mile trip. I'm living MY life and I choose to ride. I do carry a very comprehensive first aid kit, just in caseand I do wear a MedAlert braclet.
The way I see it its my life to do as I please. Yes this may sound selfish and I have two grown children I worry about but I could fall in the shower and hit my head or get in a car accident or get in a bike accident or die from another blood clot, I dont know. There are too many ways to die and for me, one way to live. Since 1975 Ive enjoyed riding and Im not giving it up.
I just came back from Sturgis and Yellowstone, a 6,144 mile trip. I'm living MY life and I choose to ride. I do carry a very comprehensive first aid kit, just in caseand I do wear a MedAlert braclet.
The way I see it its my life to do as I please. Yes this may sound selfish and I have two grown children I worry about but I could fall in the shower and hit my head or get in a car accident or get in a bike accident or die from another blood clot, I dont know. There are too many ways to die and for me, one way to live. Since 1975 Ive enjoyed riding and Im not giving it up.
Last edited by flhrbill; Aug 28, 2009 at 01:37 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,201
Likes: 3,089
From: NW AR
I read your post, Ozoneman, I'm just suggesting that if you have a question about your medical care, you should direct it to the person you have trusted with saving your life. I'm not twisting anything around. Anecdotal evidence is interesting and all, but physicians don't put people on anticoagulants for shitz and grins. Call up your physician and say, hey, why can't I ride here for 3 weeks? Maybe he is one of those anti-motorcycle doctors (yes, I have seen plenty of them) and only told you not to ride because of that. Maybe he is more concerned about a clot breaking loose while you are on the road and ruining your whole day than prolonged bleeding from a shaving nick or a little road rash. I'm sure there was a lot of stuff going on at that patient encounter, and now you have questions for him. Ask him.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Newtown, CT
I have been on Comaudin since July of 1996 and I have never given it a second thought. My cardiologist knows I ride and hasn't commented on it. I did cut myself working with some sheet metal one time and I bleed like a sucker. They gave me a shot of something that reverse the Coumadin instantly and sewed me up. No big deal.
I guess the doctor has his point, but mine is to enjoy my life and never look back.
I guess the doctor has his point, but mine is to enjoy my life and never look back.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: South Bend Indiana
You paid good money to a skilled, trained professional for his treatment and advice to keeping you alive. Now you're asking a diverse group of people who have no knowledge of your condition, or (for the most part) skill or knowledge in the subject matter involved if the advice he gave you should be followed. If you don't like his advice, I suggest calling him and discussing it with him directly.
+1 Most of the time this group can't agree what oil to use or which tires last longer why in the hell would you ask us medical question.........
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: The Great State of TEXAS!!!
As I read this I am amazed, impressed, or whatever the number of people who have responded that are on Coumadin ( I should'nt bee I work with enough on them everyday) who ride and first off I think that is great. Second as I mentioned and others on here have as well be sure and wear some kind of medical alert at all times, also, I would incoorpreate into my first aid bag (if you don't have one get one) ;after learning how to use them properly; some of the combat blood clotters that are available as well as a torniquit (just in case) the are cost effective and easy to use and have saved countless lives in combat to date. Most important is to learn to use them before taking them on a ride.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 180
Likes: 7
From: Grand Island, NY (Buffalo)
I started on Coumadin in 1990 at age 27. I have been on it ever since. I have had numerous blood clots and 2 PEs. I get my blood checked once a month. The only thing that will stop me from riding is when I can't hold the bike up any more.
I am fortunate as I do not bleed very easy. I have had some nasty injuries and done well.
I could stay away from the things that increase my risks but I am not about to miss out on life. I lost my wife a few years back to cancer and I know how short it can be.
I am fortunate as I do not bleed very easy. I have had some nasty injuries and done well.
I could stay away from the things that increase my risks but I am not about to miss out on life. I lost my wife a few years back to cancer and I know how short it can be.
