Different conditions warrant different INR targets, so that may not be the same for everyone. And an INR of 3 is definitely enough to cause problems with bleeding, especially in the setting of a trauma. Also should pay attention to the above statement about foods and other medicines. Everything you take, including antibiotics, foods etc. will potentially change the therapeutic range for someone. This drug requires regular monitoring as others have stated.

 

WOW. I never thought I would get the response I did….Thanks to all of you.

I always wear a helmet (a promise I made many years ago), I have my blood drawn every other day because the coumadin levels are still not stable and I have a Medic Alert bracelet. My current INR level ranges between 3.2 and 3.5 so the Dr. changed my mg amounts. I’m now taking 2.5 mg M,W,F,S,S and 5 mg T, TH hopefully this will get the INR between 2 – 3.

I never considered riding with the protective jackets but it is something I will be looking into today. Gloves and long pants have always been worn, maybe I’ll start wearing the chaps but they do get hot.

I want to thank everyone for their advise. I will continue to ride, hell I have to live my life. God bless all of you, be safe and enjoy life.

Bill

 

flhrbill,
Sounds like you've got your plan in place!

If you don't want to wear chaps when it warms up, perhaps wearing "Defender" jeans (or similar) would suffice for the added safety they provide?

Keep the miles of smiles a coming!

 

Very interesting,,, well here is my 2cents. I have been on the stuff for 10 years after aortic valve replacement. My Dr just said becareful and wear your gear. I guess he figured that I would still ride since i am also in Law Enforcement and i didn't quit my job there either and still carry for work. Either shot and bleed or ride and bleed,,, rofl OH well!!!

 

I have been on coumadin since 2004 when I was diagnosed with a bilateral PE(blood clots in my lungs). I was told that I was one lucky to be alive and 2 that I will be taking it for the rest of my life. For the first 6 mos I didn't drink beer, used an elctric shaver, watched what power tools I used, and sold my 900 vulcan etc...For years i had Jap bikes and wanted a Harley...finally last year, for fathers day, and my 40th b-day I bought a 2008 Ultra 105th anniversry model #1916. I love it!!! However, before I bought it I talked to my specialist and this was the advice he gave me...because I take coumadin, I just have to be a little more careful riding than others...don't ride mad, sad, drunk, tired etc...he also told me that if I am driving on the freeway at 70 mph and my airbag deploys...I could bleed internal so that doesn't stop me from driving I just slow down(sometimes)..Folks life is short you could be dead 2 morrow so do what makes u happy. My wife knows that there is nothing more I love than riding and if something happens I went doing what I liked.."Life should not be a journey to the garve with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, pizza in one hand beer in the other boddy thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOOO HOO what a ride!"

 

Wear as much leather and protective gear as you can and a good helmet - a FF even if you can tolerate it.

I couldnt give up riding either. I'd rather enjoy my passion and check out a bit early than live without it.

 

I used to sell Coumadin to Cardiologists and Neurologists. In my opinion, dont give up riding. However, I would comply completlely with taking the prescribed dosage for Coumadin and get your prothrombin time tested frequently to ensure your clotting time is optimal (not too low or too high). You also have to be wary of diet. Many foods rich in vitamin K can cause your prothrombin time to increase or decrease, so check with your physician. Strict compliance with the med and you'll be fine. Life is too short, dont give up what you love.

 

UPDATE TO MY EARLIER POST BACK IN MAY....well it happened to me 4 weeks ago , some guy ran a red light and took me out, i must admitt , while laying in the road... i was having some second thoughts how maybe this wasent a good choice after all...ends up i have 7 breaks on 5 ribs....they were afraid of internal bleeding, but i was real lucky....iam not sure i can go back to riding.....bike wont be repaired until jan....so i quess ill see how i feel next spring.

 

Wow I just ran the who gamut of thoughts through this thread. I have to laugh where it was mentioned this is basically an older person treatment and your more than likely to find them on a bagger.

Me, I'm 31 and just got put on Coumadin. My initial reaction was I'll keep riding but be safer but I started thinking otherwise. For the guys that said this is a lifestyle I completely agree but I'm not that hardcore so I can't use that same life balance scenario. I ride to work and I ride for leisure and I love it but it's not my lifestyle. I've read some war stories and seeing the OP's last post where bone injury luckily didn't lead to internal bleeding all but confirms it.

My bike is for sale since I wont be riding for the next year while I'm on the meds. If they take me off the meds I'll get another in a heart beat but in the mean time I can't stand to see it sitting idle and can't justify the risk.

It's a lousy decision to make and I realize I'm taking the easy way out but with some people that depend on me in life I have to take this blood disease more seriously than my riding. For you guys that have it so ingrained in your lifestyle that you can't possibly give it up thats a sin, and I understand why you wouldn't.

 

Let's face it, most people who ride baggers are older, not necessary wiser but experienced and with age comes different health issues.

I have a wife and two daughters (20 and 23), a home, a great job and wonderful friends but I also have to live MY life. I’m not saying I’m going out to live dangerously but there is risk in everything we do. My job keeps me on the road about 10,000 miles a year. I could get in an accident. I could get hit by another car. I could fall down and whack my head. And yes I could get into a bike accident. Riding is one of the true life passions I can still participate in. My wife and I enjoy this time together, whether we are on a two week trip out West or a Sunday ride through New England. For me, the decision was clear and my wife agreed.

There are different situations for everyone. I hope you can over come this blood disorder and live a happy and productive live, on or off a bike.

God Bless

Bill