Blood thinners and bikes

I have been unfortunate enough to require being prescribed Apixaban. This is a blood thinner type medication, it works by stopping clots forming so easily.
I’m aware of most of the implications of this, but I have no practical experience of living with it. I am already considering hanging up my mtb boots (hope to keep on lighter off road stuff though… “gravel riding” is its fancy moniker). But motorbike riding is gonna also take some thinking about. Getting it wrong could mean significant impacts, and consequential bleeding issues. Any of you fine people have any sage advice or horror stories relatable???

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Sorry to read about your medication ! Are you afraid to “empty” your blood in case of accident?

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As soon as you google it, you read about folk getting tourniquets and blood clotting powder… seems a little paranoid. But I was reading about a cyclist who has a minor tumble on his bum cheek, rode back to his car, went straight to A&E and had to have an evac of large haematoma from his glute muscle.

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I think that, if you do decide to get any blood clotting powders etc, you have to know how to use them. Sounds daft, however nothing is going to be effective without their correct application. If I recall, you’re medically trained I think @DCS222 so that wouldn’t be an issue?

As someone who is often first at the scene of events where people can be badly hurt, bleeding etc it is really very useful to know whether someone has any medical conditions or is on any medication - blood thinners are particularly pertinent. I would at the very least consider having a Medicalert bracelet / necklace or similar that could easily be seen by emergency services if they come across you and you are unconscious or not in any fit state to tell us about your medication. I carry a tourniquet with me.

I have a few not fantastic stories, however there are also many more horror stories out there totally unrelated to blood thinners. I think there is a danger of letting something that may never be an issue curtail your motorcycle riding, when I would say that the chances of being involved in any form of RTC / other riding mishap are probably fairly low. I think the key is knowing how to recognise the risk to you, signs and symptoms of particularly an internal bleed and to err on the side of seeking medical help should you believe that you have any sort of incident that may cause one.

In your shoes, I would likely decide to lay off the more extreme MTB stuff (as you have), however motorcycling I believe I would continue - but not without careful thought, as you are doing.

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I have been on blood thinners for about 10 years following a health scare and have to say I have not changed my riding habits. Obviously, there is a risk in the event of major accident, but for me it is not something that I worry about. Keep riding mate :sunglasses:

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Sorry to hear that @DCS222
Obviously you understand the possibilities if an accident occurs and the choice is your own, but I’m sure thousands of folk are in the same situation as you and carry on.
It would be sad if you gave up another of your favourite pastimes, and you are only here once!
I just heard last week that my ex brother in law that you worked with, Geoff, has got cancer in several areas. Live now :grinning:

That’s a shame for Geoff… first big (larger than life to me as a first year apprentice) biker dude I ever met. Hope he can stick the vees up to it!

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Amen to that.

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How many offs have you had in recent times? If it’s non then maybe just stick to road riding? Do you normally ride alone, if so maybe look at your ability to call for help if you do need it. My ditchpump has SOS on it so if I ever go a pisser the mothership will know where I am and will call the cavalry if I can’t do it myself. Maybe also look to see what 1st aid stuff you might need to take with you and carry a medical card with what meds you’re on. It looks like a case of review your circumstances and take steps to put stuff in place so you can carry on riding while limiting the risk. Easy for me to say but you don’t want to pack 2 wheels in then have regrets

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That’s a good idea regarding the medical card and drugs & doses.

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And your bike is bright yellow so you are easily seen :grinning:

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I’d probably go for the Medicalert bracelet or whatever first; you get some that have paper inside where you can write drugs and dosages or something like this Deluxe Engraveable Silicone Bracelet BROAD BAND where you can have the details engraved. I only say that as it will probably get looked at before a wallet, depending on what may or may not have occurred. Even a sticker on the back of your helmet or something like this Vital ID Tag WSID Safety Hard Hat Helmet Worker Accident Emergency ICE | eBay attached to your front zip.

I actually wear a bracelet with my details and NOK with their phone number on when I ride the bikes, in the event that something might happen to me meaning that I can’t give details myself. Also the ICE contact on your lock phone screen can be useful.

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Not just for emergencies also for when someone finds your lost phone :slight_smile: (And include country code in case phone lost abroad)

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