A question for your ACT-ers

[Andrew'sMom]

Hi ... I have a question for you ACT-ers. I know most of you have normal active lifestyles on coumadin from what I have read here. I am curious about amusement parks and if you all participate full-force or if you take it easy. My mother-in-law joined us at an amusement park yesterday. She is on coumadin for non-valve related issues (clots/strokes). She is 60 and aside from the clot issues is in generally good health. Well I think I nearly had a stroke myself when she was riding EVERYTHING with my kids... high-speed roller coasters, bumpy, jerky rides ... everything. I was a nervous wreck over her for the entire day. Just seeking some input from you all who deal with this every day ... is that all OK or should I encourage her to scale back her ride enthusiasm in the future?

 

[Ross]

If she had fun, she had life! That's what it's all about. Myself, I'd stay away from some of the coasters, but then I never did like them anyway.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Since she does NOT have an artificial valve, I see NO additional risk other than the usual admonition to avoid activities that can result in strong impact.

I believe this question has been discussed previously in regard to patients with artificial valves, especially mechanical valves, but I don't recall the conclusion.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[geebee]

The first time I rode a huge roller coaster was about a year after my second OHS. I was always afraid of them but decided I would see what all the fuss was about. The one I rode used to be the largest wooden roller coaster in the country so it was very bumpy in addition to the large drops and the g-force. I had no problems coumadin or heartwise but I did HATE the ride.
I have ridden many other rides that were in 747 type simulators and were very jerky and body banging. I have never had a problem.
Live life but, when in doubt, talk to your doctor.

 

[Andrew'sMom]

Thanks for the responses! I will relax the next time we bring grandma along with us to the amusement park!! Ross, you are right, she had the time of her life with the grandkids at that park... I know she worries that she doesn't have many years left because of her many clotting problems, so she has been pulling out all the stops lately and just having fun & enjoying life!

 

[Guest]

I have a patient who suffered a paralyzing stroke when she was 17. She went to an amusement park once and got severely bruised on the rides. It turned out that not only was her INR up around the 5 range, but the medications for her lupus had destroyed many of her platelets. She told me that when her doctor got the results of her tests back, he called saying, "Oh my God get to the hospital immediately." She recovered without any problem.