Head Injuries - would love to have Al's feedback

[Martin_W_Riley]

Al or other members.

Now that I'm on coumadin, I am very concerned I will not be able to mountain bike anymore. I've read a lot on coumadin and have visited Al's site. From what I can gather, bumps on the head are not a good thing...

My question is this: in the past I have been known to take the odd spill off my mountain bike often bumping my head - does that mean no more mountain biking for me? I do wear a helmet all the time.

Furthermore, what exactly is considered a dangerous "bump"?

Thanks

 

[Ross]

We've got a couple of Mountain Bikers on here and they haven't stopped, so why should you? Put the old cranium protection on and go for it. The great wise folks that spend all their time scaring people to death telling them that the brain turns to mush and are easily damaged if hit, need to lax up a bit. You certainly don't want to go head first into concrete or phone poles, but even if you weren't on Coumadin, the very same things would still be just as dangerous no?

As long as you are aware of the inherited risks and you practice common sense, you should be just fine.

 

[Granbonny]

Look under C's under members for Conk or Chilhead. They both bike.. We had a Professor from Nova Scotia last year that had his valve replaced. Golfs a lot. Bonnie

 

[SJJ]

Martin,
I think this is a personal decision that each individual needs to assess for themselves. I don't know how to quantify the increased risk for those of us on coumadin but my personal stance is to take reasonable precautions (wear a helmet and use good judgement) and go ahead and enjoy. I don't do mountain biking but I love to ski and I'm inclined to continue my yearly trek out west to enjoy a little downhilling. My cardio says go for it. I will concede that wilderness white water rafting is probably now in my past (mainly because it's so remote), but that's about all I'm ready to give up. I don't want to be foolish, but I'd also like to get the good out of my new lease on life.
Sue

 

[Les]

I'd also like to get the good out of my new lease on life.
Sue

Sue, no better words could any of us live by...

 

[Guest]

There is so little known about this area that you just have to do what is right for you. I know of a guy who died after he fell down three steps and landed in a pile of wood chips. I know of a person who fell over backwards coming out of church and landed on the back of his head on stone steps and nothing happened.

Even rushing to the hospital after you hit your head is no guarantee. Sometimes the bleed is small and slow and takes days to get big enough to cause a problem.

You have to put it in the same category as riding in a car. It can be deadly or it can be fun. You do not know which it is going to be from one second to the next.

 

[tommy]

I think this is a personal decision that each individual needs to assess for themselves. I don't know how to quantify the increased risk for those of us on coumadin but my personal stance is to take reasonable precautions (wear a helmet and use good judgement) and go ahead and enjoy.

Well said, Sue.

Since I have done very little bicycling or downhill skying, I percieve my risk to be greater than those that know what they are doing. So I run instead (and risk screwing up my knees ). I also play softball. Since I have gotten in better shape, I can play the outfield where it's safer from those hard line drives.

 

[Granbonny]

Al, I have a male friend who came in after dark from shopping. His wife told him, wait until I get inside to turn on outside lights. Well, being the stubborn male He didn't and picked up groceries, tripped and fell down the steps into the woodchip pile. I saw him about a week later. His face, bald head and arms were covered in scabs. It's the little things that get you. I have a fear of tripping at early a.m. daylight when I take the dog out. Our sidewalks are stone and and quite a few stepping downs to do to road...Also, little leagues games. Those kids can really hit some foul balls. We all have to ride in cars. I just buckle up and pray that some newly valve surgery person is not out there driving too soon. Bonnie

 

[Martin_W_Riley]

Thanks Everyone

Thanks Everyone

Well thank you everyone for your feedback. I'm so impressed with this site and its members!

I've decided not to sell my MTB as I will continue in the sport. Always with a helmet and for extra safety with a friend when in remote areas!

Now back to taking that first step... Recovery!

I'm in week 4 so I have a ways to go!

Cheers

Martin