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[fxdsebeloved]

April 13, 2009 I had open heart surgery to replace a bad aortic valve. I had a choice between a biological valve (Pig or Calf) or a mechanical one. they both have their pluses and minuses.  The biological ones only last 10-15 years, I'm 47 so that means I would have to do this again at 57-62.  The mechanical one Last "forever" but you are permanently on blood thinners to reduce the risk of clots in the valve.  I decided on the mechanical one. When one of my Doctors heard I rode, He said not anymore! I said why? He said motorcycles are dangerous!! and proceeded to get on his soap box on how he felt about motorcycles with never giving a reason why I shouldn't ride. Blah, Blah, Blah.   That night, the surgeon that did the valve replacement came into my room to see how I was doing, I ask him about riding?  He said that really is a personal choice. But since you are permanently on blood thinners your risk of bleeding out is much greater even if you don't open the skin, you could bang yourself bad enough to where you could be bleeding internally, I ask all my Patience no matter how small the fall they think it might be, get check out ASAP.  I really enjoy riding it's a big part of my life I would hate to give it up

[naitram]

i dont think you should give it up because its a risky activity. it was risky before your surgery. what happens it you trip and bump into a piece of furniture? that could also cause an internal bleed if you are on thinners....

you will need to be more aware of your specific situation in every aspect of your life moving forward. dont give up something you like because some doctor is 

[harpmr]

Don't want to pretend I know what it's like to walk in your shoes, but I agree 110% with Naitram - understand you have obligations to others, but also obligation to yourself - hard to make others happy if you're not happy

[GregKhougaz]

I note your motto:     "Four Wheels Move The Body Two Wheels Move The Soul"

If so, fxdsebeloved, you really can't give it up.  It's a personal decision, of course but I have to agree with the thoughts above.  I've been busted up too many times to count.  Last one was a shattered tibia, skiing.  Several Doctors think I'm nuts to keep skiing... I could be crippled.  I say if I stop, I might as well be.  Reign in things and be careful but... You can't stop living. 

In Sturgis, 2005, I saw many folks on trikes and asked several why.  Several rode them for health reasons.  That might be an alternative....  Good Luck!!   

[PR3VS56]

We all take risks riding on 2 wheels.  It's worth it.  EOM

[wolfman]

"A mans gotta live"

[Glide-man]

I agree with all the above and would like to add one of my favorite sayings:
 "If your born to hang, you'll never drown".  It's already written how we shall pass, enjoy the years we have.

[VaEagle]

Hi fxdsebeloved,
Wow I know exactly what you are dealing with now. I had the aortic valve replacement back in 2007 and the doctors didn't give me much of a choice in valves since they thought the artificial was the way to go considering my age and overall health.
As you well know we both will see many doctors from primary care physicians, surgeons and cardiac doctors (It appears to me to be a personal thing with doctors either pro or con.) Those that think we are just rolling organ donors waiting to happen will try to get us off bikes ASAP.
Several of my doctors couldn't believe I would risk it riding but my cardiac doctor said "Just don't wreck". He then went on to mention things like proper monitoring of your blood thinner levels so they don't get too high, use of medical ID bracelet to let everyone know your condition and meds, Then wear protective clothing not only to protect from road rash but some of your meds may make you more susceptible to sunburn. In the heat I wear the HD mesh summer jacket and it has pockets for armour too that I may consider using. You will actually stay cooler and less dehydrated if you ride in long sleeves vs. just a t-shirt.
Some of your meds may make you light headed so be careful and keep hydrated.
One thing you may get your insurance to pay for is a home monitor for your blood thinner levels so you don't have to go to the doctor as often and you can keep your levels more consistant. It is portable and easy to use. I have one from a company in Florida called Quality Assured Services and you can contact them for info or go through your doctor.
The person I have dealt with is in sales dept. her name is Renee Kumar and you can email her at :
rkumar@qasmail.com

[ice6900]

crossing the road, getting out of bed, going to mexico right now is a risk..............

enjoy life, ride your bike if that makes you happy, you only die once might aswell be happy

[grc]

You won't be the first or the last biker on blood thinners, so don't let that first doctor spook you.  Many in the medical profession, especially the emergency room docs and nurses, tend to get all emotional and righteous when they find out you ride. 

I will suggest that you get a medical alert bracelet or necklace to alert care givers to the fact you are on blood thinners.  This will let those folks know to check much more thoroughly even if there is no outward appearance of severe injury.

Jerry

PS - if we were to give up everything in life that some "expert" claims is bad for us, why in the hell would anyone want to live?  Just go ahead and shoot me now.

[Twolanerider]

I said why? He said motorcycles are dangerous!! and proceeded to get on his soap box on how he felt about motorcycles with never giving a reason why I shouldn't ride. Blah, Blah, Blah.   

I felt a lot better about the surgeon for my stupid fingers after the miter saw "moment."  When I was told what orthopod was on call to the ER that night it was a name I recognized both for positive skills as a physician and because he rides a Road King.  They're not all preachy prima donnas.  "Good" or "safe" ideas aren't always best ideas either.  More than one consideration in play here.  Mental health is as important as the physical.

[Fired00d]

All good points have been given... "Life is dangerous, but "living it" makes it worthwhile. I've had a total hip replacement, moderate arthritis in the knee on the other side (which has been 'scoped twice, and will need to be replaced at sometime), and I'm not about to give up the little riding I do. It was mentioned to get some type of identification (medic alert bracelet, etc) to keep on your person (I also keep a copy of all the meds w/emergency contact info in my wallet), and let those you ride w/aware of your condition so if something does happen they can alert emergency personnel.

I wish you all the success in recovering from your surgery, and when the time comes let "your" mind decide whether you want to be in the wind again.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Eqcons]

My wife and I started riding (I'd been away from it for 33 years!) when she got cancer. The defining moment that you realise none of us is going to live forever.  Cliché though it is, life is too short. We figured better to die having enjoyed life than wrapping up in cotton wool to try to live a little longer, while missing out on enjoying life.....

My wife is long since cured, but we still ride, and yes, it's risky for us all. Life, however, is 100% fatal.

Jim

[porthole]

Keep riding.

But I would suggest you advise your riding partners of your condition so that if something were to happen they would be more in tune of the assistance you might need.

[RJ749]

My buddy told me he was going to die when we were in Manitoba bear hunting four years ago.

to give you some idea, this is after a 2 hour charter north of Winnipeg, then a half hour float plane trip to camp and a half hour boat ride to spike camp.

He was sure he was going to have a heart attack.  Well, he got home a week later without dying and went to the doc, ended up in Mayo three days later and was faced with the same choice as you, metal or swine?

He went mechanical for the similar reasoning as you.  In two weeks we will be in the wilderness of Vancouver Island bear hunting, not as remote as Winnipeg, but last September we were in the Yukon 100 miles south of the artic circle after a two hour charter an hour drive and two hour float trip.  you can't get much more remote and if he had an accident he'd most likely need some special transport and good first aid.  At 65 he is every bit as capable as he was at 60 before the transplant and he's lovin' life.

Don't give up your bike, it will only cost you more to replace in a year when you can't stand being without a bike and you'll wish you never let it go.



Good luck and speedy recovery.