1911
Well-known member
What he says. A coworker races dirt bikes in the 50 year old age classes. He trains hard and plays hard. Had the same thing happen.
(Possibly) MC Related Vascular Condition
- Thread starter RossKean
- Start date
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RossKean
Well-known member
Spending my 3rd (or 4th) night at the hospital. The doctor elected to go for in-hospital intravenous heparin with regular monitoring after pain continued to get worse on the oral Eliquis medication at home. I expect I will be here at least a couple more nights. Boredom, leg pain, crappy food, and very little sleep. Great time!
I can't say how much of this condition is due to bike riding but probably a significant portion. I will have to decide if i wish to assume the additional risk of fatal injury if I elect to get back to riding while still taking blood thinners. Got a few months to decide as it is January in New Brunswick.
I can't say how much of this condition is due to bike riding but probably a significant portion. I will have to decide if i wish to assume the additional risk of fatal injury if I elect to get back to riding while still taking blood thinners. Got a few months to decide as it is January in New Brunswick.
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rushes
Well-known member
What a pain in the leg I reckon!
This all sounds crazy.
Are your nurses pretty?
This all sounds crazy.
Are your nurses pretty?
wheatonFJR
...
This all does sound crazy!
I'm with Russ...hoping the nurses are knockouts.
I'm with Russ...hoping the nurses are knockouts.
RossKean
Well-known member
Yep, major pain in the leg.
Nurses vary from downright scary to gorgeous.
(Doesn't help because I can't run - away from the scary ones or toward the beautiful ones.)
Nurses vary from downright scary to gorgeous.
(Doesn't help because I can't run - away from the scary ones or toward the beautiful ones.)
RossKean
Well-known member
They are letting me go home today after four nights in hospital. Pain still there but improving. Swelling is going down. Nothing they can do for me in hospital so I get to take it easy for a couple days before returning to work.
Riding related? - quite possible
Preventable? - Also quite possible.
I know that I will be more careful to take exercise breaks while riding, maintain hydration, and generally be more aware of lower leg circulatory health. I will have to take blood thinners (anti clot) meds for 3-6 months and may elect to wear anti thrombosis support stockings for riding forever.
Riding related? - quite possible
Preventable? - Also quite possible.
I know that I will be more careful to take exercise breaks while riding, maintain hydration, and generally be more aware of lower leg circulatory health. I will have to take blood thinners (anti clot) meds for 3-6 months and may elect to wear anti thrombosis support stockings for riding forever.
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rogdeb
Scouser
Glad you have a handle on this Ross.
Interesting thread for me, as one of my decisions for going to the Spyder was ankle and calf pain in my left leg. More increasingly on longer rides.
Food for thought!
Interesting thread for me, as one of my decisions for going to the Spyder was ankle and calf pain in my left leg. More increasingly on longer rides.
Food for thought!
FJRay
Well-known member
I wouldn't let the blood thinners keep you from riding. I've been taking rat poison (warfarin) for years because of a prior stroke. Keep an eye on your INR and you should be fine. Regular exercise and hydration are very important. Even if you are doing iron butt stuff take the time to walk around and get things stretched out.
RossKean
Well-known member
Thanks for the advice, Ray. The thinner that I am on does not require regular monitoring (Eliquis). They tell me a minimum of three months; possibly six or more. Same risks as the rat poison in terms of bleeding but it beats the alternative. I may keep my riding toward the lower risk end but I am not stopping. The off-road bike I was considering has been shelved for now.
I was back in the hospital for a few days since leg pain was getting worse. I was on IV heparin until I went home again yesterday. Going to be off work at least another week.
At least it is winter...
I was back in the hospital for a few days since leg pain was getting worse. I was on IV heparin until I went home again yesterday. Going to be off work at least another week.
At least it is winter...
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SwollenRaccoon
Well-known member
This may sound really dumb, but......
Is it possible to get an official note or letter from your doctor, explaining why you need to stand on the pegs once in a while? Keep it in your FJR glove box. And, will that letter let you off the hook for a stunt-riding infraction? If it will, that would be better than having to go to court to straighten that out. I stand on the pegs all the time when riding very far, and it does help.
If they won't let you stand on the pegs, just set the cruise, lean back against a tail pack strapped to the rear seat, and put your feet up on the tank.
Is it possible to get an official note or letter from your doctor, explaining why you need to stand on the pegs once in a while? Keep it in your FJR glove box. And, will that letter let you off the hook for a stunt-riding infraction? If it will, that would be better than having to go to court to straighten that out. I stand on the pegs all the time when riding very far, and it does help.
If they won't let you stand on the pegs, just set the cruise, lean back against a tail pack strapped to the rear seat, and put your feet up on the tank.
wheatonFJR
...
yanktar
Over the hill--and going faster!
Geez RossKean, I feel like I'm talking to myself!
I'm 60 as well, and was working out 3-4x/week, starting with 30 minutes of cardio, then 60-90 in the weight room for strength training, all to keep the new cyborg hip joints from bothering me (and it works).
But an exam for a routine umbilical hernia (now fixed) the doctor said "I'm no cardio expert on this, but I think I hear a heart murmur. You should check it out."
So I did and Damn! I do have a leaking aortic valve. Happily, other than that, my heart is otherwise perfectly healthy, low BP, low pulse. But slightly elevated low density cholesterol.
What the doctor prescribed was upping my cardio to 40-45 minutes 6-7 days/week and changing the weight training by going to lower weights and more reps to keep the heart strong but not stressing it with heavy weights. The losing weight though is the hard part.
Plus Lipitor. We (the family) noticed I was having a little trouble remembering names (Like "who was that actor in Die Hard"? and struggling to remember Bruce Willis or Alan Rickman (RIP) ) although that seems to be fading...or I just forgot!
It's not the getting old that's the *****, it's the bad **** that comes along with it!
I'm 60 as well, and was working out 3-4x/week, starting with 30 minutes of cardio, then 60-90 in the weight room for strength training, all to keep the new cyborg hip joints from bothering me (and it works).
But an exam for a routine umbilical hernia (now fixed) the doctor said "I'm no cardio expert on this, but I think I hear a heart murmur. You should check it out."
So I did and Damn! I do have a leaking aortic valve. Happily, other than that, my heart is otherwise perfectly healthy, low BP, low pulse. But slightly elevated low density cholesterol.
What the doctor prescribed was upping my cardio to 40-45 minutes 6-7 days/week and changing the weight training by going to lower weights and more reps to keep the heart strong but not stressing it with heavy weights. The losing weight though is the hard part.
Plus Lipitor. We (the family) noticed I was having a little trouble remembering names (Like "who was that actor in Die Hard"? and struggling to remember Bruce Willis or Alan Rickman (RIP) ) although that seems to be fading...or I just forgot!
It's not the getting old that's the *****, it's the bad **** that comes along with it!
Dino.S
Active member
I survived a DVT a few years ago. Clotted while I was deer hunting in MT (long travel then sitting still). Three months of warfarin. Did not ride while on Warfarin. I take low dose aspirin whenever I travel now (docs advice).
Wishing you continued success with recovery.
Wishing you continued success with recovery.
PJ4863
Well-known member
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="RossKean" data-cid="1282544" data-time="1452521839"><p>
Thanks for the advice, Ray. The thinner that I am on does not require regular monitoring (Eliquis). They tell me a minimum of three months; possibly six or more. Same risks as the rat poison in terms of bleeding but it beats the alternative. I may keep my riding toward the lower risk end but I am not stopping. The off-road bike I was considering has been shelved for now.<br />
<br />
I was back in the hospital for a few days since leg pain was getting worse. I was on IV heparin until I went home again yesterday. Going to be off work at least another week. <br />
<br />
At least it is winter...</p></blockquote>
I'm not a huge fan of Eliquis. The problem with it is that once you stop bleeding you can't reverse it. Coumadin sucks because of its narrow therapeutic window but (especially if you wreck) can be easily reversed with Vit K and FFP.
If you dump the bike, and get a head bleed, Eliquis is a problem.
I'd have to double check on risk factors while riding. Dehydration adds, but unlike like sitting in a plane, you're constantly using muscles on a bike. Couple that with vibration which should inhibit clot development.
All in all, my point is, check with your MD. Make sure you understand the potential risks and benefits to your lifestyle and medication.
Thanks for the advice, Ray. The thinner that I am on does not require regular monitoring (Eliquis). They tell me a minimum of three months; possibly six or more. Same risks as the rat poison in terms of bleeding but it beats the alternative. I may keep my riding toward the lower risk end but I am not stopping. The off-road bike I was considering has been shelved for now.<br />
<br />
I was back in the hospital for a few days since leg pain was getting worse. I was on IV heparin until I went home again yesterday. Going to be off work at least another week. <br />
<br />
At least it is winter...</p></blockquote>
I'm not a huge fan of Eliquis. The problem with it is that once you stop bleeding you can't reverse it. Coumadin sucks because of its narrow therapeutic window but (especially if you wreck) can be easily reversed with Vit K and FFP.
If you dump the bike, and get a head bleed, Eliquis is a problem.
I'd have to double check on risk factors while riding. Dehydration adds, but unlike like sitting in a plane, you're constantly using muscles on a bike. Couple that with vibration which should inhibit clot development.
All in all, my point is, check with your MD. Make sure you understand the potential risks and benefits to your lifestyle and medication.
RossKean
Well-known member
I have a few months between now and riding season to decide. For now,(and for me), the benefit exceeds the risk.
yanktar
Over the hill--and going faster!
Last year, I read that the archetypical new Corvette owner was a 59 year old White guy. Being 59 and White, and a guy, I didn't want to be THAT guy, so I bought a pickup instead!
RossKean
Well-known member
Part Deux!!
(This is just me getting something off my chest, so to speak. Following up on the initial health issue (Deep Vein Thrombosis) which may or may not have had anything to do with motorcycling. The whole ordeal has been quite an emotional rollercoaster. Changes your perspective on some things.)
Going to be a crappy MC season. Had a couple of rides before April 20 and won't be riding again until late June or early July...
In February, they decided to see if they could determine a root cause for the DVT. They did a chest x-ray and had me scheduled me for an abdominal CT scan. After the x-ray, I got a call from the hospital saying they wanted to do a chest CT as well as the abdominal CT and the schedule was moved up. Asked the doctor and I was told that there was a "suspicious" shadow on the chest x-ray. (Oh ****!) Spent a VERY anxious week waiting to get the CT and another few days waiting to hear back. My family doctor called me at home on a Friday night (after hours) to tell me that the radiologist's report said that the "anomaly" was NOT in the lung and appeared to be some sort of fluid-filled structure with well-defined margins. Not nearly as likely to be something nasty but quite large (bigger than a softball). I have had no related respiratory symptoms or pain.
Got in to see a thoracic surgeon within a week and he told me that he did not think it was malignant but could not be 100% sure and thought it should be removed. If cancerous, he believed that it would be slow-growing and could be removed completely without the need for radiation or chemo follow-up. He didn't consider it to be an emergency so surgery was scheduled for 10 weeks later (April 20). 14" incision including a medial sternotomy (split sternum), removal of a large benign "teratoma", thymus gland, some bits of lung where the teratoma had encroached, the left phrenic nerve, some lymphatic structure and some other bits and pieces. Pathology showed no indication of any malignancy!!!!! The only thing I may miss is the phrenic nerve which controls half the diaphragm - may not have as much "wind" when running or at the gym.
According to the surgeon, the growth may have been in my chest my entire life although it may have increased in size more in recent years. Could well have caused a major problem eventually by interfering with the heart or pulmonary artery. No idea whether it may have contributed to the DVT or not. Might not ever know...
They told me that with the sternotomy (and the extensive surgery), I should expect to be off work 4-6 weeks. It was driving me crazy at home so I was at work part time (desk job) after 2.5 weeks. I am walking an average of six miles per day for the past week and feel pretty good. Cardio condition is improving rapidly although I won't be running anytime soon. There is still some pain that is fairly well handled with Tylenol - I dropped the prescribed narcotic pain pills eight days after surgery and three days after I got home from the hospital (can't stand the stuff). Coughing is still painful and a sneeze is excruciating. Doctor says no driving for four weeks and no riding for 12 weeks and I'll probably obey (within reason). I would feel awfully silly if I re-split the breastbone trying to keep a heavy motorcycle from falling over in a small parking lot "oops". I WILL make it back on the road this season and hope to do some (mildly) serious riding.
Cheers!
(This is just me getting something off my chest, so to speak. Following up on the initial health issue (Deep Vein Thrombosis) which may or may not have had anything to do with motorcycling. The whole ordeal has been quite an emotional rollercoaster. Changes your perspective on some things.)
Going to be a crappy MC season. Had a couple of rides before April 20 and won't be riding again until late June or early July...
In February, they decided to see if they could determine a root cause for the DVT. They did a chest x-ray and had me scheduled me for an abdominal CT scan. After the x-ray, I got a call from the hospital saying they wanted to do a chest CT as well as the abdominal CT and the schedule was moved up. Asked the doctor and I was told that there was a "suspicious" shadow on the chest x-ray. (Oh ****!) Spent a VERY anxious week waiting to get the CT and another few days waiting to hear back. My family doctor called me at home on a Friday night (after hours) to tell me that the radiologist's report said that the "anomaly" was NOT in the lung and appeared to be some sort of fluid-filled structure with well-defined margins. Not nearly as likely to be something nasty but quite large (bigger than a softball). I have had no related respiratory symptoms or pain.
Got in to see a thoracic surgeon within a week and he told me that he did not think it was malignant but could not be 100% sure and thought it should be removed. If cancerous, he believed that it would be slow-growing and could be removed completely without the need for radiation or chemo follow-up. He didn't consider it to be an emergency so surgery was scheduled for 10 weeks later (April 20). 14" incision including a medial sternotomy (split sternum), removal of a large benign "teratoma", thymus gland, some bits of lung where the teratoma had encroached, the left phrenic nerve, some lymphatic structure and some other bits and pieces. Pathology showed no indication of any malignancy!!!!! The only thing I may miss is the phrenic nerve which controls half the diaphragm - may not have as much "wind" when running or at the gym.
According to the surgeon, the growth may have been in my chest my entire life although it may have increased in size more in recent years. Could well have caused a major problem eventually by interfering with the heart or pulmonary artery. No idea whether it may have contributed to the DVT or not. Might not ever know...
They told me that with the sternotomy (and the extensive surgery), I should expect to be off work 4-6 weeks. It was driving me crazy at home so I was at work part time (desk job) after 2.5 weeks. I am walking an average of six miles per day for the past week and feel pretty good. Cardio condition is improving rapidly although I won't be running anytime soon. There is still some pain that is fairly well handled with Tylenol - I dropped the prescribed narcotic pain pills eight days after surgery and three days after I got home from the hospital (can't stand the stuff). Coughing is still painful and a sneeze is excruciating. Doctor says no driving for four weeks and no riding for 12 weeks and I'll probably obey (within reason). I would feel awfully silly if I re-split the breastbone trying to keep a heavy motorcycle from falling over in a small parking lot "oops". I WILL make it back on the road this season and hope to do some (mildly) serious riding.
Cheers!
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wheatonFJR
...
Ross, glad the doctors found it and no life threatening malignancy involved. Be patient and get better. No more icky pictures or I will show you my appendix scar.
Pterodactyl
Well-known member
Tough times, but looking positive for the future. You need to get a zipper pull tattooed on the thing.
Heal well.
Heal well.
RossKean
Well-known member
Not quite so bad now with the (56) staples removed. The zipper pull tattoo might be a good idea. My career as a swimsuit model, alas, will never materialize with that blemish.
Thanks. I promise, no more pictures!Ross, glad the doctors found it and no life threatening malignancy involved. Be patient and get better. No more icky pictures or I will show you my appendix scar.
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