Coumadin Restrictions?

  What kind of restrictions, especially athletic, are placed on patients using Coumadin?  Can a patient on Coumadin participate in sports such as skiing, rollerblading, touch football, etc.
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Dear Lenny:
This is a tough question.  Being on coumadin does not preclude physical activity.  However, you should try to avoid any situation where you may get hit (especially on the head) and bleed.  Contact sports are prohibited.  No contact, non-competetive sports are generally allowed as long as you wear protective gear and are particularly careful.
In general, while on coumadin, you should not drink alcohol.  Avoid taking Motrin, Advil and aspirin, unless your doctor says its OK; these substances make you more likely to bleed.  For that matter, do not take any over-the-counter medications or prescribed medications without checking with your doctor (the one who deals with your coumadin) first.  Many, many medications interact with coumadin.
I hope this has been useful.  I wish you the best of luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature.  Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.