Boxing while taking Warfarin (coumadin)

[mark]

I was recently diagnosed with a third blod clot (DVT) within a year, so it looks like I'll be on coumadin for the rest of my life.

I am an avid amateur boxer.

I'm afraid I already know the answer to this question, but has anyone heard of people boxing while taking coumadin? Thanks in advance for helpful answers.

[George S]

I'm afraid I might have the bad news you are expecting. Being on any significant blood thinner puts you at tremendous risk to hemorrhage (severe bleeding), and is very dangerous if/when you get injured.
Hopefully, as you begin, you will be monitored by your cardiologist or an anti-coagulation clinic, which should be able to give you a more definitive answer, after assessing your INR.

Good Luck!

[j b]

This would not be a good idea. One of the side effects of taking coumadin is bruising very easily. With each punch you get, you will have a very large bruise. And, it is possible that one of these bruises could continue to bleed under the skin, giving you a large hematoma or even continuous bleeding which is then another problem your doctor would have to deal with in getting you well. People are advised to avoid hard bumps of any kind while taking this medication. Research some sort of other activity that you can do solo that will give you the challenge and exercise that you are looking for.

[tinmuning]

I haven't heard a boxer or any individual into rough sports taking Coumadin---for obvious reasons. Unfortunately, the closest you should be to boxing is outside the ring. It's for your own good.

[tonette]

Hi I am on warfarin for life I have horses and I horse ride..... well i did ride and now at long last I have been given the go ahead to start riding again however it has been agreed between myself and my cardiologist that all I do is walk when riding my horse out on a hack, if he should become nervous or excitable I have to jump off. I am not allowed to trot, canter and certainly no jumping..... all this is because if I fall I will bleed internally and it could kill me. I guess the same would go for you with boxing if some one hit you, you could also bleed internally! I would talk to you specialist. My cardiologist told me that if I hadn't already got my horse and that I hadn't been an experienced rider he would be telling me no horse riding! ..... hope this helps