What to do,,,?

[rmrc51]

Just got the word yesterday from our doctor that my wife's riding days are over.

She has a history of developing blood clots in her legs and has been put on a permanent cumadin prescription to keep her blood thin. The lastest episode was shortly after the last ride we took on the trike, although there's no real proof that's what caused it. This is the third occurrence in the past 5 years and something that's not to be taken lightly. When she asked if is was okay to continue riding, our doctor and the specialist suggested that it wouldn't be a wise decision with bent knees and the possible jarring from the ride. We already figured that was what we'd be told and in all honesty, I had already made up my mind to try and talk her out of riding even if the doctor's did give us a green light. She is the most precious person to me and I'm not willing to take any unnecessary chances with her!

So with that being said, I have a brand new Scorpion EXO-900 Transformer helmet in Burgundy that we recently bought which was only worn once. I'll post a link below. Asking $175.00.

http://www.revzilla.com/product/scorpion-exo-900-transformer-helmet?gclid=COPpz5bS2roCFc5xOgodGksAfw

Now comes the question if I should even keep my trike. I live in an area where I really don't have anyone to ride with which is the main reason I don't get out on the road much. Just don't like to ride alone. And now that my wife can't be a passenger only adds to that fact. Just not sure what to do at this point,,,....

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Just got the word yesterday from our doctor that my wife's riding days are over.

She has a history of developing blood clots in her legs and has been put on a permanent cumadin prescription to keep her blood thin. The lastest episode was shortly after the last ride we took on the trike, although there's no real proof that's what caused it. This is the third occurrence in the past 5 years and something that's not to be taken lightly. When she asked if is was okay to continue riding, our doctor and the specialist suggested that it wouldn't be a wise decision with bent knees and the possible jarring from the ride. We already figured that was what we'd be told and in all honesty, I had already made up my mind to try and talk her out of riding even if the doctor's did give us a green light. She is the most precious person to me and I'm not willing to take any unnecessary chances with her!

So with that being said, I have a brand new Scorpion EXO-900 Transformer helmet in Burgundy that we recently bought which was only worn once. I'll post a link below. Asking $175.00.

http://www.revzilla.com/product/scorpion-exo-900-transformer-helmet?gclid=COPpz5bS2roCFc5xOgodGksAfw

Now comes the question if I should even keep my trike. I live in an area where I really don't have anyone to ride with which is the main reason I don't get out on the road much. Just don't like to ride alone. And now that my wife can't be a passenger only adds to that fact. Just not sure what to do at this point,,,....

I would consult at least one more doctor, a specialist in blood clots.
i.e. the Dr's comment in bold above, I believe we all set w/bent knees unless we are using a recliner w/the foot rest raised. So why blame the trike???????????????????? Just my opinion

 

[JaysGone]

Obviously your wife's health comes first.
My wishes and prayers go out to you 2 for her complete recovery.

As to your riding future.
Only you can answer that one.
If you feel there isn't much of it in your future from a lack of enjoyment.
Might be time to put the trike up for sale.
If your at all like me.
I use my bikes for commuting to and from work. Not really for enjoyment more as my choice of transportation.
Maybe a 2 wheeler is in your future??
A lot of good reasons to keep a bike around.
If not only for taking a ride for a rides sake.
Ive never been one for group riding.
But
There are days when I need to clear my head.
And I find nothing does it better for me then a ride to nowhere.
Just me the wind and a road.

 

[Grandpa1]

I'm so sorry to hear about your wife's problems. I know what you mean about how precious she is to you.
I have been married to my wife for 47 years. I would give my life to save hers without blinking.
It don't matter if you have to quit riding. Spend the time doing other things with her. Enjoy the rest of your lives together.
We all get old and most of us fall apart don't we?
Good luck and I hope things work out for both of you.

 

[Veritas44]

Tough one...
No need to rush to decision on situations like this. Take your time. The right one for You will come.
Kinda like trying to find something lost or forgotten... never seem to find it while racking the brain and sweating the deal. But once calm, collected, and having moved onward, There it is right on front of you.
Strength, Comfort, and Hope for you both regardless of what Life has in store for you to find ThumbUp

 

[rmrc51]

Thanks for all of the replies. ThumbUp

Believe me, I'm in no rush to make a decision! I keep looking at my trike in the garage with just about every option imaginable and can't fathom selling her. And at the same time, I don't want her to turn into a garage trophy either. Time will tell,,,.

 

[Shimpy]

You'd never forgive yourself if you got another opinion that was more favorable, then your wife rode and something happened to her.

 

[rmrc51]

You'd never forgive yourself if you got another opinion that was more favorable, then your wife rode and something happened to her.

Believe me, at this point her riding days 'are' over and she's also comfortable with that decision. We trust our doctor's 100%. They've been with us ever since we moved down here 12 years ago. During that time, they have also seen us through quite a few harrowing ordeals, unfortunately. I hope the worst is behind us at this point with all of the safety checks we have in place, and now with not riding being the latest.

 

[87Trike1200]

Tough one...
No need to rush to decision on situations like this. Take your time. The right one for You will come.
Kinda like trying to find something lost or forgotten... never seem to find it while racking the brain and sweating the deal. But once calm, collected, and having moved onward, There it is right on front of you.
Strength, Comfort, and Hope for you both regardless of what Life has in store for you to find ThumbUp

Well and thoughtfully said, Mr. Veritas. We join you in wishing "strength, comfort and hope" to MaryEllen and Rich in resolving this issue.

 

[Konrad]

Gosh, Rich - really sorry to hear that. As to the dangers of blood clots, I lost my wife of 55 years just five years ago due to a blood clot that had been lurking in her left leg after some surgery for about 20 years . It suddenly broke loose and no one could save her. The moral of that story is not to take chances when the probabilities outweigh the possibilities. If one must err, do it on the side of safety.

You are familiar with the old homily "Act in haste, repent at leisure". From what I can guess about you, you will not be one to do that. There may be times when your wife wants to go somewhere with friends or simply wants you out of the house for a while during which the trike could be a very happy distraction. I seriously doubt your wife would want you to unnecessarily give up something you love.

 

[rmrc51]

Gosh, Rich - really sorry to hear that. As to the dangers of blood clots, I lost my wife of 55 years just five years ago due to a blood clot that had been lurking in her left leg after some surgery for about 20 years . It suddenly broke loose and no one could save her. The moral of that story is not to take chances when the probabilities outweigh the possibilities. If one must err, do it on the side of safety.

You are familiar with the old homily "Act in haste, repent at leisure". From what I can guess about you, you will not be one to do that. There may be times when your wife wants to go somewhere with friends or simply wants you out of the house for a while during which the trike could be a very happy distraction. I seriously doubt your wife would want you to unnecessarily give up something you love.

I've always been over-protective of her ever since she developed this condition years ago. And now as age increases, even more so! Although she would've liked to go riding, not being able to isn't that much of a disappointment to her. She understands the risks and we're at the point "not", to tempt fate! As long as she has her garden and is still able to tinker outside, she's happy. Retirement is a little over a year away and I feel at that time, I'll be more prone to go riding, solo of course. So between now and then, I'll try to get the trike out when-ever time allows.

Again I'd like to that everyone for all of your suggestions and supportive thoughts!

 

[Rod69]

Very sorry to hear that Rich. You know it's a tough decision, just go with your heart and you wont be wrong. Hope things go well and we will keep you both in our prayers.

 

[Marc H]

Rich i'm sorry to hear about your wifes problem and its good that both of you are at peace with it.Bloodclots are nothing to mess around with.i lost a friend a few years ago from one.She had cronic problems with them to the point of being disabled.She had finally met a nice guy and they were making plans and she died from one right after he left for work.Like Konrad said about his wife nothing could have been done.I'm sorry I don't have the best memory of everyone here but didn't you sell a trike a regret it and buy another in the past year?If i'm right you already have the answer as to whether or not to sell the trike.Don't do anything rash cause like was previously posted times will come when you need to get out for a bit.My wife hasn't been able to ride for over 2 yrs now and i'm just now getting to the point i'm ok with going without her.Still not my favorite but its getting easier and i'm easier to live with.

Marc

 

[2006gold]

After my experience with so called "medical professionals" over the last 16 months, I'd definitely get some more opinions. That being said, blood clots aren't anything to mess around with. Lost my best buddy to one several years ago. He was wounded in Korea. The man took an aspirin every day of his life, but, still, a blood clot killed him in an instant.

Have you thought about some other type of ride for your wife, perhaps a custom trailer of some sort so you two can keep riding?

 

[slick rick]

We can't tell you what to do but if your asking me I can tell you what I would do . Been riding over 40 years been married to my wife 33 and before (even if she insisted ) she had to stay home because of her condition , it would be gone and never look back . We're lucky enough to have other pass times and she really enjoys our little lake place and boat , so I can make that my favorite pass time .
Really hate this for you and your wife but to me it's a no brainer , that's just me . Hope it all works out for the two of you !!!!

 

[rmrc51]

Rich i'm sorry to hear about your wifes problem and its good that both of you are at peace with it.Bloodclots are nothing to mess around with.i lost a friend a few years ago from one.She had cronic problems with them to the point of being disabled.She had finally met a nice guy and they were making plans and she died from one right after he left for work.Like Konrad said about his wife nothing could have been done.I'm sorry I don't have the best memory of everyone here but didn't you sell a trike a regret it and buy another in the past year?If i'm right you already have the answer as to whether or not to sell the trike.Don't do anything rash cause like was previously posted times will come when you need to get out for a bit.My wife hasn't been able to ride for over 2 yrs now and i'm just now getting to the point i'm ok with going without her.Still not my favorite but its getting easier and i'm easier to live with.

Marc

Yes Marc. I had a 97 Valkyrie with a MotorTrike unit and she was Great! A few months after I sold her, I knew I had made a mistake. And as far as my present 05 Wing/Roadsmith goes, she's not going anywhere for now. At present, I'll admit that I have very little enthusiasm for doing any riding at all. I'll take her out every so often just to keep things lubricated and stretch her legs a bit. Hopefully, once I'm retired in another year or so, I'll get the urge to do some riding at that point. If not, then it'll be the time to sell.

Again let me thank all who've responded to this thread. I appreciate all of your comments and suggestions! ThumbUp

 

[werewolf]

Would it be possible to modify the passenger pegs on your trike
to allow her to straighten her legs out more?
Just a thought

AS for DOCTORS, the older I get the more I am sure
THEY dont know nearly as much as they think they do.
Im with the others, get another opinion.
Then discuss the risks with her and let her make the
choice.

Prayers sent for her future well being.

 

[bikerbillone]

Rich, that a tough one, sorry to hear of about the wife's health. As some have advised, don't be hasty, hang tight and see how it goes. I know, big disappointment to see the RS sitting there, or try and ride without the co-pilot. But I can tell you, after my wife's passing in 2003, I made some hasty decision I regret to this day. I certainly wish you well at this difficult time.

 

[SMSgt]

Rich, that is some sad news about your sweet wife. Although I've only been married 3 years I would do whatever my wife wanted me to.
Now as for what I would do, I'd keep the trike and ride with some local friends. You say you don't have any real riding buddies, have you checked in GWRRA to see if they have a local chapter that you and your wife might get involved with. There are things that go on that don't necessarily have to be don't on a motorcycle. It could keep you and your wife involved in motorcycling and community.
And in case you or anyone else was wondering I'm not a member of GWRRA.
Take care of you and your bride.
Kent

 

[SMSgt]

Rich
I just talked to me wife about this thread and what little I know about your wives condition and without even hesitating she said to get a good pair of compression hose. Kerrie has had had bilateral hip replacements and was left with drop foot from the last one and she wears them when we go on really long trips like LA to DC or some such crazy thing.
Just another point of view.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
Kent

 

[rmrc51]

Rich
I just talked to me wife about this thread and what little I know about your wives condition and without even hesitating she said to get a good pair of compression hose. Kerrie has had had bilateral hip replacements and was left with drop foot from the last one and she wears them when we go on really long trips like LA to DC or some such crazy thing.
Just another point of view.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
Kent

We're not going to tempt fate just for the luxury of riding. My wife has accepted the fact of no more riding, as I have. I have more peace-of-mind knowing she's at home and not involved in something that "might" cause serious issues. And I really do appreciate all of the positive attitudes and suggestions.

As for the local chapter of the GWRAA, the nearest one is in Richmond. A bit too far for me for the casual ride. Once retirement hits, I'm sure my riding will increase with the extra time I'll have especially when the weather cooperates.