Medical Condition Question

[PerpPredator]

Hey everyone,

Four years ago I had a blood clot develope in my left leg. As a result, I now am on coumadin (a "blood thinner"). It isn't the clot that's a concern to me because most of it has desolved. What's left is now scar tissue and is harmless. It is the coumadin that concerns me. Could this keep me from becoming a police officer?

[acreature]

What are the side effects?

[tpd_six]

I wouldn't think it would be a big problem. I don't think that is a drug which has any adverse effects as long as your performance isn't dimished because of it. I would be more concerned about passing the physical or getting a doctor's sign off for whatever problem caused the clot to begin with.

Some departments have so many applicants they can afford to be pickier, so I would ask them up front if it is something they would be inclined to cut you for. It's better than waiting until you go through all the effort of the application process.

[PerpPredator]

There are no side effects, it just takes away some of the blood's ability to clot (cuts the platelet count in my blood). I don't think it would hinder my performance either, but getting a doctor to sign is a big concern for me though. I don't think the docter found exactly what caused the clot. They tested me several times before they found anything wrong with my blood, and I can't remember what it was that they found.

[Lfpdlieu302]

i dont think it would be of any major concern as long as it does not hinder your ability to perform. which it sounds like is not the case. understand however that you would be placing yourself in a sticky situation should you have to fight a suspect and get cut or some type of abrasion. you would need to make sure that somone you were working with knew of your condition.

[acreature]

If it is that and only that, I see no problems for you ;)

[PerpPredator]

Cool, Thanks guys! :D Yes I do undersand that I am more at a risk of bleeding, but I really want to be a LEO. I appreciate everyone's help this makes me feel so much better!

[tpd_six]

Cool, Thanks guys! :D Yes I do undersand that I am more at a risk of bleeding, but I really want to be a LEO. I appreciate everyone's help this makes me feel so much better!

??? So why did you give me a negative rep if it was helpful?

[mcsap]

If you can get a MD to sign off on your being fit to be an LEO, you will have an easier time. NOT a free pass to getting hired but it will clear some hurdles.

[PerpPredator]

??? So why did you give me a negative rep if it was helpful?

Oops sorry man I didn't mean to do that.
I thought I gave you a good one. D'oh!
I apologize!!!

[Babysmamadrama]

I don't see it as a problem, but make sure you tell the department you need a full body armor suit. You REALLY, REALLY, can't afford to get shot. J/k. Good luck.

[PerpPredator]

I'm not so quick to agree with the others. People on coumadin are at a substantial risk of complications from blood loss in any traumatic accident. Even a paper cut can become an issue as they don't stop bleeding and require medical assistance. Prescription of this drug by a doctor is in itself indicative of medical problems that may cause an employer to have to take extra measures to protect and provide for that employee and pay more for medical coverage if the insurer even agrees topick them up at all.

I can see a real reluctance on the part of LE agencies to hire someone on coumadin, especially if there are a boatload of other candidates out there that to not have this problem. The best thing to do is talk to the recruiting officer ASAP and let them make an informed decision early on in the process. It may be yes, it may be no, but at least you'll know right away instead of getting cut a year down the road.

I don't bleed THAT bad. I have had plenty of cuts and bruises while being on coumadin without bleeding a whole lot. However, I appreciate your info. and will talk to a recruiter.

[PerpPredator]

I don't see it as a problem, but make sure you tell the department you need a full body armor suit. You REALLY, REALLY, can't afford to get shot. J/k. Good luck.

LOL, thanks man :D

[MORA Ranger]

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. I have a good friend of mine on Coumadin and she is a LE Ranger. But it may not be easy for you. She already had her job when she got the clot. She was out for a while and when she came back she really had to fight to keep her job. It worked out (thank goodness) and she's a great ranger. She wouldn't want to do anything else.

[tpd_six]

Oops sorry man I didn't mean to do that.
I thought I gave you a good one. D'oh!
I apologize!!!

It's ok, I thought it was probably a mistake- Thanks for the thought :D