Excellent news!
Is that because you worry about the consequences of an injury in a crash or accident?
I felt the same when I was put on anticoagulants 14 years ago but eventually decided that the added risk of cycling is small and the benefits are huge.
I now wear a medical dog tag when out of the house and have filled in medical info accessible from my phone's lockscreen. Hopefully, paramedics would read that info on one or the other if I were found unconscious and bleeding heavily.
I have met quite a few other riders on anticoagulants for life and they have a similar approach.
Anyway, enjoy getting back on the bike outdoors when you eventually do.
Thanks Colin. That‘s where my thoughts are headed. My AF was at the more impactful end of the spectrum so the combination of the symptoms and beta-blockers made any effort beyond a baseline level very uncomfortable, even before considering the anticoagulant risk. I’m easing my way back in gently whatever comes next, but hoping to be able to drop both the anticoagulants and beta blockers eventually. If the anticoagulants are going to be a long term thing then I’ll likely go the med bracelet route.
The HHHC runs an excellent online education evening that‘s also an opportunity to hear other people’s experiences. There’s a lot more awareness now because many fitness trackers and smart watches pick up AF, but many people don’t really manifest any symptoms at all.
If I might offer some advice through my direct experience. I've two serious medical issues; heart attack, a bleed on the brain and I'm epileptic. I'm pleased to say I'm fit as a fiddle and lead an ordinary life. With all of this going on I thought it would be worthwhile carrying a medical ID of some sort and have done for 8 - 9 years. People often ask about it and approve.
In June 2024 I was hit by a tractor. As I lay in the ambulance the only memory I have is lifting my right hand and waving the medical ID bracelet at the ambulance crew. It clearly states on the bracelet "epileptic." So clearly that a random stranger spotted it once, asked why I wore it, I explained. Her son was also epileptic and she thought it a brilliant idea
#1 ambulance person: "What's that?
#2 ambulance person: "I don't know. Never seen one before."
I feel these bracelets, dog tags, phone screen information are pointless. My direct experience in a major RTC is no one is interested and too focused on the life-saving stuff to look at one. My suggestion would be this, I do it myself. Very briefly describe any condition, meds etc on a small piece of card, laminate it and keep it in your pocket. With luck you'll be able to tell the medics where it is, even if you can't get it out yourself. Don't rely on PR, do something active yourself.
