Police Officer with Pulmomary Embolism

[Mark2163]

I am also a Police Officer/Detective, that had out patient ankle surgery Oct. 2008, came home and my wife found me unresposnive the next morning approximately 10 hours after the surgery, rushed to the hospital and a CT scan revealed a PE. What ever happen to your case with your dosages of Coumadin? Does anyone have any other suggestions. I am also on Long-term disability for (1 year or longer). Should we be going back on the street with this type of condition? I am not comfortable on the streets anymore. The doctor said I should be fine after 1 year of the Coumadin. It is a case-by case basis at least thats what the treating doctor informs me. If anyone has any other suggestions, please advise. Thanks, and stay safe

What is the name of your state? FL

I am a police officer in Florida. Recently, and as the result of an on duty injury, I suffered a pulmonary embolism. Subsequently, I am faced with the possibility of life-long Coumadin (blood-thinner) therapy. I'm afraid my agency will not let me continue my active-duty employment due to my increased risk of "bleeding-to-death!" I want to continue my career; I love my job and it is my life! If, in a worst case scenario, I am advised to take Coumadin "forever," can they make me quit (fire me)? I have already stated, to anyone who will listen, I am willing to accept the increased risk, its a risky job anyway! I am fully capable of performing the duties my job requires (I'm a very physically fit individual). I have been in law enforcement for 14 years, 9 with my current agency...

Thank you,
Ray

 

[David Maynard]

Police officer/ pulmonary embolism

I too was a police officer who had two pulmonary embolisms so I will share my experience and hope it helps. I retired from the Ky State Police in 2007. In 2005, I had my first PE. Was placed on coumidin for 1 year during which I was put on "light duty" and worked at post. After one year, my doctor took me off my medication and I returned to full duty. In 2007, I suffered my second one at which time I was put on coumidin for life. I was told that I could not work as a police officer but could train "cops" to be cops if I stayed employed with the KSP. I opted to retire with 24 years service instead. Talk with your doctor and ask if he knows where the PE came from. In my case they could not tell. However, my family has a history of a blood disorder causing this. You may want to have him check you for this disorder, can't recall what its name is. You may need to consult with a specialist on it. I don't need to tell any of you of the dangers of staying on the road taking coumidin. But if you are married with a family or hope to have a family one day, you may want to re-think keeping quiet and on the job. We run a high risk of being in a traffic collision, being in a fight, stabbed or shot so is it really worth it? Not to me. Life's already too short. You can always take a medical out, although it is not what you want but I am sure that each of you have family somewhere that cares for you. Consider them. I too loved policing but there are other things I enjoy so it's time to enjoy them now. I don't know about your agency but mine can force you to medically retire. I will always be there for my fellow officers, my brothers, so if anyone wants to email me they can at [email protected].
David