Coumadin/Warfarin (blood thinner)

[STRENGTH&HONOR]

I take the drug Coumadin (blood thinner) by doctor's order on a prescription because I had vascular surgery years ago. This has not prevented me from obtaining a commission in the Army and I am in excellent physical condition (6 minute miles etc). Does anyone know if this is a medical DQ for law enforcement?

[dmclark]

It is not. Alot of people take Coumadin for medical reasons and no problems with agency med personnel.

[STRENGTH&HONOR]

One less thing to worry about. Thanks for the response.

[SteveL]

It is such a relief to finally see this topic discussed. I also take a low dose of coumadin. I'm also in great shape(run, exercise, etc.),and I was disqualified by the border patrol for my coumadin use. They asked me to have my doctor verify if I have any limitations. My cardiologist wrote a two page letter stating he knows of the strenuous job activities, and I have absolutely no limitations whatsoever, I'm 100% as far as functional capacity goes. I sent BP this info and they still DQ'd me. I passed the initial medical, interview, and 7 months later they sent me the DQ letter. I appealed, they still DQ'd me. I filed with the EEOC and it wasn't resolved on the informal level, so now I wait for the formal level process if they accept it. In the meantime, I hired an attorney. This issue upsets me because I'm 28 yrs old and always wanted to be involved in federal law enforcement. I'm a little nervous because I also applied to other agencies, and I hope I don't get the same response Re: coumadin. Any advice or other info would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance ,
Steve

[STRENGTH&HONOR]

Steve,

Sorry to hear about your difficulties with the BP. I am applying with: NYPD, Baltimore City, Norfolk, and Dallas. I'll post again if I get to the medical part of the screening process. Good luck.

-S&H

[dmclark]

I agree with the disparities shown by the BP on the Coumadin use. The thing with the federal process is that there are two standards. One is ENTRY LEVEL. There they bar the gates and say, no no, no! However, and as I have pointed out on some PMs, I guarantee you that there are BP Agents on coumadin working today. Hundreds. But there is no standard that says they can't use it..once they are onboard. My arguement for you guys is to attack on the overall usage within the BP. How MANY agents are using Coumadin in the BP? Why are you retricted if use is accepted government-wide?

They've got a lousy argument about lonely stretches where you could bleed to death. It won't support the double standard. Good luck!

[STRENGTH&HONOR]

Bad news and good news regarding Coumadin and blood thinners in general.

I went to the Baltimore City Police testing for out of town applicants last weekend. I aced all the tests and felt really encouraged after meeting with my BI. I got the impression he was pleased with if not impressed by my performance.

The last step of the process was the physical. Despite the fact I performed very well on the physical assessment, the Dr. made it clear he felt that the Coumadin I take would be an issue.

He stated that their policy was to take officers on blood thinners off the street and place them on administrative duty. I found this surprising since I read a case from last year in which a DC officer filed a suit under the EEOC based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (and I believe won) for the same reason. This is very discouraging because I believe the testing I took indicates that I am able to perform the essential functions of the job and accept the risk of being exposed to trauma the same as any other officer. I don't believe that the blood thinner places me at an unacceptable level of risk. I hope my Dr. at home is able to convince the Dr. in Baltimore the same.

The good news is I spoke to the Dr. for the Dallas PD. Coumadin is no problem there. This is encouraging. If Baltimore doesn't want me; its their loss.

Any one else out there in my situation or a similar situation-- don't give up on your dreams; there is a job for you out there somewhere. Keep the faith.

[dmclark]

Remember what we PMd each other....you're competing at the ENTRY-LEVEL standard and they can enforce weird things now that they can't once you're on the job.

You probably could win the battle for the discriminatory policy, but still not get hired after years of waiting. Look at those departments with more enlightened policies. It tells you alot about their overall attitude on alot of other issues as well. Good luck!!