Adjusting to Altitude

jatx · 08-12-2005, 11:23

I am spending a month in Crested Butte, CO, right now hiking and biking. The house where I'm staying is at 9,500 feet, and I am fastpacking up to approx. 12,000 feet on a daily basis. I have been here for three days and have not suffered any headaches, but my sleep has been fitful and my resting HR is elevated by about 20 bpm (although that decreased to 12 bpm this morning).

I would love to hear any tricks of the trade on coping with altitude. I considered Diamox, but decided against it because of possible side effects. I have also been told that gingko can help, but haven't tried it yet.

Your input is much appreciated.

mumbleypeg · 08-12-2005, 11:46

We have a sanity spot in the Sierras at 9200ft. I spend as much time in the summer there as possible. I have found that if I take it easy for the first 24 hours, make sure to stay well hydrated, limit my alcohol and watch my diet. I adjust well. My second day I will increase my activity level, to include walking and even chopping/cutting wood, breathing excercises (in deep through the nose, out slow through the mouth, as if blowing out candles) helps. I will use aspirin if I develop a headache, but prefer to go slow. I find that including dried Papaya and/or Mango helps digestion which slows down.

Good Luck and enjoy the Mountains.

CoLawman · 08-12-2005, 12:33

Time at that elevation results in physiological changes. Sounds like Father Time is already assisting (lower Resting Heart Rate). Drink Plenty of water. Heavy emphasis on PLENTY! Then wait until you return to sea level. You will feel like a millions bucks.

**Razor** · 08-12-2005, 13:23

There's really no 'quick and easy' solution for living/working at altitude. I was in very good sea-level shape when I reported to Ft Carson, but it still took almost a month before my performance there matched what I was doing at lower elevations. As others have suggested, lots of water, deep breathing and progressive exercise are essential.

BTW, don't listen to CoLawman; those Greeley guys are a bunch of flatlanders at only 5000' AGL.

Doc · 08-12-2005, 14:56

The above advice is good but it takes time to make additional red blood cells and get use to a new enviroment.

Can an 18D hopeful do some research and tell the audience here in one paragraph and in your own words how long it takes to make red blood cells?

I will await your answer. Time to go to the range.

Doc

18C/GS 0602 · 08-12-2005, 17:31

jatx-

I know you ruled out Diamox but it is probably the most effective thing you could take. It helps speed acclimatization and it will help you sleep through the night. The most common side affect is paresthesias, a pins and needles sensation, typically in your hands and feet. Some people have problems with them, but personally they were not too bad and didn’t affect me. Everyone is different. Just something to keep in mind.

**The Reaper** · 08-12-2005, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc

The above advice is good but it takes time to make additional red blood cells and get use to a new enviroment.

Can an 18D hopeful do some research and tell the audience here in one paragraph and in your own words how long it takes to make red blood cells?

I will await your answer. Time to go to the range.

Doc

Not an 18D, but IIRC, it takes 7 days to create RBCs and they last for about 120 days.

TR

mumbleypeg · 08-12-2005, 20:03

There is some good info here. Thanks to the National Outdoor Leadership School.

jatx · 08-12-2005, 20:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by mumbleypeg

There is some good info here. Thanks to the National Outdoor Leadership School.

That's a great link, thanks!

CoLawman · 08-12-2005, 23:44

Quote:

BTW, don't listen to CoLawman; those Greeley guys are a bunch of flatlanders at only 5000' AGL.

12B4S · 08-13-2005, 02:51

This is not any scientific/medical type info.........just FOG stuff. Real quick. When I was in the 10TH, out of Bad Toelz, we were sent to alllllllllll sorts of elevations in some of the various Alps, of this and that country. When I got out, I'd take vacations to CO (before I moved there in '82). Most times it was a straight drive to Summit County from Chicago. An elevation change of somewhere between 600' and 9600'. Next morning, I was out skiing all day. Sometimes XC..... sometimes downhill. I saw High Altitude Sickness.........Granted we are all different, but most of it was mental, just like sea sickness. (Have fun stories about that too). There are some that just plain can't cope with a change of altitude, Beyond the mental thang, just physiologically.

Most can! If they direct thier mind to control thier body......

By the way. When you head up to altitude...... one's urine will be dark yellow to brownish. As stated earlier drink aaaaaaaaaalot of water. I drank alot of other stuff, but don't want to recommend what I did. (Upsidedown Margaritas were fun)

What I'm saying............. is most that crap, is in one's mind. THAT can be beat. With the internet, a person can research the living hell out of any subject. Well, that info you read is 'GIGO". Some, scientificaly sound....... So what??? It was in my day as well, longgggggg before the NET. Go do whatever you want and quit thinking so hard!!!!!!!!!

Smokin Joe · 08-13-2005, 07:58

Jatx,

What elevation are you use to?
How is your overall breathing?

Some people suffer from allergies to Pine trees. It may not effect your nasal passage but your sinus' maybe paritailly plugged....might want to check out clartin or some other OTC allergy drug.

As always drink lots of water and be careful of the sun at 12k.

jatx · 08-13-2005, 08:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12B4S

Go do whatever you want and quit thinking so hard!!!!!!!!!

That's pretty much my plan, I'm just trying to make the first week or so more pleasant at the margins.

The best answer seems to be to push fluids, adjust my pace and eat more carbs than usual. Interestingly, digestion has been the biggest issue for me. It is taking almost twice as long to digest my meals, and I have to keep that in mind when planning exercise. I got really bad stomach cramps yesterday while cycling on one of the nearby passes, and that was no fun.

Resting HR is down again this morning, though, within a few bpm of normal. Sooo, that must mean I'm ready to double my distance today. Maroon Bells here I come!

Joe, my respiration rate is a little higher than normal, but not too bad. Allergies are doing fine.

Max_Tab · 08-13-2005, 09:04

Another good thing (and your doing it) is to work high and sleep low. Speeds up acclimation.

Doc · 08-13-2005, 13:22

TR, that is correct.

A person has to be in great shape on an A Team. That's a given. The Medic(s) on the Team must understand the operational environment and their Team in order to anticipate any problems that may occur. Knowing the various problems specific to an environment gives the Medic confidence in their ability to accurately diagnose and fix the problem(s). Nothing's sexier than confidence.

Going into any arena without proper planning and preparation is a recipe for disaster. The old adage "suck it up and drive on" has it's place, but at the same time, we're (SF) suppose to be smarter than the average bear. Knowing that an environment will tax Team members initially must be a consideration in pre-mission planning.

Doc