Altitude Sickness

[highboy4x4]

The question I have are for those with experience with and the remedies used, to manage "Altitude Sickness (AS)." I live at basically ocean level, and will be leaving on my adventure in 1 week. I plan on hitting Colorado first and then moving north to Idaho/Montana so high elevations are in the plan!!

I have read, and read and read ad-nauseum about AS. In my reading, it led me to multiple forums of those that brave the extremes! I found a natural <sic> pill that is supposed to help manage the ill effects of AS. But reviews are just that...opinions.....Sure nothing beats a week of acclimation and I really do not want to take a chemical like Diamox. I chose " Altitude RX" an Altitude Acclimation Supplement and 4 of those portable "Boost Oxygen" canisters.

Q1: What would you do differently? Opinion approved!
Q2: What are the key take aways from your Lessons Learned experience with AS?
Q3: What did you use to minimalize the affects of AS? Besides, hydration and O2?

My travels will start in Pueblo visiting an Army Buddy for 2 days. Then off to Denver for Overland Expo MTN, along with picking my brother up at the Airport. Staying just 2 days there. So the elevations will max at 5k for the first week. Then we are off on a grand adventure looking for a few 14er's and gold mines!! Due to my brothers timeline, we will run towards Lake City on I70, cut south and then the fun begins, along with the potential for AS.

What say you?

 

[grubworm]

going from sea level to pikes peak....




a few years ago we went to Aspen and drove Independance Pass to get there...a little over 11,000 ft in elevation, and I got a little lightheaded for a bit. the lower pressure and thinner air means a lower intake of O2. of course I was drinking alcohol and that didn't help, so alcohol and caffeine are to be avoided while acclimating and the biggest thing is to hydrate like you already pointed out. different for everyone, but it normally isn't too bad for people unless you are really exerting yourself.

a couple years ago we went to Denver to move my step-daughter and I had to haul all her crap down 3 flights of stairs and I didnt even notice the higher elevation there, so I'm sure you'll be fine. my house elevation is 7 feet above sea level, so definitely not used to any kind of elevation

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Agree. Hydrate and take your time. If you are driving, it is not going to be a jarring experience as it might be on a plane. Maybe pack some dramamene or something in case but thats more motions sickness/ nausea

 

[shortbus4x4]

Hydrate, start the day before.

 

[highboy4x4]

going from sea level to pikes peak....

View attachment 301257


a few years ago we went to Aspen and drove Independance Pass to get there...a little over 11,000 ft in elevation, and I got a little lightheaded for a bit. the lower pressure and thinner air means a lower intake of O2. of course I was drinking alcohol and that didn't help, so alcohol and caffeine are to be avoided while acclimating and the biggest thing is to hydrate like you already pointed out. different for everyone, but it normally isn't too bad for people unless you are really exerting yourself.

a couple years ago we went to Denver to move my step-daughter and I had to haul all her crap down 3 flights of stairs and I didnt even notice the higher elevation there, so I'm sure you'll be fine. my house elevation is 7 feet above sea level, so definitely not used to any kind of elevation

I can always count on you for a visual!

 

[El-Dracho]

When we were in the Pamir Mountains a few years ago, where we reached altitudes of up to about 15,000 ft/ 4.500m, I was very careful to ensure adequate hydration, that is, water, NOT alcoholic beverages. And we took the ascent slowly. When traveling by car, of course, you migth be tempted to drive up faster, but no, we deliberately made more frequent overnight stops to acclimatize. We had absolutely no problems with the altitude. If symptoms of altitude sickness had occurred, it is extremely important to descend to safer level. We had prepared for this by studying the route’s elevation profile (and I even had it printed wirh me), so we knew exactly where lower elevations were to be expected. This because, as I always say, in an emergency, it is the wrong time to be worrying and think about such things or even looking them up on a map. Better be prepared and have those information easily on hand so I can descend quickly.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[highboy4x4]

I am most likely falling into the problem of reading too much. At minimum it is comforting to know that I am validating my thought process and your replies are my check on learning! So thank you!

Wish us luck as we are visiting a friend in Centerville (7808ft) then on the morning of the 23rd, we are attacking Mount Antero. This will be my first 14er! 14121ft!

 

[Kent R]

From my experience I find that by starting at a lower elevation like you are, and slowly increasing elevation during the trip like stopping at expo and Centerville helps prepare you for the limited time you will be at 14K going over passes. This has worked great for us on our trips up the CDT and here in the Sierras.
As mentioned, hydration is a must!
We have had people in our groups that brought the small oxygen bottles you can get a sporting goods stores but they were never used.
One thing that I also make sure of is setting camp bellow 9K, this rule seemed to help also.
Good luck and have a great trip.