Adjusting to elevation?

[Freedom]

I'm going on my 1st trip out west on 10/14 (2 weeks) and I've been running or hiking with 30lbs in a backpack for a couple months now, losing 15 lbs in the process. I'm looking for any (safe) way to help adjust to the elevation and lack of oxygen that I'm not used to. I thought I heard taking Bayer would help by thinning my blood? Anybody who's made these trips for a lower elevation like PA have any suggestions or help?

Thanks!

 

[tmoniz]

I take St Joseph's for about a week before I go up high and for the cold.

 

[hunthog]

Actually, you should be fine. It may take you a few days to get used to the altitude. Don't push it for those days. After that, go for it. I find that the first thing I notice is that the altitude makes me sleepy so I nap during the day if I'm not going back to camp. If I don't I wear down fast and don't want to get up after a couple of days of hunting. You can tell if you're pushing yourself too hard by how long your recovery time is when you take a break. If it takes too long to get your breath and for your heart rate to recover then take breaks more often. Even that will gretaly improve after only a few days.

Have a great hunt. It's nice to hear that there's a few out there that makes the effort to prepare. You'll be the guide's best friend if you're in shape and can do more than just keep up.

Hunthog

 

[BDB]

I have heard from many people to take Ginko Biloba for a few days prior to heading to higher elevations and that it helps. I quickly found this article.

http://www.high-altitude-medicine.com/hot-topics.html

I have not tried it myself as I have never really suffered any effects from altitude, other than a little shortness of breath, below 13,000. I can't even remember the last time I was above that

 

[COHunter]

Water and lots of it will do you the most good.

 

[wmidbrook]

If you don't know whether or not you get altitude sickness, there is prescription medication that will alleviate altitude sickness....you can always get a doctor to prescribe it so you don't risk ruining your trip.

Otherwise, it's a good 2-3 days to fully adjust with the first 24 hrs being the most noticable. And, you'll never quite reach 100% of what you can do down at sea level.

 

[tmoniz]

altitude sickness usually begins at 14000 feet and higher although hydration is very important at high altitude in general. carry as much bottled water as you can.

 

[East Sloper]

Great job getting in shape first!!! Then water, water, water... 1 Ibuprofen in AM and 1 in PM for first couple of days. Enjoy your hunt!

 

[Freedom]

Thanks for the responses guys! I'll post picks of my hunt regardless of whether or not it was "successful" because either way I'll have a blast! I've never been west of Chicago before so I'm pumped!

 

[ChrisS]

Altitude sickness can begin at alot of different elevations depending on the person. I know of some people that can get it at 6000 ft. To say it starts at about 14,000 ft. is not true. If you don't have a bladder that fits in your backpack or are carrying a camel back, go to the store and get one!!! A 100 oz. bladder will usually do the trick for a long day's hunt. It's better to have to much then not enough. I can suck down 100 oz a day with no problem if I'm moving most of the day. Drink lots of water, forget the beer and have fun!!!

 

[BDB]

My wife is fine right up to about 10,500. Once she passes that she is miserable even if she has a few days to adjust, like ChrisS said, everyone is different.

Speaking of what ChrisS said:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Drink lots of water, forget the beer and have fun!!![/b]

Now that is just plain un-called for, take that back

 

[wmidbrook]

For those who truly get ill @ high altitude, there are now [legal] medicinal ways around it....I don't think there will be coca leaves imported any time soon for us to chew on....

Princeton U's High Altitude Guide

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Diamox (Acetazolamide) allows you to breathe faster so that you metabolize more oxygen, thereby minimizing the symptoms caused by poor oxygenation. This is especially helpful at night when respiratory drive is decreased. Since it takes a while for Diamox to have an effect, it is advisable to start taking it 24 hours before you go to altitude and continue for at least five days at higher altitude. The recommendation of the Himalayan Rescue Association Medical Clinic is 125 mg. twice a day (morning and night). (The standard dose was 250 mg., but their research showed no difference for most people with the lower dose, although some individuals may need 250 mg.) Possible side effects include tingling of the lips and finger tips, blurring of vision, and alteration of taste. These side effects may be reduced with the 125 mg. dose. Side effects subside when the drug is stopped. Contact your physician for a prescription. Since Diamox is a sulfonamide drug, people who are allergic to sulfa drugs should not take Diamox. Diamox has also been known to cause severe allergic reactions to people with no previous history of Diamox or sulfa allergies. Frank Hubbell of SOLO recommends a trial course of the drug before going to a remote location where a severe allergic reaction could prove difficult to treat.

Dexamethasone (a steroid) is a prescription drug that decreases brain and other swelling reversing the effects of AMS. Dosage is typically 4 mg twice a day for a few days starting with the ascent. This prevents most symptoms of altitude illness. It should be used with caution and only on the advice of a physician because of possible serious side effects. It may be combined with Diamox. No other medications have been proven valuable for preventing AMS.[/b]