High Elevation

[leftieNanner]

My daughter is getting married at Breckenridge in Colorado next summer. It's 9,000 feet of elevation there. When I visited her recently in Boulder (5,000 ft.), I struggled. I'm quite afraid of the higher elevation we will experience for the wedding. Don't really want to pass out or vomit during the ceremony.

Anybody have any suggestions to help with this? I have seen a recommendation to take a few weeks to acclimate - but that's not really a solution.

[murielm99]

1. When my daughter went to study and live

in South America (Bolivia and Peru), she took altitude pills before leaving. I think she took them for ten days. Ask your doctor.

[leftieNanner]

2. Thank you! Nt

[murielm99]

3. Let me know how this works out.

If you are not getting an answer, I will get in touch with my kid. She is a world traveler, and she lives in Canada now.

[3catwoman3]

4. There is a medication called Diamox...

…that can prevent altitude sickness. You have to start it before you travel. Check with your doc, NP, or PA.

[Warpy]

5. Too bad the importation of coca leaf is banned. It can help a great deal

and doesn't get people any higher than half a cup of coffee.

My suggestion is talking to your doctor strategies to increase oxygen carrying capacity in your blood.. Failing that, you'll need an oxygen prescription so you can get a tank and the paraphernalia to go with it to give you supplemental oxygen. It certainly wouldn't hurt for you to take iron supplements between now and then, Slow-Fe is over the counter and it's the one least likely to cause digestive upset. The last thing you need to take a chance on is having even mild anemia.

Or you can always come out a month early and enjoy the area while your body adjusts to 5000 feet.

Altitude sickness is real and it can be deadly. If you were woozy a mile up, there is no way you can handle nearly two.

The first time I came out here from Boston, I zipped right up to the top of a 2 mile high mountain. I didn't realize how high it really was until I looked straight up at a sky that was a dark dungaree blue. I did OK until I tried to climb a flight of stairs. That didn't work.

Don't feel like a wimp about this. I know people who live on the coast and who can't handle 2500-3000 feet in the Appalachians. I was kept busy as a nurse by long haul truckers who'd hit the high pass east of the city and have chest pain and need cardiac intervention before they could go on their way. Altitude can really mess some people up.

[leftieNanner]

6. Great information.

Thanks. I have an appointment with my new doctor in the fall. I'll discuss this with her.

[Backseat Driver]

7. Tips here; better ones from 2nd site.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-altitude-sickness-5-best-tips-for-your-next-mountain-trip/?__cf_chl_tk=j4mytDPRv_uqTwa11vKfBznlSWxQhI3y0yxhU1wBle4-1689963746-0-gaNycGzNDKU


https://www.wellandgood.com/canned-oxygen-altitude-sickness/

Despite their varying opinions on canned oxygen, all of the experts we spoke to agree on these tried-and-true methods for dealing with altitude sickness. First, it’s a good idea to take these steps to prevent it:

Take it slow and let your body acclimate to higher elevations over time. Ascending gradually by around 1,000-1,600 feet a day is best. Take rest days at each elevation.
Plan to arrive at your final ascension a day or two before skiing, climbing, or indulging in strenuous activities.
Remain hydrated before and during your ascent.
Reduce or eliminate alcohol and caffeine.
Eat light meals and avoid heavy foods that may cause indigestion.
Get plenty of rest.
If you’ve had altitude sickness before, talk to your healthcare provider about taking medications that prevent illness, such as dexamethasone or acetazolamide.


Canned oxygen inhalers and dietary supplements can be purchased for use at high altitudes - improves altitude illnesses - avail at Bezos's place. For a wedding day, you may wish to use privately if you plan to leave high-altitude location soon (hours) after a perhaps 12 hr event. Hikers and downhill skiers may use these most often; however, it is best to discuss with your doctor before using; otherwise slow acclimation is the best recommended way to avoid mild to emergency illnesses.

[Warpy]

10. Dietary supplements purchased at altitude don't work

unless they contain coca, which is illegal.

Iron supplements have to be started a couple of months before traveling to high altitude, making sure you're not anemic.

One or two days acclimation won't work. It takes your body at least 3 weeks to produce enough extra red blood cells to cope with the lower oxygen levels in the air at altitude. I had to relearn "normal" lab results when I moved from sea level to a mile up.

You need one of two things at altitude: more oxygen than the air contains or more oxygen transport capability in your bloodstream.

[Hannahcares]

8. High altitude hints

Congratulations on upcoming nuptials! We had our daughters wedding in Summit County a few years ago ( Silverthorne)
A few hints that helped our guests. Try to fly into Denver and acclimate at least overnight or possibly longer. Really helps to make the adjustment for higher altitude.
Purchase and use a high quality pulse oximeter to monitor your O2. Sea level
usually 95-99, O2 will drop to low 90’s at 9000 feet. Lower than 88, seek
medical help. Advice against taking long walk the first day at altitude. Sorry. No alcohol the first day or two, if at all.
There is an Oxygen Bar in Breckenridge- drop in, purchase a mask which you take with you, receive O2 at bar.
Also medical O2 available. Consider having your doctor give you a prescription which can be filled in aDvance and delivered to you in a Breck. One of our guests felt lightheaded on day 2. Her pulse ox reading was 85. We took her to urgent care- they arranged to have a tiny nasal cannula with it’s own supply of O2 delivered to her rental condo. She took the cannula everywhere for 5 days and breezed through rehearsal dinner, wedding etc
Best to make all arrangements for supplemental O2 in advance!
Many sources available. Please feel free to PM for more information!
Wishing you a healthy and joyful celebration! Hannah

[2naSalit]

9. On top of all the great advice above...

You also need to keep in mind that digestive system also will be a bit sensitive so avoid eating large amounts of food, nibble on good things and instead of drinking lots of water, sip at it during the day. Watch for headaches and light headedness, eat lighter fare to avoid the woes of eating a lot or too much heavy food. Something like peptobismol is good to have handy too.