Altitude Sickness Tips

[Tokie]

It usually takes me 3 days to acclimate, but it is important that you have enough red blood cells! We are "recovering vegetarians" - but still prefer to eat salmon or vegetarian dishes. But we are traveling from sea level to the rockies for a 1000 mile bike tour in a few weeks. We are almost always on the very low side of normal for anemia, So we have been eating steak about two or 3 times a month - and it has helped our hematocrits rise to good solid upper mid range values. Your body can use the iron in red meat much better than the iron found in vitamins,vegetable,fish or poultry sources. Some people take a diuretic called Diamox to treat/prevent altitude sickness - you would get an rx from your doctor. It is important to heed your body though - altitude sickness can be very serious! Tokie

[TahoeDirtGirl]

My permanent address is at 6500 feet. My temporary one is at sea level.

When I go back home, I have to acclimate for a couple of days. The rule of thumb is one day at altitude above 3000 feet. So for me, three days and I'm usually fine. But I can ride after two days, I don't need three.

If you are riding 'casually' on flat stuff, it's not bad, but if you are going to start climbing and really mountain biking (not sure if you were doing that or road biking), then try and take it easy the first day, then the second day do a little harder ride and the third day maybe work at 75%. After that you'll notice it getting better.

Like someone else said, drink up. You dehydrate alot quicker as the humidity is usually alot lower and you'll be panting alot more which will work against you as well.

And if you feel crappy (headache, pukey, dizzy), stop and try and get to a lower altitude if possible. You may not feel much at 6,000 to 7,000 but you will feel it at 8,000-9,000. Just go slow. No reason to wind up feeling crappy!

Don't drink alot of alcohol either. That will work against you as well, not to mention dehydrate you.

Oh yeah, and have fun!!!!

[Aggie_Ama]

I went to the doctor today (trip is still a month out) and he prescribed the Diamox. I will take it only until I have been there a couple days and the ride is planned after that. I just didn't want to take any chances on feeling crampy and nauseated the first half of the trip. We have some form of activity (rafting, hiking, biking, shopping, etc) planned every day.

The way I felt in Ft Davis it was a struggle to want to go for a very low exertion hike or to ride in the car for the scenic drive. I am not wanting to take chances with the vacation my husband has been wanting to take me on for 10 years! Thanks for all the advice, I will still drink plenty of water, take it easy to begin with and stay away from the alcohol. Can't hurt to be extra careful right?

[IFjane]

I went to the doctor today (trip is still a month out) and he prescribed the Diamox.

AA - I took Diamox once years ago to prevent altitude sickness. Turns out I don't need it but, word of caution here - take it 3 days before departure and at least 2 after you arrive. Stay away from carbonated beverages as the Diamox alters the taste.

I live at almost sea level and travel at least once a year to Breckenridge where my son has a home. (9600 ft. at the bottom of the mountain) I am no super-woman, believe me, but I have no trouble riding my bike out there other than the breathing issue. Just slow down and you'll be fine. Don't expect to be able to exert and get the same results as you do at home - instead you will get light-headed!

Most of all, relax and have fun!

[DDH]

I have a problem with altitude sickness if I get to high. I can do 5000 without to much trouble, I just get out of breath easily. Walking all the trails at the Canyon was hard on my breathing ability, but once I recovered quickly once I rested a minute.

I have my real problems when I get around 9000 or 10000 and I start getting headaches and feeling really bad.

[Aggie_Ama]

AA - I took Diamox once years ago to prevent altitude sickness. Turns out I don't need it but, word of caution here - take it 3 days before departure and at least 2 after you arrive. Stay away from carbonated beverages as the Diamox alters the taste.


Most of all, relax and have fun!

Thanks for the carbonated beverages tip. I just picked up my prescription and realized it will make me even more sun sensitve. Great. I already used to burn walking across campus. SPF 80 anyone?

[IFjane]

You're welcome! I did not remember that it makes you more sun-sensitive.

Can't wait to hear a report after you get back. Enjoy the trip!