high altitude

[Sheng]

I am in W & W for over 4 years, blood report are normal. This year I want to travel to high altitude mount area (about 4000 meter), is anyone have experience on travel to high altitude area? what I should prepare?

[Tommays56]

Every time i have gone straight to that altitude and stayed there 24/7 i have had mild altitude sickness which lasted about 36 hours

Depending on your fitness and how much exertion will be involved without giving some time to adjust will have a lot to do with this

When i have gone to France and hiked as high as 2700 meters and descended to sleep i have not had any issue at all that last 1000 meters is a big difference

The most difficult trail i have hiked ascended 1500 meters in 8 kilometers

[Jm954 Administrator]

You need to have a very healthy normal haemoglobin level to compensate for the lack of oxygen. If your Hb is low you're probably more likely to get altitude sickness and it can kill you.

Please check with your Dr that it's OK to go. Good luck!

[Sheng in reply to Jm954]

Thanks very much.

My Hemoglobin is around 126 to 130 for last 4 years, is that ok?

[Jm954 Administrator in reply to Sheng]

It's certainly good but please check with your Dr as it's not the only factor to take into account. Your general and cardiovascular fitness will also be important.

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

In range is different for men and women and varies some from one lab to another and even from one machine to another. Do you have a copy of your labs? If so there should be a colum that gives in range. If not, check with your doctor. It's probably a good idea to mention the trip anyway.

[JustAGuy]

Hi, 1 year before my Dx I hiked to over 5000 meters, no problem. But even people without CLL might have a problem at 3000 meters. It depends on a few things, physical condition, what altitude you live at, and how quickly you ascend (this is very important). If you ascend to 4000 meters over a few days, your body has more time to adjust. When you get above 3000, they recommend ascending only 500 meters per day (it's the altitude you sleep at that's important, you can actually go higher, then descend, only sleeping 500 meters higher than the day before). Acclimation hikes where you go high, then descend, are very good to help your body get ready. Start exercising now, of course with Dr's advice, also if possible do some acclimation day trips, hikes, whatever. Even if they are no where near 4000, it helps. If you are at high altitude and you have symptoms, descend a little till it goes away, try ascending the next day. Altitude sickness symptoms start with headache, nausea, difficulty breathing, disorientation. The solution is always descend.

[Philipoc]

I am an avid hiker, and hike throughout California. The altitudes vary anywhere from 2,500-8k, usual things that a non-CLL person would feel I’m subject to and nothing more. Nothing has changed from before to after diagnosis for me

Good luck on your travels

[MichelleM61]

Hi! We go to altitude of 10,000 several times a year. Need to drink water quite a bit. Might get nose bleeds. Water is the main thing so not to get headaches or dehydrated.

Have fun!

Michelle

[Sheng in reply to MichelleM61]

Thanks for all your advice, now I am more confident.