Traveling to high altitudes

[Denzie]

Hey all! I’m traveling through Yosemite National Forest and the altitude is making long walks difficult. Any suggestions for helping overcome some of this?

I’ll check back whenever I get enough bandwidth to check in.

[anrean]

Keep in mind that there is less oxygen in higher altitudes - do you have portable oxygen that you can turn up a bit? It makes for shorter battery life, but might help, even if you don't use it for the whole walk. What about an extra dose of breathing med(s)? My pulmonologist allows an extra dose when necessary - just has to be for special occasions. I stop for a minute or so to let my lungs catch up with my body - would that help? Aren't there things "normal" folks do when in high altitudes. what about doing some of those? Don't know why, but ibuprofen helps too - my cousin uses it every year when going back to where she grew up. Please be very careful about altitude sickness, it can cause permanent harm if left untreated.

Hope you are having a wonderful time!! Share pictures!!!

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to anrean]

Thanks! I’m not on oxygen or I would turn it up. I’ll try Tylenol as I can’t use NSAIDS. Can’t hurt. Thank you.

[PegD]

You can get individual canisters of oxygen (BOOST OXYGEN) at any REI. Slow and steady is the method I always used while hiking in Colorado. Also, stay well hydrated and have fun!!!

[SusieJo1948]

Denice I know I haven't written for a while I'll try doing better. I miss you. Have a wonderful time you deserve it live and be happy. Love Susiejo

[DEKess]

Deep breathing exercises (such as with meditative Yoga) should be part of your regular routine. I spend several times a year at high altitude in the Sierras and haven’t had a problem, but do frequent short rests during physical activity such as hikes or skiing.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to DEKess]

Thank you. That makes so much sense. Pushed lip breathing helps. I will add the yoga breathing exercise. I’ll let you know how I fare.

[RickNH]

I use a radiator walker. When I get tired, and that's quite often now, I turn it sideways and sit on that glorious seat

[RickNH in reply to RickNH]

That's ”rollator”.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to RickNH]

Thank you. I didn’t bring ours along for the trip. Live and learn. I’m at an elevation around 500 now and the challenge is past. I will be much better prepared in the future.

[KimGO2 Partner]

Denzie when you return, it might be good for us to make a list of what all works best for hikers or explorers in high altitudes. In GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer, we have a dedicated page of our handbook to traveling with oxygen go2foundation.org/wp-conten... Handbook page 195. Hope you enjoy your time away.

Warmly,

Kim

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to KimGO2]

Great idea. Hoping others will check in with more ideas.

[Hilda-22]

I just got back from Switzerland alps. Stage 4 LC. My hubby and I realized that when a hike says it will take 1 hour we doubled or tripled the time to get from A to B. That helped us to expect less. And in fact we laughed a lot when we talked about time at all. Who cares how long things take?!. We are learning to appreciate the moment. I’m alive !! Deep breathing exercises help tons, even though it hurts a little, whether I’m up 10, 000 feet or not. We traveled 6 weeks. Never thought I could since I was diagnosed 1.6 years ago but my husband planned it all instead. About day a week I was exhausted and hurt and scared. But the rest was magnificent. We are planning our next long trip across the US. Do what you want to do even if you are afraid.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Hilda-22]

Thank you! What an excellent experience. So grateful you shared this.