High altitude issues if you have ET

[nightshadow]

I have ET JAK2, on hydroxyurea with platelets and other blood cells well within normal parameters.

I wish to travel to Machu Picchu. I have asked my Hematologist several weeks ago if high altitude would be a problem and haven't heard back.

Has anyone had experience with high altitudes with an MPN while taking HU?

[Trueblue8]

Hi, so I've posted about this on here before and the general consensus was that it's ok at altitude.I'm climbing Kilimanjaro next February, which is 20000 feet, I've spoken to my consultant he said I'm ok to go but he wants to see me just before I go.

I'm ET JAK2 Pos and take 500/1000 hydroxycarbamide on alternate days

I hope this helps?

Ian

[nightshadow in reply to Trueblue8]

Very much so and thanks for the quick reply. I hope you have a fantastic trip.

[Dovme]

Hi

I just got back from Peru a week ago. Yes l visited Machu Picchu. Was amazing! I had some altitude sickness in Cusco which is 3400m. After two days we relocated to Ollantaytambo in the Valley which is 2700m and l was fine. You also get the tourist trains from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. I did my bloods a day after flying back and they were all good.

[nightshadow]

Thanks you, I will go ahead and start planning my trip!

[NewBloom]

Hi, I have PV and travelled to the Canadian Rockies. My Heamotologist said I could take anti sickness tablets and chat to my GP pharmacist. I don't recall the names but I took one tablet 3 times a day and the second I needed to take should I start feeling nauseous. They worked well for me and would donit again. Good luck and enjoy your trip. X

[hunter5582]

I have not heard of any issues with altitude and ET. It will drive up erythropoiesis as your body needs more red blood cells at altitude. this might be an issue for people with PV.

Hope you enjoy your trip.

[AndyT]

I can’t comment on HU but have ET and when I was on aspirin only I visited Machu Picchu and some slightly higher locations with no problems at all. I was no more out of breath than the rest of the group and didn’t get any altitude sickness - just a horrendous stomach bug - my fault for not taking care with ice and salads..!

[catkinspolymer]

I have been up on the Alps momt blanc by cable car and the Pyrennes without prioblems

[FJOS in reply to catkinspolymer]

My Consultant advised me not to take long-haul flights of over 3 to 4 hours in view of the danger of clotting and recommended moving about the aircraft even for those shorter flights to avoid clotting. I have ET+Calr for the last 7 years.

[catkinspolymer in reply to FJOS]

I avoid long haul now but for years before I knew i had ET i regularly did London San Francisco and nothing happened fortunately.