Altitude adjustment

[MesaHorseCo.]

Like Evan said, it takes your body 21-28 days to ACTUALLY acclimatize and adjust its blood cells. Most of the time if you just take it easy for a day or two, you will feel much better a few days into it. Some Ibuprofen will help with the mild headaches, but if it gets bad do yourself a favor and go downhill.

 

[thejones]

Highcountry1 nailed it. To acclimatize you need to increase/grow more red blood cells. People that live at altitude tend to have a hematocrit (percent of red blood cells) of 50 and above. This increase in red blood cells allows you to transport oxygen more efficiently. This acclimatization takes time.

Coming in a few days early will help with allowing your body to start this adjustment, and hopefully prevent the worse parts of mountain sickness. At least get over those first few nights of poor sleep.

A lot of great info here from the members.

 

[danarnold]

in 2013 I used a elevation training mask for about a month (doing extreme cardio/ kickboxing) before camping @ 8000' and hunting above and felt much better than 2012 when I didn't have the mask and went to the same area
altitude never made me sick but HUGE difference in my stamina and overall feeling good

 

[Colbyqueso]

My extensive research of anything and everything I could find and read for my first high altitude hunt last year. Came down to this. Work out. Hydrate more than you think you should. This was the #1 thing that always popped up. Also a good caloric intake. High altitude prescription pills should only be takin if you know you have a problem with high altitudes. Side effects are not worth it. I do not have every link saved to show you. But it only takes a few hours of research. Take your time while climbing. Have fun be safe.

 

[kamcgraw]

I really wouldn't worry too much about it. I live in Pennsylvania and have hunted both Montana and Wyoming without a problem. Granted I'm not hunting 13k but usually around 8-9k. And we usually hit the trailhead as soon as we pull up to it. Just get in shape and hydrate often. Good luck!

 

[jdmaxwell]

New to site.. I too live in PA.. Been hunting Colorado every fall now for past 8 yrs..
One trip I came down with altitude sickness so bad I was in ER and put on oxygen.. coughing blood up, lung were filling up..
Doc told me I had 5 more hrs to go if I did not come in.. He said it affects every one differently, but most of time young males in prime health sometimes
get it the worst due to body being use to full oxygen..
In the past 4 yrs trips I have not had any issues.. I started taking Diamox now before each trip and have had no problems again..

 

[trophyhill]

I think being well hydrated is one of the best preventatives.QUOTE]

exactly

 

[WRO]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/06/060624120556.htm

Viagra is supposed to help.

 

[Jason Snyder]

http://www.trailrunnermag.com/component/content/article/6-trail-tips/702-train-low-race-high

Lots of interval training, hydrate well, avoid alcohol like the plague.

 

[William Munny]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/06/060624120556.htm

Viagra is supposed to help.

Even if this works, it may make for a few awkward moments around camp. And no doubt my hunting buddies would vote me of the island.

Thanks for the link though, certainly a different approach.

 

[WRO]

Plus it will keep you from pissing on your shoes after a cold shower..

 

[Bar]

I live at 8000ft, and when I start going up to 12,000ft to scout it takes me a couple of weeks to feel normal up there. I never get sick, but i'm low on energy, and out of breath.

 

[Ranger619]

The Viagra is one way to keep from rolling off of you sleeping pad It is quite expensive too.

 

[Sapper]

I usually drive to the 9000` mountains close to town and train when my hunt gets closer. Seems to help with the acclimation. I'm considering trying out the altitude training masks this year and see how this improves my performance. Anyone use these masks? Couldn't attach a link to the website

I tossed that idea around myself but not too sure about it yet. The way I understand it the oxygen level from here to there is no different. It's the barometric pressure that changes. So I've heard contradicting sides on it. Don't know if that helps but there it is!

 

[PA 5-0]

I come from sea level PA and I am usually good up to 10k. That's when the headaches and cramps kick in. Only the first couple days. Keep a pack of ROLAIDS in your pocket. Whatever is in them helps your body adjust. My doctor, who was a pretty serious Everest-type mountain climber in his day, turned me on to them. Stay below 9500 for the first couple days, drink a lot and eat Rolaids.

 

[Sapper]

I come from sea level PA and I am usually good up to 10k. That's when the headaches and cramps kick in. Only the first couple days. Keep a pack of ROLAIDS in your pocket. Whatever is in them helps your body adjust. My doctor, who was a pretty serious Everest-type mountain climber in his day, turned me on to them. Stay below 9500 for the first couple days, drink a lot and eat Rolaids.

Same deal here. Hits me right around 10,000. Didn't know about the rolaids though. Will keep that in mind. Thanks

 

[Matthoek21]

The Viagra is one way to keep from rolling off of you sleeping pad It is quite expensive too.

Also if using this method and sharing a tent, be sure to sleep "pole to pole or hole to hole never pole to hole". If you know what I mean. Lol!