I am travelling to colorado to see my brother this summer with my parents.
For some reason Im worried about the change in altitude. I currentlly live in Connecticut.
Never been that far up. Ive been up to 3500 feet in Puerto Rican rainforest. Thats all.
Does anyone have any idea what might happen or how I can prepare myself?
Im travelling to a higher altitude so there will be less air/o2. Does this mean that the lyme might go dormant.
Ive never had any breathing problems like asthma. Is there anything else I should look out for?
My brothers been out there for 10 years and I havent yet been "there" to see him. I always say, "when I get better Ill go"
well that never happend so Im trying my best to live a little.
THanks in advance!!!!!!
Posted by docjen (Member # 7510) on :
I travel to the Colorado mountains a couple of times a year. (I have actually gone from below sea level to 10,000 feet in a couple of hours!) The only problems that I have had (with respect to lyme) are tachycardia, insomnia, and headaches. I just try to drink A LOT of water, and bring some meds for sleep. It takes a couple of days for your body to adjust to the altitude, and you will probably feel pretty wiped out for the first few days, but it is manageable if you pace yourself and don't plan any big outings for the first couple of days.
That has been my experience! Good luck and have fun!
Posted by trails (Member # 1620) on :
Altitude sickness can creep up on you and you might just feel sort of yuckie for some days.
As jen said---LOTS of water is the key---start before your trip even. Take naps and lay down lots when you can. You wont be able to walk as fast or far as you do now. Be okay with that and listen to your body.
I lived between 4,000 and 8,000 ft for the last 10 years. I now live at sea level and miss the thin air!
Posted by micul (Member # 6314) on :
You said, "Does this mean that the lyme might go dormant."
It's just the opposit. Lyme and other anerobic bacteria can flourish at higher altitudes because there is less oxygen and less pressure. That's why Hyperbaric Oxy works for lyme. Pure oxygen is taken in under increased pressure and forced deep into tissues. I don't think that it will matter too much if it's just a visit, but I wouldn't plan on feeling better. or even good while you are there.
Posted by WildCondor (Member # 434) on :
I've done the high altitude trips many times with Lyme. Go up slowly! Don't go from Denver to 14'000' overnight. Rest for a day in between and dont overdo it. You can try taking ginkgo biloba, helps the blood a bit, increases circulation. You will be fine, just take it slow. The body adjusts to these things pretty quickly. Just dont go from CT right up to the high Rockies in the same day! Rest in between, then you should do great!
Posted by lymeHerx001 (Member # 6215) on :
Thank-you for all your responses.
With all the neuro stuff constantlly coming and going I get worked up and nervous about situations.
I dont plan on going up, up into the mountains right away.
Even my brother said, just drink a lot of water. He said its dry out there. Maybee this is a good thing. Less mold.
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Good evening Lymeherx,
I lived in CO for the past 23 years. (moved almost a year ago)
Yes, it is very dry there...low humidity...and closer to the sun! So, take your sunscreen along.
Please don't be fooled into thinking that you will be safe from ticks there...OK? I was able to pick up a nice selection of TBDs.
Enjoy the beauty from a nice paved path!
My best, M
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Here is a good informative link on altitude problems:
It may help to put you at ease...or not.
Posted by hatsnscarfs (Member # 6562) on :
I have been to high altitude in Colorado & Utah for 3 trips since starting Lyme treatment. To my great surprise I felt BETTER at high altitude. I adjusted much better than I had in previous visits.
I usually spend a night in Denver to start getting acclimated. I drink tons of water. I always have a bottle or camelback with me. I drink lots of water on the plane so I don;t start off dehydrated.
I avoid alcohol and go easy on the stairs (not likely a Lymie would be racing up the stairs)!
Have a great trip. hatsnscarfs
Posted by lymeHerx001 (Member # 6215) on :
Thank you!
Posted by VEE VEE (Member # 5060) on :
Oh my gosh... We flew into Aspen to visit my brother in law and the pressure in my stomach, I was the exercist. It was terrible. I was throwing up all over.
Go up slowly if you can. We went to Montana one summer, flew in at a lower altitude and drove up. I had no problem.
I would take all suggestions for altitude sickness. (precausions) Of course, everyone is different. I get bad motion sickness too.
Posted by Nal (Member # 6801) on :
I currently live in CO. Everyone here has given great advice. You definately can not drink enough water out here either!!
Relax and try to enjoy your visit while you are here-very pretty here!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
So, take your sunscreen along.