colorado

[stage2ROUSH]

So my wife and I are thinking about going to colorado in a couple of weeks, here's the thing, we were looking at different resorts,hotels etc.. and we saw something about getting "elevation sickness" We have never been to the mountains out west and are are a bit concerned about this. Anyone ever had this happen? or anyone been there {colorado } for the first time and did you feel ill or anything ?? thanks for any comments or thought on this.

[Young Gun]

start taking a thing of asprin each day, the week before and just keep drinking plenty of water and you will be fine, I used to get altitude sickness when I went snowboarding, taking the aspring and the water really helped

[Denvervet]

I have only known 1 person show any symptoms when they came here. It can cause respiratory difficulty but more often it is just some nausea or headaches. It doesn't really happen that often....the only people that really need to be aware are people with Congestive heart failure or COPD ( chronic resp dx). The severe stuff you hear are folks that go from low elevations and then backpack real high 10,000ft plus. Be aware but not afraid.

[Denvervet]

ditto with the liquids

[stage2ROUSH]

cool thanks for the fast reply.

[toxicz28]

Here: [edit] Acute mountain sickness
Acetazolamide is sometimes taken prophylactically, anywhere between 125 milligrams (mg) to 500 mg per day, starting a few days before going to the higher altitude. Such use is recommended for those ascending from sea level to 3000 meters (9800 feet) in one day, or for those ascending more than 600 meters (2000 feet) per day once above an altitude of 2500 meters (8200 feet). [2] Also, prophylactic use is recommended for those with a history significant for acute mountain sickness.

The drug forces the kidneys to excrete bicarbonate, the conjugate base of carbonic acid. By increasing the amount of bicarbonate excreted in the urine, the blood becomes more acidic. Acidifying the blood stimulates ventilation, which is beneficial during acclimatization.

Note that acetazolamide is not an immediate fix for acute mountain sickness; it speeds up acclimatization which in turn helps to relieve symptoms. This may take up to a day or two, and requires waiting without any further rapid ascent. It is often advisable to descend if even mild acute mountain sickness is experienced. If serious sickness is encountered, descent is considered mandatory unless other circumstances present greater danger.


I doubt you'll have a problem though. You're going to be going from Florida to Colorado, not Everest's summit. If you're really concerned, talk to your Dr. about Diamox.

[EFI69Cam]

Don't expect to be able to handle your liquor like at home either. The altitude makes a huge difference in how much you can drink.

[jimmer]

I live in Falcon Colorado and we are about 6800 feet elevation. Ditto with the water...it is REALLY dry here...not much humidity at all...dry skin and if you get nose bleeds easily...bring tissue.

You will be out of breath more easily too. Just don't over exert yourself. I can tell the difference when driving up Pikes Peak...I have a season pass. Great views. great drive. and again if you are doing any hiking...water.



Are you going to tour the west side of the state or the east...denver, cos springs, pueblo etc?

Jim

[Paul_J]

If you go to Colorado springs and drive to the top of Pike's Peak, don't get out of the car like a complete tourist and jog up to the gift shop! LOL I did have trouble with the headaches and my sinuses would get real dry but I live in Houston with our 70% humidity. Drink lots of water and even consider some saline nasal spray. Garden of the Gods is an awesome sight.

[ZZ430]

Unless you're very active, you probably won't notice it until about 10,000 feet.....above that it could be dangerous if you've never experienced high altitude before.

Let me know if I can help in any way, I'm a native Coloradoan.

[sik68]

+1 for Aspirin to knock away the headaches.

[6'9"Witha69]

I am usually only above 10,000 feet for a few minutes before jumping, so I wouldn't know, but there are first time jumpers who have been advised along these same lines. Skydivers need to be hydrated and asprin is good before you go to help keep you feeling alert and not experiencing any issues. You get used to it after a while. That or the adrenaline wears low cause we're all crazy anyway.

[stage2ROUSH]

once again thanks for all the help.if we go we are thinking of coming to denver, and then maybe keystone or somewhere around there, we even looked at avon, but thanks for all the help . one more reason this is THE BEST site ever!!!!!!the peaple rock!!!

[Boulder69]

Keep hydrated and you will be fine. Certain people are more sensitive than others. Denver is only 5280ish in altitude - enough to notice but not enough to worry. Keystone is getting up there but take it easy on the first day and keep hydrated and you should have no problems.

You should see the vast array of tourons up there in the summer. Fitness is obviously an afterthought for most of them and you don't see them dropping like flies or anything.

Enjoy our beautiful state. It's a great place to visit or live. Fun canyons too.....

[BADNBLK]

You and your wife are gonna love Colorado! I have friends that come out from J-Ville every year and they never have any issues with the elevation and we are on the slopes the whole time.

The thing you will need to watch out for is... You cannot drink as much as you normally would at elevation! A couple beers might make you crazy and not know why. Maybe that is your "elevation
sickness"??

You will surely have a great time here, there is plenty of stuff to do!