Crowe wrote: At 47 I am not allowed to go above 7,000 feet due to congestive heart failure, even though my EF rate has returned to near normal. You say you are "fairly fit". Do either of you have any lung or heart issues? The biggest issue when you start getting to elevation is what is called "HAPE" or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema. It can happen to anyone and is often fatal, but those with predispositions such as heart failure are at high risk. Chock Full's husband was at serious risk by going to such elevations with lung and heart issues. If you are just somewhat out of shape and you follow the advice the others have given, i.e., taking some time to acclimate, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and avoid caffeine and alcohol and don't push too hard you should be fine.
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Thanks, I couldn't think of the name of it. You are absolutely right, of course. This was a very dangerous situation and could have easily gone south. The pulmonologist okayed the trip, including the elevation. He didn't think it would be a problem. Well, obviously it was a big problem and nearly deep-sixed the whole trip. The only reason the ER doc let DH go was that 1)I'm an experienced ICU nurse 2) we carry oxygen and a big pile o'steroids, inhalers and other meds in our camper, 3)DH had pnuemonia, but not pulmonary edema and 4) the doc shot DH's behind up with a load of Rocephin and I promised to bring him straight back if he so much as batted his eyes wrong.
Who knew? Certainly not us. We live at 1200'; DH spent his whole life in Florida. What do we know about altitude? Plenty now. We were incredibly fortunate.
"Those who dwell...among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life."--Rachel Carson, environmentalist, 1956
We have traveled all over the western (west of the Missouri River) USA. I have Parkinson's and my wife has congestive heart failure concerns. We have no problems were we go. However, we do not go hiking, we limit our activities to non strenuous endeavors and we take it easy if we have gone from our near sea level home to over 8000 ft in just a few days. The only places we've had to back off were Trail Ridge Rd. in Rocky Mtn NP (12,000 ft) and Breckenridge CO. (9,000 ft, didn't want to go shopping anyway). We will continue to RV as long as we are mobile.
2004 GMC 2500 6.0L CC SB Reese 16K Slider Prodigy BC Jayco 24 ft 237a Quest 5er
A decrepid old driver a foxy navigator and one cranky Griff puppy named Bandit. Look for a "Big Red" license NEBR 1
How well do you understand your own altitude limitations? Different people have different limits and reactions, and someone else's experience may be of no help to you. Some people get into trouble even before 5000 feet. Many people are just fine at 10,000 to 14,000 feet, if they don't push. My own problem is at altitude I forget, and try to keep moving like I'm at sea level.
7000 feet is sort of a "magic number" for medical purposes, because it is a quasi-standard pressure elevation for aircraft cabins.
I think if you were OK on Pike's Peak, you will be OK at the base elevation of the Yellowstone area. Colorado Springs was between 5000 and 7000, you did OK there. You should have plenty of time to get used to the altitude, if you come across I-80 and work your way north through Jackson and Grand Teton. This route climbs gradually, drops down some, and climbs gradually again.
Approach Yellowstone from the east, the climb is more sudden, one day at 4000, the next day at 7000.
Listen to your body. I am in fairly good condition and run/work out regularly, but altitudes over 6 or 7K can make me dizzy. Not winded, just dizzy. I've learned to just get up from a sitting position slowly and get my "sea legs" before going. Once I start moving, I'm fine. Sometimes I get a little "seasick" laying down. Discovered this years ago in Sierra Nevadas over 10K, when I nearly blacked out daily. There's no real difference between Grizzly and Bay Bridge. Must agree with: hydrate, hydrate! I was ready for the dizziness when we went to YNP the first time, but not the dry air. Being from a humid climate it really did a number on me.
Take your time, listen to your body, and enjoy! :-)
Like others say, "The key" is fluid intake (water, to clarify for some of you), and take it slow. I suggest not to go up Pikes Peak the first day. Take a few days to adjust, if possible. Your body is trying to make more red blood cells so that they can carry more oxygen. That takes fluids. You also have the choice of having each one carry oxygen or alcohol, not both, so you may be a cheap date for a while. Let your body catch up and take it slow. My house is at 7000', but it is still another 7000' to get to the top. Last time I was up there, it was like walking through Jello and the dog wouldn't even get out of the car!
I live in FLA, elevatin about 3 ft..I.m 65 and had on lobe removed on my left lung. Wife and I camped at he GC in may at 7000 ft. and did some hiking. Did feel winded at times but just took it easy and took more rest stops. As stated above, hydration is extremely important. Al C
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