My daughter has altitude sickness.

adrimm says on May 29, 2007, 19:44:

It usually takes about 4-5 She should feel better within the day but it usually takes about 4-5 days for someone from low elevation (ie. sealevel) to fully aclimitise - ie stop feeling like you've done 5 staircases when you've only done one). In the meantime try not to do anything too physically demanding.

I get hit by the elevation too, usually just feeling breathless and tired (it's worse if you go out drinking the first night there). Rubs is right on the ball.. rest up, no big hikes just yet(ie. save monserratte for next week). It will pass.

Bogota is the largest city of it's size at that elevation, there are none larger at the same elevation or higher (2600 to 2700m).

0 funny, 0 helpful.

toneloc24 says on May 29, 2007, 20:26:

Stefka I think I might be able to help you.

I was recently in Quito Ecuador (which is 2820 meters or 9252 feet above sea level), which is higher than being in Bogota. On a friend's advice, I began to take Bayer's chewable low dose (81 mg) "baby" aspirin 24 hours before the flight to Quito to slowly thin out my blood. My friend is from Quito, and understood about altitude sickness, as he currently lives in the USA. It made a HUGE difference, as I experienced almost no altitude sickness. I did not even experience much shortness of breath climbing steps.

If your daughter is not allergeric to aspirin, it might assist her through this period. I wasn't a true believer until my friend and I both did not experience the normal effects of altitude sickness.

It's worth a try, along with the other advice about drinking lots of water and not exerting herself too much too soon. Hope this helps. Best of luck!!!

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

cayita says on May 30, 2007, 05:20:

good advice above I might add don't go to a lower altitude until she is aclimated. Yep about 4 or 5 days of normal living. No big hikes, etc. The symptoms are worse if you go to a lower altitude and then return to a high altitude in a short period of time. Just stay up in the clouds for a week and she will be better.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

toneloc24 says on May 31, 2007, 07:26:

Esanch Re: the aspirin deal for adults

Since the baby aspirin is really low-dosage, we took 2 every 4 hours beginning 24 hours before the flight. I also took 2 more when we landed. It's low dosage therefore, you really don't feel any effects. However, it is slowly thinning your blood, which is what helps the adjustment to high altitudes.

When we arrived, both of us were completely fine. No breathing problems nor headaches. Was even able to imbibe alcohol that night, though probably not recommended. LOL!!!

Had it not been for our friend's advice, I wouldn't have found this out. Tried WebMD and a few other online resources for any advice on preparations for high altitudes and got back a bunch of insignificant info regarding athletic training.

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

elchantajista says on Jun 3, 2007, 15:42:

oye stelka hey thanks a million for the tip, last time i went to bogata i got real sick of course i didn't stop drinking and running around which made me feel sicker,my girl friend wanted me to see a docter but i didn't, so i was really spent when I left bogata, as soon as i got home I felt better at 3 feet above sea level.
anda de parranda en Bogota
"Vicente"

anda de parranda al Juanchito "Vicente"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

CTina70 says on Jun 3, 2007, 17:53:

Also try water.... I have been to Cuzco, Peru which is over 11,000 ft and found that drinking alot of water, staying hydrated really helped. The altitude seems to make the air dryer and therefore it dries a person out giving them a headache. I was a very very little bit tired but I think that had more to do with traveling.

When my hubby was living in Bogota, 8,678ft I went back and forth from Ft. Lauderdale every month, Bogota for 28 days and then 5-8 days back in FL. Sea level to 8,678ft. I drank ALOT. No Alcohol because it makes the symptoms of Altitude sickness worse as it dehydrates you.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

elchantajista says on Jun 21, 2007, 04:05:

Is Caffeine Good or Bad for Your Workout?
FREE DAILY FITNESS TIP
By Jennifer Gruenemay, ACE-Certified, LifeScript Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 20, 2007

It’s not uncommon to hear of fitness fanatics using caffeine to boost their workouts, especially if they're trying to lose weight and are looking for that extra edge. Whether you’re working out in the a.m. after your morning cup of coffee or stopping by Starbucks after work for an espresso on your way to the gym, your reliance on caffeine may actually be hindering your fitness efforts rather. While many studies have shown that caffeine can stimulate brain activity to make you more alert and active during your workout, a Swiss study shows the dark side of using caffeine to work out harder. After ingesting an amount of caffeine equivalent to just two cups of coffee, blood flow to the heart during exercise can be decreased by as much as 22% at normal elevation, or 39% in high-altitude conditions. Less blood flow through the heart means less oxygen is being delivered to working muscles, which means it won't be long until they tire out. Lack of oxygen is one of the most limiting factors in athletic performance, since it forces you to work anaerobically, which increases lactic acid levels and muscle fatigue. Why risk it by overstepping the boundaries of caffeine use? If you must have coffee in the morning, and you also work out in the a.m., try switching to half-decaf, and then to decaf. If you’re worried about low energy levels before your workouts, grab a healthy, carbohydrate-rich snack instead to fuel your energy needs intelligently.

anda de parranda al Juanchito "Vicente"

0 funny, 0 helpful.