Altitude and Aging
I think I came pretty close to killing myself on a recent trip…due to altitude sickness. I want to make something absolutely clear…the companies I used to plan and complete the trip did a GREAT job of planning and touring. In fact, I was warned of the dangers of extended periods at high altitude and was watched over carefully throughout the trip. Big thanks to those who helped me do the trip.
The mistake I made was to underestimate the effect that altitude over a number of days. We started off slowly in Santiago, Chile…no problem and only 1700 feet. We then went to Calama, Chile…about 7000 feet. Next was San Pedro de Atacama…about 7000 feet, but we did day trips to as high as over 16,000 feet. I actually did pretty good on those day trips, because each night we returned to much lower elevations. I don’t normally have too much trouble at 7000 feet or so…can feel it, but it does not really screw me up.
I got travelers sick at the border of Chile and Bolivia…throwing up and diarrhea. I had meds for that and they clicked in quickly, but that kind of weakened me. From there on we were usually at 11,000 feet to 15,000 feet. We slept one night at about 14,500 feet and that did me in. From there on, I was just plain altitude sick.
I had meds for the altitude sickness. I took them and suffered from side effects. My mind was working so poorly that I did not realize that I had two different altitude meds with me…never tried the other one…it might have saved the trip for me.
Here is how the lack of oxygen effected me…I was out of energy, could not sleep at all, fought for breathe, jittery, irritable, really poor decision making, no fun to be around…and a real drag on the other 13 people with me, did not want to eat, lost a lot of weight, constant dry mouth even though I pounded down the water with some energy mix in it. Worst of all, by the end of the trip, my mind was not working right at all. I could not figure out my situation or options or how to get better. I avoided the group and leaders of the group…kind of hid in my room and did not seek help. Quit communicating with anyone who could potentially have helped me. I did try a couple of bottles of oxygen from a pharmacy, but that did not seem to help much. Never tried to go see a doctor or hospital. I thought that, as long as I was not congested and coughing, I could tough it out. Like I said…really poor decision making. I was a complete mess.
To give you an idea of how poorly I was functioning, at the end of the trip, we were in La Paz, Bolivia…elevation about 12,000 feet. I was scheduled to stay around for a couple of days to explore the area. At 2am I decided I needed to get to a lower altitude ASAP…packed my bags, checked out of the hotel and got a cab to the airport. At the airport they could not help me…my tickets were booked by a travel agent and they could not change them…and the travel agency was not open at that hour. I tried to just buy a ticket, but that could only be done online and I was not thinking clearly enough to get that done. So…back to the hotel…beg my way back into my room and make arrangements to leave the next day. I guess I was smart enough to know how bad of shape I was in…so I hired a known guy to take me to the airport at 2am the next day, stay with me all the way to Customs and make sure I could then get on the plane. His name was Hector and I will never forget him. Everyone at the airlines knew him…and the Customs folks…and he got me on my way to sea level Lima in no time.
When I got back to Hawaii, I felt fine for two days and then came down with Covid. My fifth time with Covid. Not a fan. And, yes, I have had four vaccinations or boosters.
I am fine now, but still down 12 pounds…and I was already skinny before the trip. BTW…Linda did not go with me on the trip…because she actually owns a functioning brain. Several people I respect tried to talk me out of the trip…knowing I do not do well at altitude and that, at age 78, I did not have youth on my side. I listened and kind of agreed with them…but really wanted to see that part of the world and thought I could pull it off with some discomfort and good meds. I am quite aware of the coca leaves and how they help with altitude, but I had a bad experience with them in Cusco on a previous trip, so did not use them. And, no, I could not pull it off. All on me. Ego over good sense.
To be clear, the trip to Chile and Bolivia could be done easily by those not bothered by altitude. We had a diverse group and most of them got along just fine. One guy was slightly older than me and he appeared to do well. The area we covered was amazing…unique. Most people would love the trip. Heck, I loved it…those parts that I can remember…some of it is a bit foggy for me.
Did I learn my lesson…oh, absolutely. Lots of world to explore below 12,000 feet or so. And the experience got me to thinking…
I had asthma as a kid, but out grew it. I do recall times of not being able to breathe and they were no fun. I had forgotten how much a lack of oxygen can screw you up. Lots of people in my family and friends live a mile or more above sea level. I always wonder if that is good for them as they age. Several of them had to move to lower elevation in their golden years, but most hung in there to enjoy the land they love or loved. I just mention this because…if you find yourself at altitude and unable to think clearly…maybe find a lower elevation. The lack of oxygen snuck up on me and made me act in ways I have never acted…really unable to protect myself or having the brain strength needed to figure out how to get real help. My “tough it out” mode clicked in and I seriously think that “tough it out” mode came close to killing me.
So, I guess I am one of the guys who needs to learn the hard way. I don’t really know my limits…until I experience them. Well, I experienced that one and once was enough. My next edition of The Geezer’s Guide to Adventure series will have an altitude warning in it. I know lots of people who can scamper up high mountains well into their geezer years…I am not one of them.
Aloha.