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Any concerns about high elevation when seeking treatment at NJC?
Hello all, I appreciate reading all of your tips and insights. I am posting for my mom, who has been struggling with finding good, consistent care locally for her MAC and bronchiectasis. She was diagnosed 6 years ago. She is based in Oregon, at a low elevation, and when she initially considered NJC, her PCP warned her against it because of the elevation in Denver. Has anyone else encountered this warning or had any issues with the elevation? We would love to find a better care team for her to engage with as she continues to navigate this condition. Thank you! Erin
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If she does to to NJC/NJH, they will evaluate her for need of supplemental O2 soon after she arrives at their clinic, since many patients do find they need supplemental O2 there (and for flying which is pressurized to 8000 feet) even if they don’t normally need O2 at their lower elevation home.
If the doctor has access to a High Altitude Simulation Test (HAST), your mom can have it simulated as to how she will do while flying and at 5000 foot Denver, NJH/NJC. If there is no access to the test, she and a loved one could drive to a mountain in OR and use an oximeter to check her saturation rates at different altitudes. Most phones will be able to have an app to tell you your altitude. If she’s fine at 5000 and 8000 feet, she should be OK. If she’s not, she needs to work with her PCP to get supplemental O2 for the flight and for her time in Denver.
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2 ReactionsPlease order a wheelchair at the airport to and from the plane. It helped a lot. Usually your oxygen level goes down 2-3%.
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1 ReactionI have altitude issues and I go to Denver at least 1/year. A few years ago, a friend brought me 2 small oxygen cannisters that have a mouthpiece, and you can take inhales straight from the cannister. at the time, I was experiencing altitude sickness. I think I took about 10 huffs and within an hour started feeling better. I used throughout day-just periodically and the following days felt fine. I'm going to Denver and will definitely pack 2 in my suitcase. I bought mine off of amazon, but I believe they sell in some Denver grocery stores and maybe sporting goods stores?
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1 ReactionDefinitely talk to her PD about her fitness for flying, they can prescribe her supplemental oxygen for the flight and rescue use in Denver. I second the wheelchair. I am flying there next month and when I spoke to the booking agent she insisted I have one at departure and arrival. Denver is a major adjustment. I did my undergrad in Boulder and have had Asthma all of my life, you feel the altitude.
Also, note that every airline has different requirements for traveling with O2 and medical equipment. Maxor sent me luggage tags that identify my medical carry on and it's recommended to get to the airport 3 hrs prior to flight. Some airlines require you to carry 2x the travel time's worth of O2 in case of delays and require a copy of your prescription. United told me to have a paper copy of every medication I travel with, as well as my medication in their original containers with Rx labels attached.