Traveling to high elevation in Colorado

Posted by sadair20 @sadair20, Jan 28 6:49am

Hi all-I have been invited to a wedding in June that is being held at
a mountain retreat at 8600 feet. I have mild bronchiectasis and MAC but at this time everything seems to be stable and not taking any medication except nebulizing 3% saline. My pulmonologist discouraged me from traveling to Park City, elevation 6900 ft, this winter. Has anyone had any experience with high elevation travel? Is there any advice or research about not doing so?

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@lilianna

I was in NJH in Denver over 5000 ft and the saturation goes down by 3-4 %. But I kept it around 92% so there was no need for the oxygen. We made a short trip to see the ski resort around 9000 ft and I was short of breath and walking was a challenge. So I would say consider all the elements such as your saturation level, shortness of breath but definitely your saturation level will go down.

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I went to SLC, UT and had altitude sickness. 2 years ago I went to Austria and was given something to start taking about a week before I left and while there. No problems at all. Unfortunately I doubt have the name of the medicine.

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Here is an interesting read (credit @pacathy for bringing it to us)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6819988/
If you are doing fairly well, and not in an active exacerbation, go for it!
Life is meant to be lived to the fullest. If you can, arrive 2-3 days early to acclimate - or drive, don't fly, stopping every 1000-2000 feet for 24 hours to get used to the altitude.
Sue

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Hi Sadair
I have mild bronchiectasis, MAC and maybe Aspergillus(been treated, not retested) and am primarily asymptomatic. I do exercise daily and strictly do my neb meds daily and airway clearance. We recently went to CO to visit friends and family....Denver, zero problems and we hiked some. Went to spend the day with my niece in Winter Park (9000+ elev, I think) We hiked there too with the dogs and no issues. I did not check my saturation but felt fine and I usually am about 98-100 in sea level Houston! I have a whole crazy list of things I do when I travel so not sure if that helps or not! My main concern is to not catch anything while away so I take lots of precautions there!! Everyone is different is the thing. You may not have a bit of trouble. Heavy anxiety can affect this too I think so just try to enjoy!!

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@kathleenlp

Hi Sadair
I have mild bronchiectasis, MAC and maybe Aspergillus(been treated, not retested) and am primarily asymptomatic. I do exercise daily and strictly do my neb meds daily and airway clearance. We recently went to CO to visit friends and family....Denver, zero problems and we hiked some. Went to spend the day with my niece in Winter Park (9000+ elev, I think) We hiked there too with the dogs and no issues. I did not check my saturation but felt fine and I usually am about 98-100 in sea level Houston! I have a whole crazy list of things I do when I travel so not sure if that helps or not! My main concern is to not catch anything while away so I take lots of precautions there!! Everyone is different is the thing. You may not have a bit of trouble. Heavy anxiety can affect this too I think so just try to enjoy!!

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Can you share your crazy list of things you do to keep safe while traveling?

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@thorne

Can you share your crazy list of things you do to keep safe while traveling?

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Hi...This is a shifting landscape based on things I might study or discover. Before traveling I get an immune boosting infusion. We have a great place close by run by reputable doctors and nurses who help determine what you need. I also do this if I feel I am catching something. So helpful!!
I use and travel with a product called Biocidin (recommended by a functional doctor)...this is a great product in my opinion but do your own homework on it. Use it sublingually. I also do the same with liposomal glutathione daily. I try to limit big crowds for a couple weeks before traveling and also my achilles heel....younger children. Almost every illness I have contracted since diagnosis has been after exposure to younger children, usually relatives. I exercise daily, even when traveling...there is always a way. I, of course, bring , nebulizer meds and everything needed to clean thoroughly and I keep to the regular schedule of usage each day. I try to eat healthy with lots of fruits, veggies & fish. I will sometimes wear a good mask depending on the time of year...mostly in the airport and maybe partly on the plane. I like outdoor vacations so not much worry there. Get sunshine everyday, especially early and at sunset. There is good science on this. Get plenty of rest before and during if possible. A nurse told me to keep those alcohol prep pads handy and dab out nostrils at the airport, airplane etc. This has never bothered me so I do it before and after crowds. I use the NeilMed sinus rinse twice a day and they have a great travel one that is no mixing and TSA approved . Someone who traveled extensively also told me years ago to dab mentholatum under your nose when traveling (who knows but I do it LOL) Wash your hands a LOT, do not touch your eyes, face, nose! Common ways to pick up germs. I always take elderberry(I make it myself) juice daily and there are pills you can travel with + probiotics + all your other usual supplements. I am not on any meds except for my nebulizer but I do take a lot of supplements. I will list those sometime. I have been switching to "whole food" supplements the last year and def noticed a difference. Switching to all glass or stainless everything and lastly removing all seed oils from my diet (they are in EVERYTHING!!! and so inflammatory)....I only use EV olive or avocado oils...try to do only organic. It sounds crazy but I didn't do everything at once but gradually. I am a Christian and a prayer warrior so this is first and foremost! Have never gotten ill traveling by following these things. Blessing!!! Let me know if you have questions.

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