altitude

[JOCELYN]

How does living at an altitude of 6000 to 10000 ft affect a person with MDS with low hemoglobin.
Thanks
Jocelyn

[karenkay]

When we brought me dad from Illinois to Idaho, we had to travel through Cheyenne Wyoming and the altitude was higher. His oxegyn level dropped from 97% saturation to 89%. Once we hit the road and the altitude dropped, his oxygen was right back up to 97%.
Just my experience,
God Bless,
karenk

[Neil]

Hi Jocelyn,
As a rrule higher altitudes cause problems getting enough oxygen to a MDS patients organs. If red counts are low there could a problem at sea level. Altitude adds to the problem.
Platelet function is also impaired. There is a possibility of bleeding problems as altitude increases.

[sugarwhale]

Dear Jocelyn,
Ah! A question I can really answer! My mom lives here in Albuquerque close to the Sandia Mountains. Her house is about 6300 ft. high, as is my own. Now, if one suddenly comes from sea level to here, one really feels it! However, after a few weeks, one adjusts to it. The lungs expand and the altitude is no longer a problem. I do notice that, when I travel, I get a burst of energy at sea level. When I return home, all I want to do is…sleep. But time will enable you to adjust. A lot of people who come here (also to Santa Fe and Taos) get a throbbing headache and have trouble breathing. It’s important to just take it easy until your body adjusts. It’s really a very healthy climate!
~~~ Janet

[sugarwhale]

Dear Jocelyn,
I forgot to tell you that there are things one can do to adjust to high altitude: 1/ Drink lots of liquids; 2/Take it easy; 3/DON’T do very strenuous exercise until you know you can tolerate it.
My mom has lived here for 36 years. There are no problems with her blood counts that are altitude-caused.
~~~ Janet

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