COPD

[rwj146]

Good Morning Everyone. Just want to know if anyone with COPD has had any issues with altitude? I am not on oxygen, my level stays within limits, I just have no stamina.

I am wanting to go into the mountains of New Mexico and just enjoy the scenery. The map shows it to be at 9000'. I will buy a small bottle of oxygen just in case I need to beat a hasty retreat.

Travel Safe ... Bob

[Chock_Full_o__N]

DH has COPD and he had some problems at altitude. He did fine most of the time in NM, although we didn't go hiking in any mountains due to his low stamina. But he had a very hard time at the Grand Canyon South Rim, which is about 7,000 feet. In fact, he developed altitude sickness--thank God we had his oxygen with us! Still, he was pretty sick for a couple weeks after that.

About a month later we were in Yellowstone NP. DH by that time was fairly adjusted to altitude, although he was quite fatigued. He did fine most of the time, but when we went over the northeast loop, he became noticeably short of breath and lethargic. Again, oxygen to the rescue. He felt pretty bad, though.

Everyone is different. Perhaps your COPD isn't as bad as DHs. If you think you might have trouble, take your oxygen.

[rwj146]

Good Idea, I'll check on prices today.. Thanks. Bob

[armadillo_17]

You might want to take a Pulse Oximeter. The gadget that measures the blood oxygen. If it gets too low get a few puffs of your Oxygen.
Both the wife and I have COPD and we didn't have any trouble in Northern New Mexico last month. We didn't hang around too long up on Scandia Peak. 10,000'. Have fun.

[rwj146]

I would have to see if my Primary Care Dr. at the VA would write the prescription. Probably not since it's not needed for life, just for a vacation. Hell, I am retired, it's always a vacation.

I want to go to an area around Taos NM if not I can return to the flatlands.

Thanks for the answers, I'm going to give it a shot after the 4th.

Travel Safe. Bob J.

[darsben]

Check with your doc. Invest in an oxygen concentrator if you both feel it necessary. DO you have trouble on airplanes? Although pressurized the cabin is usually about 6-7000 feet.

The concentrator is good forever with proper maintenance and you will not run out unless it malfunctions. With a bottle you will worry about the amount of O2 you have left.

How do you plan to get a bottle that lasts more than a few minutes. O2 is a prescription item for human use

[Mr__Camper]

The oxygen tank may be helpful, depending on your plans for activity. Since you are not currently on oxygen check with your doctor before you leave and get his/her advice. I'm in the same boat as you but at that elevation I don't do more than get out of the truck and set up my camera and scope for 30 minutes of digiscoping. Enjoy your trip.

[Grandpere]

rwj146 wrote:
Good Morning Everyone. Just want to know if anyone with COPD has had any issues with altitude? I am not on oxygen, my level stays within limits, I just have no stamina.

I am wanting to go into the mountains of New Mexico and just enjoy the scenery. The map shows it to be at 9000'. I will buy a small bottle of oxygen just in case I need to beat a hasty retreat.

Travel Safe ... Bob

Altitude will have a an effect on breathing especially with people who have COPD. We have been in MT at about 5000 feet with the occasional trip to 6-7000 feet and I had a hard time breathing (at home in AR we are at 250 feet). Taking along on oxygen bottle is a great idea if you are going to be doing anything at 9000 feet other than sitting.

Have a good time and take your time doing what you want. COPD will alter your activity level a higher altitudes, but take your time and your camera and you will be fine.

Safe travels.