Moving and elevation,pain, sleep

[3285craig]

I recently moved from elevation level of 700 ft. to 5,280 ft 4 months ago. I have noticed a change in oxygen levels while sleeping and more pain levels. I did spend a few days in the 9,000 ft levels about a month ago and 3 weeks ago -- two different times and noticed I had a hard time breathing and walking at that level. We also experienced high winds one day. It seems I have changed somewhat since then. I took a sleep test for Apnea about a week ago and was told my oxygen levels were low at sleep and needed a sleep apnea machine and may need oxygen along with it. I do have chronic pain from nerve damage in the back and metal in back and hips. Could it be possible I have some high altitude sickness and could it have been a bad move from 700 ft elevation to 5,280 ft altitude for my particular body condition????

[Jaybay]

I react the same way to anything above 5,000 feet, but then I live just above sea level so mountains are a huge adjustment for me.  My husband and I were vacationing in Colorado a few years ago.  We rode a motorcycle from 5,500 ft up to over 11,000  ft in about 30 minutes.  I swung my leg off the bike and promptly passed out cold.  And yes, I was stone cold sober.  Every time I tried to walk around a little, the headache, nausea and dizziness threatened to take me out again.  Didn't feel better until we got back down the mountain.  Same thing happened in Red River, NM, with the added bonus of more pain on that trip.  I am just not cut out to be a mountain woman.  LOL!

You have to stay very well-hydrated, (avoid alcohol and not too much coffee or tea for a while) and generally take it easy until your body gets used to the change.  For me, 5,000 feet is pretty much doable.  Around 9,000 feet I'm going to need an asthma inhaler, which is something I rarely need here close to sea level.  Above 10,000 I'm cooked.

I say take your doctor up on the oxygen at night - at least for a few weeks until your body can make some adjustments.  In the meantime, hold off on elevation increases, drink lots of water and take it easy.  I'm so jealous that you get to live in AZ - I love the American Southwest.  :-)

[deadgamegrrl]

Hi,

I don't have a good answer to your current situation, but at any elevation of 8000 or higher, you will generally experience some symptoms.  It usually takes about 2 weeks for the average person to acclimate.  You didn't spend enough time at 9000 ft to do this so it is very understandable that you had difficulty breathing or doing any aerobic activity like walking while you were there.
I hope you find some answers soon!

[Tuckamore]

Hello Craig,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. You've asked a very good question and I find it extremely interesting. However I am far from qualified to respond with any wisdom.

It makes sense to me that the move in altitudes could have an effect on your particvular body condition. It bears some research and reading.

It's a know fact that a 5,000 ft "up" the air is "thinner" meaning it contains less oxygen. There should be physicians in your location that would have better information on the effect that this altitude is having on you. I would ask a lot of questions. Your health may dictate a move to a lower altitude....or it may have little to do with it. But ask, ask, ask!

Best of luck to you. Please share with us what you discover. I will look forward to hearing from you again.

Take Care,
~Tuck