Iain and Jo

This wonderful Doctor saved my life after I suffered acute altitude sickness/cerebral oesdema in La Paz a few hours after I arrived off the plane and had checked into my hotel in La Paz. I was a solo traveller at this point so it was quite scarey for me. The receptionist called Dr Oscar and after a consultation in my room, he knew I was an emergency and he took me immediately by taxi himself to his clinic, reassuring me all the way that I would be OK within 24 hours although I was dangerously ill, vomiting and only half-conscious. I will never forget his empathy, kindness and wonderfully skilled care and his constant attention throughout my 2-3 days in the clinic. The room, food and care from the staff in the clinic were excellent ! Even after I was discharged he took me personally back to my hotel and arranged for follow up medication to be delivered to my room by the pharmacist and also gave me his private cell phone number in case I had any further problems during my holiday, saying he could put me in touch with a doctor wherever I was. But I had no more problems and was able to enjoy my tour through Bolivia and Peru.
Dr. Oscar is the best doctor I have ever had and he saved my life. He genuinely cares about people and really knows his medicine. And ...no... he did NOT rip me off at all ! The total cost was incredibly inexpensive compared to Australia and the care was superior. I will always be incredibly grateful to Dr. Oscar and his clinic staff - beautiful people ! If you ever get altitude sickness symptoms - don't wait - act FAST in getting medical help - and know about the symptoms before you leave home !
Sandra

EESW
Scunthorpe, United...
posts: 3,580
2. Re: Altitude issues?
07 July 2010, 0:09
San Pedro de Atacama - 2300m

Altiplano Lagoons 4100m

El Tatio Geysers 4300m

Altitude can affect anyone - regardless of age or general health. Some people can experience problems as low as San Pedro although most people only start to show symptoms above 3000m

Most people will get mild altitude sickness and have a headache which usually clears up after a day or so. Treat by taking ibuprofen or paracetamol. Coca tea is also supposed to help. (Don't try taking this back home as customs will get very excited...)

General advice is to take it very steadily for the first day to give the body time to acclimatise. Take things steadily. Don't rush. Keep reminding yourself to SLOW DOWN. Stairs will leave you puffing. Bending over and standing up quickly can also cause problems.

Eat small meals (more often if needed). Blood goes to the gut after a meal rather than the brain so you can feel sluggish after eating. You will be breathing faster at altitude so may need to drink more to replace water lost through the lungs by breathing.

DO NOT DRINK OR SMOKE. Both of these aggravate the affect of altitude.

Aim to spend at least a day around San Pedro before doing the really high stuff of the altiplano lagoons or the geysers.

Be aware of the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness. Have a read of this:

http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/altitude.htm

If you are experiencing real problems don't grit your teeth in the hope they will go away - they won't. You need to go down and go down fast. Even 500m will make a difference.

If you are part of a guided tour your guide will be well used to recognising symptoms of AMS and dealing with them.

Check your travel insurance policy covers you for emergency evacuation on the rare chance it may be needed.

We have been lucky and apart from slight headache haven't had problems but do know people who have had problems above 4000m.

We have always tried to allow time to acclimatise and planned a leisurely itinerary. Don't try and cram too much into your days.

Be prepared, know what the symptoms are and be sensible.

San Pedro de Atacama is a magical place.

Eleanor and kindness and excellent medical skills

  Sandra TAYLOR Sep 3, 2013 7:25 PM