Every Autoimmune disease or chronic illness is just as different as the person living with it. All of us warriors are keenly aware that we must take certain precautions when traveling based on our individual needs.
Of course we usually drop by the doctor's office for medicine refills, a CBC panel and a general check up before hitting the friendly skies......but is that enough??
By necessity, I thoroughly examine property layout, exits, entrances, expected temperature etc. when planning any type of excursion. What I hadn't done up until now is consider planning an entire vacation based on atmospheric pressure and altitude.
I LOVE resorts. Beautiful suites( fireplace is a must) impeccable dining and heavenly spa treatments. I've always wanted to visit Colorado-specifically Arabelle resort in Vail or the Little Nell in Aspen or the Ritz Carlton.....and yes, a Colorado Buffs game if anybody cares to donate a ticket. So what's holding me back you ask?? The altitude and my respiratory system.
As regular readers know I have Sjogrens disease and just about every manifestation that comes with it. It took years to get an accurate diagnosis and by then irreparable damage had been done. Sjogren's can & often does involve major organs. For me that includes a regular battle with my lungs. Breathing literally hurts. Inflammation of the lungs and spine are a manifestations of Sjogrens disease that aren't as often highlighted, but absolutely require extra precautions when flying.
I'm fully aware and very conscientious about temperature,as I will do just about anything to avoid or minimize a flare, but I never gave much thought to altitude and atmospheric pressure.
I was sharing my desired travel plans with a relative when he interrupted me with a reminder that if I were going to Colorado, I would need to add a few days just to safely get there. I was confused. A flight from Atlanta to Denver is just over 2 hours. I didn't see the problem.
It's the Mile High City he said. Going from such a low altitude into a higher altitude , especially with your underlying condition spells disaster. I had never given that any thought. I later asked my doctor about this issue and her advice was virtually the same.
I began to feverishly research any and everything I could on this topic and found that while many people experience some level of altitude sickness when ascend to higher elevations too quickly, there are three very dang and severe forms that require immediate medical attention.
1. AMS( Altitude Mountain Sickness)- This can be mild, moderator severe. Symptoms include inability to walk, labored breathing even while at rest, confusion, and fluid retention in the lungs.
2. HACE( High Altitude Cerebral Edema) - This form of altitude sickness is caused by the leakage of capillaries in the brain. Symptoms include drowsiness, unstable gait, hallucinations, headache and extreme exhaustion- normally within 1 to 3 days of ascending more than 9800 ft.
3. HAPE ( High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) The most rare of the three, HAPE is potentially fatal and the symptoms include shot of breath, skin and nails turning blue, and a wet cough that produces a pink froth. Symptoms are generally noticed 1-3 days after ascending more than 9800 ft. It is recommended that if you're at a higher than normal elevation and begin to experience any of these symptoms, get to a lower elevation immediately and seek medical treatment.
So, what does this mean for my Colorado resort dreams?? Considering I already deal with systemic inflammation and fluid retention, I would need to take a few extra precautions before boarding a flight. The first of course being to get a check up before departure. Being certain that my lungs are clear and my oxygen levels are in tact would be the first order of business.
Next , I would need to fly into a city with a lower elevation and stay a night or two. This allows the body to adjust , at rest and while active to the change in altitude and pressure. My physician explained that it would take but a moment for my lungs to fill with fluid and my oxygen levels to drop to potentially dangerous levels and quickly. I was in shock. I was fully ready to point, click and book.
So, sad to say it looks as though that's a trip I have to reconsider--at least for now. Armed with more knowledge, it's clear that extra days, extra breaks and possibly a check in or two with a local care provider must be added to the itinerary to make this dream trip a safe one.
Remember spoonies, we cannot function like we did before. Flying in itself requires compression socks, hydration and all sorts of planning. I now know that I'm travel I have to always consider the elevation I'm going to vs that which I've come from. It is vital to take all things into consideration before jet setting. After all we want to enjoy the vacation and live to tell about it.
So before you book that next vacay, consider your overall health and any potential risks. We only get one life. Enjoy but remember your health & well being is paramount. Til next time 🪷
#travel #Colorado #resorts #lifestyle #buffs #ritzcarlton #arabelleresort #health #lunghealth #littlenellresort #ski
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