My Struggle with Altitude Sickness
So last summer I planned this amazing mountain trip. Got super excited about hiking trails and those epic views. Then I remembered… altitude sickness kicked my butt bad on my last trip to Denver. Felt like having the worst hangover of my life without any fun the night before. Head pounding, dizzy, throwing up. Total nightmare. Seriously thought I’d ruined my vacation before it even started.
This time, I swore I wouldn’t let it happen again. Dug around online for weeks, talked to a few friends who live up high, and finally cobbled together a plan. Five simple things. Went into it thinking, “How hard could it be?” Turns out, discipline matters. Here’s exactly what I did (and where I almost messed up):
1. Took It Slow, Real Slow: Before, I’d fly straight into a high spot and try hitting the trails the next morning. Big mistake. This time, I flew into a lower city first. Spent two whole nights there just chilling, walking around slowly. Felt boring, honestly wanted to rush up. But I forced myself. Only on day three did I head higher. And guess what? Body felt way better handling the change.
2. Water Became My New Obsession: I knew dehydration makes it worse. So I bought a massive water bottle. Aimed to drink until my pee looked like pale lemonade. Sounds gross, but works. Drank way more than usual. Felt like I lived in the bathroom! Forgot once on the flight up – slight headache reminded me fast. Lesson learned.
3. Ate Like a Hungry Teen (Mostly Carbs): Read that carbs help your body adjust. Said goodbye to my usual low-carb thing for a few days. Ate tons of pasta, rice, bread. Even let myself enjoy extra crackers and oatmeal. Felt indulgent, but focused on easy energy for my body. Skipped heavy, greasy stuff completely.
4. Said No To Booze (And Even Coffee!): This was tough. First night at the lodge, buddies cracked open beers. Smelled amazing. But I stuck to herbal tea. Alcohol and caffeine? Both mess with you at altitude and dry you out. Seriously, held off for the first three days up high. Only had half a beer after I felt totally fine. Felt like winning a medal.
5. The Pill I Almost Didn’t Take: Almost skipped this. Friend swore by Diamox. Doc gave me a prescription. Took it a day before going up, like instructed. Side effect? Weird tingles in my fingers. Tiny price to pay. Kept taking it during the ascent and my first couple days high up. Honestly? Not sure if it was the pills or everything else together, but no headache, no nausea. Zero. Worth the tingle.
Did This Mad Plan Actually Work?
Put it this way: On day four, hiking at over 10,000 feet, looking at crazy mountain views, I realized… I felt completely normal. Normal! Energy was good, head was clear, stomach was fine. Could actually enjoy the thin air instead of fighting it.
Sure, it took effort. Planning the gradual ascent felt tedious. Chugging water constantly was annoying. Watching others drink coffee hurt my soul a little. But honestly? Feeling strong and healthy up there compared to how wrecked I felt last time? No contest. Sticking to those five simple things felt like unlocking cheat mode for the mountains.