CO Native and I get real lightheaded above 12500 ft

[Carl the Cuttlefish]

Anybody else experience this? I grew up in Black Forest at 7100 ft, I'm at 7600 here in Arroyo Seco NM now so I'm acclimated to that elevation. However it seems like once I get above the trees a ways, right at about 12500 ft, I start feeling funny - there's always a slight feeling like I could pass out, like my soul could depart my body lol, like Google Earth is zooming out so to speak in my mind. The issue is this is NOT a good feeling when it's just you alone on top of the mountain. It doesn't matter the activity, whether it's hiking, driving up Pikes Peak, snowmobiling. 10-11000 I feel fine and can exert all day, but that next step higher and it gets weird. I don't know if it's something that you can train away or it's just how my body is.

[sunny1]

This is a bit of a tough one, as add'l info is needed to give a good answer. First and foremost, remember this is the internet, and as wonderful as this forum can be, we cannot provide the quality of advice a medical provider/doctor can in person, at an appointment.

You mention you ALWAYS have lightheadedness >12,500 ft - does that mean for years, each and every time you are > 12,500 ft, you feel lightheaded, like you could pass out?
You never feel well > 12,500 ft elev? It doesn't occur anytime or anywhere else?
Anything else going on at the same time as the lightheadedness - such as rapid pulse, nausea, other?
Do you regularly exercise, or not really - you are more of a weekend hiker?
Any other medical issues, meds or supplements taken regularly?
You don't have to answer these questions, if you don't want to, but think 'em over a bit.

Some simple things to try, if you haven't already:
*Increase hydration - start your active days with at least 16 oz of water 1st thing when you get up, and ensure you're drinking regularly while active. Remember humans awaken in the a.m. naturally dehydrated, as the majority of us are not drinking water overnight, and usually haven't had fluid in hours.
*Increase your sodium intake, or boost electrolyte replacement, especially if you tend to sweat profusely
*Consider trying knee high compression socks, 20-30 mmHg compression
*If you do not regularly exercise, step that up, as long as you feel well with it.
*Avoid booze the day prior to high altitude activity

[Trotter]

Being native to Colorado will have absolutely no bearing on if you get altitude sickness. All you get from being a CO native is the bumper sticker.

[Flips]

Please, go see a cardiologist.

[derekpetrie]

UC Health has a High Altitude specialty practice as part of their pulmonary dept:

https://www.uchealth.org/locations/uche ... -anschutz/

I’ve never had altitude issues, so I cannot speak to care or cost. They probably have treated others with similar issues you have described.

[climbingcue]

This is a good article they found out some new things about being sick at elevation that many other experts did not think could happen. Might be good to see if you can get an appointment with Ebert Family Clinic in summit county, they seem to have a bunch of experience.

https://www.summitdaily.com/news/living ... residents/

[mtree]

Instead of polling the fine doctors on 14ers.com, close out your browser, and make an appointment with a cardiologist. That's the smart start.

[SkaredShtles]

Instead of polling the fine doctors on 14ers.com, close out your browser, and make an appointment with a cardiologist. That's the smart start.

But that will cost money.

[mtree]

Instead of polling the fine doctors on 14ers.com, close out your browser, and make an appointment with a cardiologist. That's the smart start.

But that will cost money.

Yup. You get what you pay for.

[SkaredShtles]

Instead of polling the fine doctors on 14ers.com, close out your browser, and make an appointment with a cardiologist. That's the smart start.

But that will cost money.

Yup. You get what you pay for.

tHaT'S WhAt tHe mAiNsTrEaM MeDiCaL EsTaBlIsHmEnT WaNtS YoU To tHiNk!!

[d_baker]

Being native to Colorado will have absolutely no bearing on if you get altitude sickness. All you get from being a CO native is the bumper sticker.

I thought his title was referring to Josh (CO Native), a former admin here, as well as a former regular poster!

[jrs1965]

For me, I live at 7k, and my first time above 10k most every year is sometime in April, or May. I definitely feel the altitude when I get up to 14k for the first time every year. I like running at 14k so it doesn't take long before the effects of altitude are minimized. (See your doc if it concerns you)