Does the altitude ever force someone to move away? (Denver: camping, living in)

[yakimono]

I'm wondering if everyone moving from a lower elevation adjusts to the altitude eventually.

Especially as a person ages, can acclimation reverse and make continued living in Denver not possible?

[davidv]

Nearly everyone who is healthy can acclimate to the elevation.

There are people who have or develop serious respiratory or circulatory problems and cannot visit nor live at altitude.

One highly publicized example is NFL Player Ryan Clark. He experienced complications due to sickle-cell anemia after playing a game in Denver. He did not get enough oxygen to his organs and ended up losing his spleen and gall bladder as a result. Whenever his team plays in Denver, he must sit out.

[mic111]

No not everyone does. I had a friend who moved back to sea level as the altitude caused health problems for her daughter. I had a neighbor who went to stay with a friend at sea level for a couple of months one winter and her health problems improved so much her Dr. advised her to move immediately which she did.

I may end up moving eventually to a lower altitude as I've never really acclimated. My dad cannot visit me here due to health problems and his Dr's advice that he never come to Denver again. My mom, 2 uncles and brother also have altitude problems as do I. I have to be super careful not to get dehydrated here otherwise I get altitude sickness in Denver and it can take a couple of days to clear up.

I also cannot stay over 9000 ft for more than two nights or I get the altitude headache no matter how hydrated I am. This limits where we camp and how we choose our routes when camping in the mountains. Genetically a Sherpa I am not.

Lots of people adjust easily. You won't get alot of posts here from people who don't adjust because they don't usually stay.

[otterprods]

Originally Posted by yakimono

I'm wondering if everyone moving from a lower elevation adjusts to the altitude eventually.

Everyone? No
Almost everyone? Yes

Age is one factor, but Denver is just over 5000 feet in elevation, which is not usually high enough to cause serious problems. But if you're talking Leadville (10k +) or the top of a 14er, that's a different story.

[ryanek9freak]

My ex wife was one of them. Hence the reason she's my ex wife.

[dnvrsoul]

Originally Posted by ryanek9freak

My ex wife was one of them. Hence the reason she's my ex wife.

ouch!

[BarryK123]

Happens to smokers who develop diminished lung capacity. Moving to sea level can obviate the need for walking around with oxygen via nasal cannula.

[himain]

I'm sad because I really can't hit the gym like I used to in Miami. I seriously can't breathe. If the opportunity arises I think we may roll out. I hate to leave because it's gorgeous out here but going to the gym is a big part of my life

[dnvrsoul]

Originally Posted by himain

I'm sad because I really can't hit the gym like I used to in Miami. I seriously can't breathe. If the opportunity arises I think we may roll out. I hate to leave because it's gorgeous out here but going to the gym is a big part of my life

How long have you lived in Denver? I live in Florida and am seriously thinking of moving back-of course it's going to be hard because of the altitude difference...

However, the more you use your lungs, the more you will be able to adapt-unless you smoke. This concept is basic Anatomy. Why do you think Olympians and competitive runners tend to train in higher altitudes?

It is the same concept when you first moved from Miami and got a taste of the Colorado cold-you probably froze your a** off

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by himain

I'm sad because I really can't hit the gym like I used to in Miami. I seriously can't breathe. If the opportunity arises I think we may roll out. I hate to leave because it's gorgeous out here but going to the gym is a big part of my life

You've been here a month or so? What exactly can't you do that you used to be able to do? Have you been to a doctor to have you oxygen saturation checked?