Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro and Sleep Apnea

Julie wrote: ↑

Sat May 02, 2020 4:34 pm

For heaven's sake - the higher the altitude the more difficult it is for anyone not completely acclimated to it to be able to do any physical exercise, let alone not be short of breath... how is not using Cpap going to work with that?

Do you have experience with high altitude mountaineering? I do, and I have sleep apnea.I know a little about this topic. Where is your expertise?

I don't want an argument, but please don't dismiss my viewpoint, especially if you don't have experience on the topic. Years ago I performed high altitude medical research at Mt. Everest base camp. I know a little about high altitude and how it impacts human physiology.

Michael

[/quote]

I appreciate the input but I think I'll feel much better going into it knowing I'm giving myself every advantage I can. Additionally, the CPAP and battery can stay at camp while we make a trek for the summit so it's not like I have to carry that extra 5-6 pounds to 14K feet.
[/quote]

That sounds like a great plan. Enjoy the trip. I'm envious.

Michael

How about working for some of the top respirologists and neurologists in their research depts most of my life? Also spent time in the Rockies, if not Everest, but you know, I'd rather you take your attitude and park it somewhere else... You came here for help and if all you can do is hype yourself I don't think you're going to get a lot of it. And I've had apnea forever.

Julie wrote: ↑

Sat May 02, 2020 7:11 pm

How about working for some of the top respirologists and neurologists in their research depts most of my life? Also spent time in the Rockies, if not Everest, but you know, I'd rather you take your attitude and park it somewhere else... You came here for help and if all you can do is hype yourself I don't think you're going to get a lot of it. And I've had apnea forever.

foe him and forget him.

this is why he's on my list.

About 20 years ago I drove to the top of Pikes Peak (a little over 14,000 feet). At the time I was still smoking. Tried to inhale a cigarette up there and the whole world went gray. On that same trip we were staying in Colorado Springs and a member of the party became commode hugging sick. We thought she had food poisoning. Turned out it was altitude sickness. Not sure how CPAP works at high altitudes.

If you have to think about it, please consider lower altitude options.
Considerthe reason why they call it a
BUCKET LIST.
The idea is to check things off BEFORE you kick the bucket . . .
Not kick the bucket because you just HAD to do something unwise.

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Sat May 02, 2020 11:36 pm

If you have to think about it, please consider lower altitude options.
Considerthe reason why they call it a
BUCKET LIST.
The idea is to check things off BEFORE you kick the bucket . . .
Not kick the bucket because you just HAD to do something unwise.

Ha, yes, good advice. Having said that, I don't think a non-technical climb to 14,000 feet is particularly death-defying. I don't doubt that there are some fatalities but that's most likely from people ignoring the signs of HAPE or HACE. Or, perhaps you were more referring to the OP and his Kilimanjaro hike.

Both.
Obviously, your destination is the wiser one, considering normal physical limitations.
Even that would be foolish for someone more vulnerable--or less thoughtful.