high altitude headache cure

[davewilson]

i've been hunting in the rockies a couple of times and put up with bad headaches on both occasions. being a flatlander it's hard to get ready for a high altitude adventure. was wondering if anyone had similar experiences and if there was any remedies for what i assume is a high altitude headache?

[AJ Peacock]

Dave,

I grew up in Colorado and have an idea for you. First of all, and I'm sure you know this, what you describe is not altitude sickness. The only pure headache's I saw from folks coming from the east, had more to do with the bright sun than the altitude. Good sunglasses, hat and sunscreen usually cured the ailment.

Altitude sickness is a whole other beast that I have witnessed; ruined an elk hunt in the Weminuche (sp?) wilderness when my partner started throwing up had terrible headache and dizziness. Getting to lower altitude is the only solution once Altitude sickness sets in. There are ways to lower a persons risk for this ailment if started a week before heading into the high country (+10k ft).

AJ

[royinidaho]

Dave,

Dittos to what AJ said.

Also, gargling with one tablespoon of vinegar with 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper mixed in will keep your mind of of the head ache. Its pretty much a cure all for anything.

[Slopeshunter]

Not a cure, but staying well hydrated will always help the body feel better in the mountains.

[Scott S]

You could also try Altitude Advantage from Wilderness Athlete. I've never used it but have read good things about it. I plan to use it when I hunt in Colorado this Oct. I'm a definite flat lander being from Alabama.

[J E Custom]

Dave

I live 14 feet above sea level so I know how you feel when
you go to 10,000 ft+ so hear is what i do.

I plan my trips to colorado with two or three days before the start
of the hunt, This gives me time to adjust to the thin air.

Start slow for the first few days and use a walking stick (A third leg)
and if you dont smoke you should do fine in a couple of days.

I have hunted near 11,000 feet and did fine but had to go slow.

A friend that lives near montrose colorado could not understand why
we were having trouble getting use to the altitude untill he came to
south Texas to hunt white tail deer and could not breathe. (The
humidity here is normaly in the high 90,s.)

I have not had to use oxygen ,But some people carry a small bottle of
it for the headaches and swear by it.

I am normaly the oldest in my hunting group and the younger guy,s will
always take off at a fast pace but after a while I catch up and pass them
using a slow steady pace with out the headache.

I am 67 years old and I still enjoy hunting at tree line ,I just enjoy it slower.

J E CUSTOM

[dogdinger]

...that sufferred greatly from this and he always had rolaids with him for the altitude sickness.....said it really helped him...AJ