Problems with Altitude Changes

Has anyone experienced or heard of problems with altitude changes for children with ITP? We had hoped to go see some relatives in Denver CO this summer and we live at sea level so I was wondering if the altitude change would be a big problem.

I know my brother gets nose bleeds out west and he doesn't even have ITP so I am a bit concerned. I will certainly ask my doctor as well, but you guys seem to know as much as any "real" expert.

Thanks!

I have only been on a plane i think 4 times altogether. 2 Planes to get to our holiday destination and then 2 planes to get back home and i didn't experience any problems at all with nose bleeds of anything like that, but everybody is different and have different experiences with the ITP.

I grew up at 7,000 feet in Northen Utah, but have lived in Phoenix (1000 feet) for 20 years. I've never seen any issues with traveling between. I believe Denver is around 5000 feet (the mile high city).

I do have to be proactive for nose bleeds, but it's more a matter of humidity for me, especially when they are running the wood burning stove in Utah. Even though Phoenix is in the low desert, I have more issues when I'm in Utah regardless of the season. I'm sure the pressurized air of the plane doesn't help. I have to remember to moisten the nose or it gets dry and crusty and much more prone to bleeding. The best I've found is the AYR nasal saline gel, but Metholatum works too. Put a bit on a q-tip and swab it around inside the nose. I know the doctors recommend the saline sprays like Ocean, but for me I feel like the sprays dries me out more.

I would think the biggest issue would be humidity vs dry air. I think also anyone who has not been in high altitudes can get altitude sickness. Let me tell you, its not pleasant. I had it when I was four years old. It was not pleasant. Its like the worst kind of stomach flu you can imagine, with chills, vomiting, headache, you name it. I was sick as a dog . Not something I recommend, lol.

When I lived in Salt Lake City, they used to report people having altitude sickness, and it supposed to be very miserable. However, it was realtively rare and usually impacted those who did very rapid changes like someone coming from sea level to the high mountain resorts within a matter of hours. It was recommended to fly into Salt Lake but wait until the next day before going to the top of the mountain to ski. Frequently coming from down the mountain to Salt Lake would alleviate the most severe symptoms.

Hello: I just returned from Beaver Creek, I had a bad really bad altitude sickness last year when I went to Breckenridge last year (altitude 11k feet).I was so afraid of getting it again i went to Denver first then up to BC (8k feet up). I didn't have any problems until I went up another 1k feet to go tubing w/ my son (prob 9k altitude all together). All of a sudden I had an uncontrollable nose bleed, had to go to clinic and my nose cauterized. I think most of it was due to snow falling and dry air. They drew blood, which is when I found out my platelets dropped to 34k. :dry:

I know Denver is apx. 5k feet up so you shouldn't have a problem, he may get altitude sickness so they suggest to drink plenty of water. However, I was drinking sooo much that i think it thinned my blood a bit which may have caused the uncontrollable bleeding up in Beaver Creek. I don't mean to scare you but just be aware, it was really snowy there this past weekend which dried out the air.

two things you should have are a humidifier and nose spray (whole foods has one, get an all natural spray - salt water based).

Have fun!!

My 14 yr old daughter was diagnosed with ITP in 12/09 with 15000 count. Got IVG and since then it went up to 290,000 and back down to the 50,000 - 60,000 range. However ended up in emergency last night - count dropped to 22,000 apparently due to a slight cold. What if it was a bad cold?? Anyway have a vacation planned for PArk City, UT for a week and then Breckenridge for a week and finally to Rocky Mountain NAtl Park. Until joining this forum today - I had not idea that altitiude chages was an issue. do I cancel this vacation? Or are there just certain percautions we can take? ARe there certain doucments we should take if we end up at a medical clinic or hospital? Haven't asked her doctor yet as I just learned of this issue today - will ask on Monday when we have to go in for a follow-up. Would appreciate any advice!!

Hello,actually I think the high altitude is good for the platelet count..after I got back from CO to SF my platlets were 7k and they were at 34k while there. I did read something on the internet too about this plus my dr confirmed it.

I think it was the dry air that caused the nose bleed not the altitude. I do get altitude sickness which probably has no relation to the ITP. Keep a humidifier handy and maybe all natural nose spay. Good luck and even though my count is 7k, I feel great every day.

What helped me, is watching the DVD that I got when I joined PDSA...there was a woman on there that was diag in the 60's and she lived a very normal life w/ a platet count of 5k.

Have fun - try and take it easy and enjoy your vaca!

Wendy

Thank you! I feel better. I was nervous to begin with since my husband has to stay home and I will be doing all the driving with 3 kids. How did you know that your count went up to 34K - did you check in somewhere. WE are away for 16 days - should I have her get a blood test at the end of the first week in Salt LAke City? This is all so new and scary!!!

Hi Since I got the nose bleed, the clinic took a blood test. I think it freaked him out more than me, when he saw that my platelets were 34k. Just take your time getting up to Brekenridge, I went there a few years ago- 11k in altitude and got bad altitude sickness. I am more concerned about you driving all the kids by yourself Drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep. Ask your dr what he thinks about getting blood test after UT. I wouldn't let your daughter ski w/ her platelet count, but that is me. I heard others still snowboard, ski, etc..

What ever you do you probably don't want to show your concern too much around your daughter or other kids it may just worry them. It does seem like a scary disease but it's very manageable and I hear with kids it most likely will go away. Please do try and get the DVD from the PDSA, it will put your mind at ease.

Feel free to contact me at vanceandginger@yahoo.com if you need to chat more..

have a great time

Just got back from the doctor. Asked about the vacation and altitude issue. He didn't feel it was an issue - we will just see him right before we leave to check her count and see if any medicine is warranted. He said she could even go white water rafting!

I plan to buy a cheap cooler and fill it with water for our drive! Thank you for your concern - I will breath easier once the drive will be over.

He said the studies were not conclusive as to altitude issues.