Hey, Shelbi' s 8th grade class is going to Colorado in the spring.  I was wondering if anyone has ever had trouble with changing altitudes like this, we live in Alabama. It didn't cross my mind until we were in the meeting last night and the teacher was talking about being up to 9000 ft the whole week and we will go up to 12000 when we go up the continental divide.  So now I am worried.  I called the NL and they wanted me to give them all of the details about what we will be doing and how we will be traveling around once we are there.  I know we will be outside 8+hours each day and out in the middle of nowhere.  I have emailed her teacher to get somemore specifics so that I can call the NL back tomorrow.  But if anyone has any input I would appreciate it. I have prepared her for what I am worried the answer will be, but I know that she will still be heartbroken if we can't go :'(. Thanks

Shelbi 13yrs. MM, Chiari Malformation, Basilar Invagination, Syrinx

I have heard of people having problems. Tyler doesn't have any problems but we lived in Trinidad CO, elevation 6025 ft, when he had his stroke and surgery. We now live in Denver, elevation 5280 ft, Tyler has traveled to OH, once for 3 months, and back a few times and lowering elevation didn't cause any problems, as well as coming home back to the higher elevation. We even lived in Colorado Springs, elevation 7200.
However, Tyler hasn't been any higher, except driving back from CA through the mountains after his follow-up.

MM is such a strange thing that everyone has different things that cause problems and you don't want to press your luck. I hope you get definite answers and Shelbi doesn't get to upset if she is not able to come.

I agree with Rena, everyone’s MM case is different, but I too have heard of MM patients having problems or episodes when at high altitudes, due to the decrease in oxygen and an increase in carbon dioxide. I believe a few members also mentioned that higher altitudes may increase blood viscosity (a measure of the thickness of blood) and people with conditions that lead to a slowing in flow rates, like narrowing of the vessels with MMD can be at risk for higher blood viscosity, but whether there is an increased risk of stroke with a MM patient, I don’t know, I would think that’s an individual call and should be evaluated by the neuro that knows the specifics of that MM patient. Also, I would think other factors would be considered as well. Colorado can really get cold, even this time of year, and just like hot weather causes episodes with a MM patient, cold is another contributing factor to increased blood viscosity. The blood becomes thicker and moves more sluggishly when real cold. So, unfortunately a MM patient has all these factors to consider and should be disgusted with your doctor.

Good Luck. I love Colorado. It's absolutely beautiful. I hope she's well enough to go.

Mar

I used to go to Colorado rather frequently, and never had any issues. I tried to not exert myself too much and was fine.

Thank You guys all for your responses.  I talked to Shelbi's Neurologist and he gave us the go ahead.  He just said she needs to make sure she stays super hydrated and no caffeine (which she gave up the caffeine years ago).  So we are so excited.  :D But it isn't until March so it will be a long winter waiting for it. 

Thanks again,
Tina Peters
Shelbi-13yrs MM, Chiari Malformation, Basilar Invagination, Syrinx