[pct-l] Re: Diamox - Something to Know

[Lonetrail at aol.com (Lonetrail@xxxxxxx)]

Nocona

Several years ago I went to a Xmas party for our local hiking club. A group 
were going to to do Mt.Kilkemjaro (19,565) in Africa. This was I believe 
December 16 on New Year Day one of the group died from pulmonary edema at 17,000.' 
She was a young women very athletic. She told no one she was getting sick and 
attempted to sleep it of. I do not know if she was on Diamox.

lonetrail
> 
> PCT-Lers,
> 
> Please also be aware that Diamox is ONLY A
> PREVENTATIVE medication intended to be taken (by
> qualifying individuals) before the ascend to altitude.
> I learned that hard way that it can exacerbate
> altitude sickness if you take it after the onset of
> symptoms and after you ascend to altitude.  This has
> to do with its diuretic effect, and I know from
> personal experience, having had to end my thru-hike in
> the High Sierra due to severe pulminary edema.  I was
> offered, and took, Diamox by a fellow hiker while very
> sick at altitude, also thinking it may help me.  Big
> mistake!  Don't repeat that foolishness yourself!  You
> can get really desperate when you get sick and you are
> out in the backcountry, but the only true cure for
> altitude sickness is to go DOWN - the sicker you are,
> the faster you need to get down out of the mountains.
> 
> Nocona
> 
> __________________________________
>