Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => The Spotlight => Topic started by: allika on August 14, 2018, 08:49:14 AM

Title: Thal Minor Trekking to High Altitude (above 3000 mtrs)
Post by: allika on August 14, 2018, 08:49:14 AM
Hi everyone. I am Allika, 49 yrs. I have Beta Thal Minor.  I want to know if any Thal Minor have experienced trekking to Annapurna Base Camp (4200 mtrs)? I plan to go there in October with some friends but just wonder if it is safe for thal minors. Here are my latest lab result:

Haemoglobin - 11.3 g/dL
Haematocrit - 35%
MCV - 71 fL
MCH - 23 pg
MCHC - 33 g/dL
RDW - 15.7%
Reticulocyte count 0.97%
Hb A - 95.9%
Hb A2 - 4.1%
Hb F - 0%
Abnormal Hb variant not detected
Iron - 14.2 umol/L
TIBC - 51 umol/L
UIBC -  37 umol/L
Percent iron saturation - 28%
Vit B12 - 701 pmol/L
Total Vit D - 91.37 nmol/L

Would love to hear your experiences..advices…suggestions etc.

Thank you in advance!
Title: Re: Thal Minor Trekking to High Altitude (above 3000 mtrs)
Post by: Andy Battaglia on August 18, 2018, 08:07:34 PM
The main concern you will have will be that the air is thinner at high altitude, meaning your oxygen supply will be lower than normal and you may have to go slower and take more rest. Will supplemental oxygen be available? FYI, if the visit is extended, you should know that after about 3 weeks, your body will begin to adapt to the altitude and your Hb will begin to rise as a compensatory measure by the body.