Anyone have experience with blood clots? Doctors have been trying for a month to figure out why I had severe pain in my chest (right lung) for four days straight. Pulmonologist couldn't find anything on MRI and thinks it was either a blood clot that dissolved on its own or some kind of viral infection on the outside of the lung. Same thing last summer but the only symptom was pain and a steroid pack took care of that immediately. This year, not only was there pain but extreme fatigue and it only took 2-3 minutes of work to get me out of breath for hours. I was debating on an OTC Colorado Elk hunt this year as a refresher to elk hunting but had to give up on that idea. I still plan on drawing a tag somewhere next year and I know it seems a little silly to ask questions without an actual diagnosis, but has anyone had to limit how they hunt or maybe where they hunt because of blood clots? I'm only 33 years old so this could potentially be something that bothers me for a long time so I'm just trying to get as much info as possible. I've never had a problem with elevation sickness but I could imagine that any blood and or lung condition could be worse in higher elevations. Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks all.
Blood Clots and Elevation?
- Thread starter kenton
- Start date
I've had four blood clots, the most recent last November (TIA). Surely defer to your doctor.
I've not been told to restrict high altitude activities. I Iive at 5,000' and my daily hikes take me to 7,000'. I do take 325 mg of aspirin every morning.
Did I mention, defer to what your doctor suggests?
Good luck.
I've not been told to restrict high altitude activities. I Iive at 5,000' and my daily hikes take me to 7,000'. I do take 325 mg of aspirin every morning.
Did I mention, defer to what your doctor suggests?
Good luck.
I'd say take it easy and find out what's going on with your body. Maybe your not in great shape? Work out and find what works for you. Plenty of good hunting out there without having to gain Elevation. Be safe take care of yourself.
I'll weigh in on this. 3 years ago my brother 62 at the time was in the M. Breaks in September when he experienced severe pain in his rib area and shortness of breath. Myself and my son were in the general area hunting too and I got a text from my brother saying he was driving himself home 150 miles because as he said, he thought he pulled some muscles in his ribs and wanted to get it checked out. Maybe because I know him so well I was worried because it was not like him to drive home if he pulled a muscle in his ribs of all things, I told my son, something else is the matter. Turns out he had blood clots and fortunately all turned out well though he was put on a blood thinner for a significant time and told not to lift over a certain amount for some time as well. He had a habit of sleeping in the front seat on occasion and the doc told him in no uncertain terms that was a definite no no. I'm no doctor but my brother was told he is very very lucky to be alive by his doctor. He knows he dodged a bullet. Being stubborn and refusing to ask us for help or at least for a ride home almost cost him his life. Good luck.
This is interesting to me. I don't mean to hijack this at all. But I'm also curious.
My dad is 59. He runs 4 miles every other morning, after work we've been re-siding his house everyday. By no means sedentary. He does have relatively low blood pressure, but still in normal range. That runs in the family. My bp is actually a little lower. A few months ago while he was running he felt short of breath. After a few days and getting worse he went to the doctor, who sent him to the hospital. Ended up being a pulmonary embolism.
He was put on warfarin. And is seemingly ok. No side effects or issues since. After going to a few specialists, and then finally a hematologist they said he has factor V Leiden.
Now I'm wondering if he's going to be able to adjust to the 8,000 ft elevation change as easily in the past. Or if it's even safe. I guess I gotta convince him to make a quick phone call tomorrow.
My dad is 59. He runs 4 miles every other morning, after work we've been re-siding his house everyday. By no means sedentary. He does have relatively low blood pressure, but still in normal range. That runs in the family. My bp is actually a little lower. A few months ago while he was running he felt short of breath. After a few days and getting worse he went to the doctor, who sent him to the hospital. Ended up being a pulmonary embolism.
He was put on warfarin. And is seemingly ok. No side effects or issues since. After going to a few specialists, and then finally a hematologist they said he has factor V Leiden.
Now I'm wondering if he's going to be able to adjust to the 8,000 ft elevation change as easily in the past. Or if it's even safe. I guess I gotta convince him to make a quick phone call tomorrow.
Kenton, if they can't figure it out or are guessing. I'd see if you can't get referred to a hematologist. That's what finally gave my dad answers. Apparently what he has, I have a chance of having. But my sister has a 30% higher risk of having.
Peace of mind one way or another is worth it's weight in gold.
Peace of mind one way or another is worth it's weight in gold.
Hunting Wife
Well-known member
I have a blood disorder similar to factor V Leiden. It is genetic, and my regular doctor diagnosed it with a simple blood test because I had a strong family history of clots. If you are curious about a clotting factor disorder, ask your doctor to test for them.
I have no restrictions as far as elevation, but smoke exposure is a known risk factor for clots. I can't do wild land fire anymore because of it. I could see elevation potentially complicating things because a lot of people get dehydrated. Just something else to be aware of. Definitely keep on the doctor until you get an answer, and don't ignore any symptoms, even if you think they are minor.
I have no restrictions as far as elevation, but smoke exposure is a known risk factor for clots. I can't do wild land fire anymore because of it. I could see elevation potentially complicating things because a lot of people get dehydrated. Just something else to be aware of. Definitely keep on the doctor until you get an answer, and don't ignore any symptoms, even if you think they are minor.
Long term sitting (airline flights/24 hour drives to go hunting) followed by heavy exertion/dehydration can be a setup for clotting. Simple preventions such as Dr authorized 81mg baby aspirin daily, stretch breaks to move around, with isometric stretching while seated, and conscientious attention to preventing dehydration can be the ounce of prevention in preventing deep vein thrombosis and/or embolisms.
PS: this advice is worth the amount of money paid for it.......talk to your physician and don't take a "I don't really know" for an answer.
PS: this advice is worth the amount of money paid for it.......talk to your physician and don't take a "I don't really know" for an answer.
Thanks for the replies everyone, like I said, kind of silly to play the hypothetical game before I really know whats going on but it puts my mind at ease that others deal with similar issues just fine. I was on a strong steroid but it upset my gut horribly, so they backed down the dose and seems to be helping. I'm also one kidney short so it limits what medications I can take.
