RA and altitude

pot80

Although altitude has no effect on RA some of those who suffer feel much better higher up. I experienced this in June whilst on an extended week-end break with 3 consecutive days of walking in the Swiss alps. Each morning I awoke feeling on top of the world with no pain in fingers or toes and feeling fit for anything. The walks of no more than 6 miles were wonderful and achieved without any aches or pains. We were not very high at about 4,000ft. The first one had a severe rating I was told afterwards. I commented at the time how really well I felt as originally I was very hesitant about going at all and I have not done 3 consecutive days walking for years. Wanting to know more on my return I read that altitude can in some cases mask the symptoms but these return upon descent and not all feel the benefits of altitude.

stickywicket

That's great news, pot80! I'm so pleased you had such a wonderful break which also involved a break from RA Well done on completing all the walks.

Switzerland on prescription, eh? I like it.

I don't think I've ever been at any great altitude except in a plane.

I wonder how the Swiss get on with RA. Interesting.

I recall a climber saying very recently on TV that, the first thing that happens at high altitude is that one urinates a lot. This is the body's way of thickening the blood to cope with lack of oxygen. Can't see how that would make a difference to RA though.

theresak

It`s an interesting point. I think my days of walking in mountains have passed now, but I`m really glad you had such a good break and were able to get some walking done.