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1. 13 : Hardly theoretical , people in low profile jobs have been taken both to civilian and military courts after random drug tests , and been sanctioned.

" i will try to adapt slowly. ... decide if i pass more days in La Paz or if i do it in Copacabana"

If you want to acclimatize slow then you should start lower than La Paz. Copacabana is six hundred meters higher than the lowest parts of La Paz.

16

thanks Vistet, i though it was similar in altitude, but i guess i read the "highiest" elevation for La Paz. I've decided to pass one full day in La Paz and then go to Copacabana for 3 nights, but i'll take it easy. Then back to La Paz for an other day before flying to Sucre. From there go to Potosi, than Tupiza for 2 days (horseriding) to finally go in the Salar for 4 days ending in Uuyni. Then fly to La Paz again and visit around there (Coroico, etc) for 2-3 days.

Hopefully things will work out. I've been in altitude before (Peru, Ecuador), had problem sometimes with physical efforts, but got to slow down the rythme... But it's the first time i'll be so fast in high altitude.

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#16: 13 : Hardly theoretical , people in low profile jobs have been taken both to civilian and military courts after random drug tests , and been sanctioned.

Just curious in what countries and under what conditions?

In Australia for example drug testing is only carried out if you have had a motor vehicle/heavy machinery accident or are in a risky (eg. the military, public transport driver), classified, or professional sportsperson job.

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I took gingko because I can't be prescribed altitude medication (heart issues). It seemed to work, as I didn't die or have any complications. However, don't try and race your buddies to the lake from the roadside (got extremely winded and had to sit down for a bit and recover). You will most likely feel winded, fast, at first. Just take it slow and sit down if you need to. After crossing the border from Argentina (La Quiaca) to Bolivia (Villazón), I was practically out of breath from walking to the ATM and back.

If you want to try gingko .... I am not a doctor and this isn't supposed to be medical advice of any kind, but this is what I did:

I went to Whole Foods (natural store should work) and made sure to get a freeze-dried gingko not processed with chemicals. I took it daily for two weeks before reaching Bolivia (I was in Argentina), then continued daily or twice daily while I was at high elevation. From what I have read, gingko is NOT good to take long-term (6+ months), but can be amazing for short term stints. I was so energetic in Argentina while I was taking it!!

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interesting to read about the Ginkgo. I know the products for helping memory, but did not know about altitude sickness. I will definitly look into that, make some research first and see if it would be good in my case.
Thanks so much for all the responses

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I never had side effects form Dinmix accept he urge to urinate. I was told to take iyt the 1st few says after landing in La Paz. Just take it easy it when you arrive

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Gingko got a lot attention after a smalll test study ( Mt Denali , if I remember it right ) many years ago. I wanted to believe that as well and tried it. It has been mostly disproved since then. There have been some positive results also : with all "natural" preparations you face uncertanties of different compositions and concentrations. No one seems to suggests that it would be equally effective as Diamox.

"In Australia for example drug testing is only carried out if you have had a motor vehicle/heavy machinery accident..."

Really ????

"VICTORIA POLICE will double the number of random drug tests it conducts, from around 20,000 to 40,000 by the end of 2012..."

(Urinating more often when on Diamox is the desired effect : changing acid balance by pushing out more bicarbonate from the kidneys - exactly the same mechanism as in natural acclimatization , only faster.

As already covered in the links : if you plan to use Diamox , start 24 hours before landing )

Edited by: vistet