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That's why it's often a problem when you fly from sea level to high areas--all the change happens at once, before your body has adapted and you have learned your personal high-altitude limits.
Or drive, dear GL (peace to you... and thank you for that information!)? As you state, in a cabin the air is pressurized, so the trip to/from Ethiopia not as bad. I think it was the quick "ascent/descent" OUTSIDE the plane... from close to sea level to over 7,000 feet... then down again in about a week... that did me in on that trip. I was on the sofa close to 2 weeks. Again, we thought it was the malaria pills (and that could have contributed, but I'm not so sure, now).
On that trip the "sickness" started our last day (the 5th-6th day, I can't remember) when my nosebleeds started. I remember telling dear 'Mom... warning her actually (because I don't "do" cold, great fatigue or hunger, or low blood glucose "well", sorry)... that I felt "REALLY tired (wink at dear 'Mom - peace to you, luv! LOLOLOL!).
On this trip we drove the entire time... so no pressurization at all, at any point. Just quick (very) up... then quick (very) back down. The "sickness" came on me on the last leg, driving from San Diego to Oakland. I started feeling REALLY tired, then VERY claustrophopic and nauseated.
Once home, I had a lot to do (unpacking, washing, caring for pups, etc.) and so about 3 days back... I fell out. Literally. Was on the sofa until about 4 days ago. I did go to the doctor (to get checked for RA, something I was told I had "mildly" about 20 years ago) and my blood tests revealed I was very low on biotin and completely deleted of zinc. So, I pulled myself together, ran out and got both... took a triple dose of both... and felt TOTALLY better the next day. And have felt GREAT ('myself') since.
Of course, these trips wouldn't deplete my zinc (other things have done that)... but I think the depleted zinc COUPLED with the "altitude sickness" is what knocked me SO down.
SO... ya'll take care of yourselves out there. If you're traveling, maybe looking into the PHYSICAL effects of where you're going, ALONG with the routes, hotels, amenities, expense... LOLOLOL!... would be a good thing! I know I'll take such things into mind on MY next trip (to a high altitude, at least!).
Peace to you ALL!
Shellamar, on her own...