Originally Posted By: Bee
I asked my doc how she felt about Diamox, etc., when I saw her a few days ago, so we looked it up in one of her guides

Bee, I am afraid that is the extent of most MDs "training" in high altitude illness!

How do I know? I had no formal training on AMS or Diamox in med school and my cohorts today look at me like I am speaking Greek when I bring the subject up. I had to learn on my own, with many personal and group /expedition experiences up to 22,000ft, courses taken through various organizations like Wilderness Medicine Society, on the job class with Himalayan Rescue, some minor publications, and classes that I gave to MDs like the UVA and VCU/MCV cardiology and pulmonary departments. I am still learning. The average MD whose knowledge is limited to just looking it up in a "big book" would not be your choice if you had cancer, eh? Unfortunately, high altitude illness is highly variable with limited (but improving ) understanding.

I just cannot understand how an MD would refuse a patient request for a simple drug that may not be foolproof but is proven useful. Would he refuse a patient's request for a diarrhea drug if that patient was travelling to a third world country? I would want a GI specialist or a Travel Clinic provider to advise me on that. Too bad those type knowledgeable people are not widely available for AMS. Rant over, thanks.