1. I have had a pretty bad case of AMS once. It was the first time going up Mt. Whitney. I had taken diamox (125mg/day) for three days prior to my hike. I arrived in Lone Pine the day before my hike and did not sleep at altitude prior to my hike. I first started feeling like crap just past Trail Camp at 12,000'. This included a headache and slight nausea. I rested on a rock for about 30 minutes and started feeling better. I then decided to continue up the switchbacks. I felt fine going up until I started vomiting uncontrollably at about 13,400'. I immediately dropped down approximately 400' and felt better. I did not summit this trip.
The following year I spent two nights at Horseshoe Meadows and then hiked to Trail Camp and spent another night there. I was also taking 125mg of diamox per day. I went to the summit without any hints of AMS. I had my appetite all the way up to the top as well.
I have been to 12,000' feet several times since with no serious AMS symptoms (other than insomnia).
2. I get in one or two hikes per week that are no more than five miles and no more than 1500' vertical feet (cumulative). I never monitor heart rate. I don't exercise in a gym.
3. I live at about 1000' feet above sea level.
