When I attempted Mt. Whitney last year from the main trail I spent two days between 8 and 10 thousand feet to acclimate. However, I got headaches and nausea after reaching near 12,000 feet. I had to turn around before reaching Trail Crest.
This year I spent a few days in the back country by starting off through the Cottonwood Pass and this time my doctor gave me Diamox. The Diamox worked. I did have to pee a lot more and I drunk as often and as much as I could but my backpack was too heavy and I traveled really slow to the point I had to ration my water for one day. I ended up getting constipated and didn't do my business for five days. As a result, I turned around and headed back before making it to the summit. I did end up doing a nice loop over the New Army Pass.
It should be noted that I am 70 years old so my body can't do the things it use to do. <G>
I'll be trying again.....
Meanwhile, if using this drug I'd suggest staying well hydrated.
