World´s highest city 4100m and altitude sickness!
Trip Start
Feb 25, 2008
1
16
37
Trip End
Mar 25, 2009
Potosi,
Potosi,
Bolivia
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
At this point I realised something was seriously wrong....it was as if my head was being squashed in a vice, I felt nauseous, breathing seemed pretty ineffectual..I thought I was going to faint. Our tour guide shoved some coca leaves into my mouth, (the local cure-all from which cocaine is derived)and assured me I would feel better. I did , and bloody minded as I am decided to proceed into the mine.
Not long after, a couple or minutes or so, I felt shaky and nauseous again. At this point, already feeling the effects of high altitude and struggling for oxygen, I figured entering a mine with hot fetid gases and no face mask was possibly the most ridiculous thing I could be doing. With no sign of any first aid arrangements, let alone emergency rescue equipment, I concluded that fainting outside was slightly more appealing than fainting inside and I asked to leave.
I was escorted out by one of the guides who ensured I navigated my way safely missing all the deep unmarked holes.. he then disappeared back inside. Naiively expecting him to return and take care of me, he did{t and I was all alone at the top of a mountain, not knowing where the hell I was, in terrible state.
Every so often miners walked by, either entering or leaving work... some as young as 12 years old with satchels across their bodies. The average life expectancy of these guys is just 15-20 years once they start work.
The working conditions horrendous with silicosis being their fate,
I placed myself in the recovery position and focussed on deep breathing... thought sof being robbed or raped featured quite high, but I forced myself to think a of a beautiuful beach as I lay shiverring and counting each vital breath.
I vaguely remember uterring in my confused mental state, "lets stop F***ing about and call a doctor"
Sure enough Dr Ramires arrives. I knew his name as it was embrpoidered in red on his long white coat. Along with another guy, the interpreter whose english was pretty spectacular. "sit down" meant "sit up", "put your head down" and a waving arm gesticulation meant "move fut}rther down the bed
