Is paragliding a possibility?

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richdees23

Active member
Joined
Apr 24, 2020
Messages
64
Reason
PALS
Diagnosis
02/2019
Country
US
State
NJ
City
MONROE
I have an opportunity to parasail in Utah. I was hoping to get some feedback, advice, and any information that you can offer. My main concern is my respiratory limitations. I sleep using a trilogy ventilator and I've been experiencing shortness of breath after minimal exertion lately. The elevation where I will be going is 4200 feet. The entire experience could last, give or take, 15 to 20 minutes, longer if I'd like. Does anyone have experience or knowledge of an excursion like this? Should I be concerned? Outright avoid it? Thanks!
 
what elevation do you live at? Do you have a pulmonologist to ask? Do you have any idea of your current pulmonary numbers? Including mep and mip? I am 100% in favor of PALS doing as many experiences as they can and hope you get to do this but also very much in favor of comfortable breathing. 15-20 minutes is an eternity ( literally) if your respiratory muscles aren’t strong enough. I really think you have to ask your pulmonologist or neurologist
 
Depending on how high your Trilogy IPAP is, you might be able to rent or borrow a battery-operated portable CPAP with EPR (reduced EPAP) that you can wear around your neck, like the Z1 or Z2. Typically, you reduce the IPAP on the portable CPAP, which some PALS can do comfortably for a few hours, so you can have a workable EPAP since you can only have a small difference between IPAP and EPAP on these machines.

You could also use it on the road/plane, however you would be getting to Utah. Of course, this isn't something that you can soak in water -- you might be able to cover it with plastic except for the exhalation port. The hose and mask wouldn't be affected by water but you would want to properly secure them.

If you are getting SOB on exertion, may be time to increase your Trilogy hours.
 
I'm in New Jersey, and my elevation is below 100 feet. I do not have a pulmonologist, and I do not know my numbers. But I do plan on making an appointment. Thank you for your reply. It's been very helpful. I have a lot to consider.
 
Thank you! I definitely plan on having someone take a look at the trilogy, answer any of my questions, and make any adjustments. I appreciate your advice.
 
Hi.

I can't help you about your altitude limitations regarding your health.
But, as an helicopter pilot, ''before'', it was my dream to fly again.
And this dream arrived last September.
And what I can say you is, do all what you can do to do paragliding. Maybe with oxygen, I can't help you on this point.
Here some photo.

Life is a real dream, even when disabled. Dream it !

Fred.

I would like to send U video but it seams it's not possible.
 

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Thanks for sharing, Fred. The pictures are amazing! I've got a lot to consider, but I'm remaining positive.
 
I like riding my handbike ou my racing wheelchair, I like too hiking with my X8.

I like these sports because I don't need any help from a friend to practice, even if it's a pleasure riding or hiking with friends. But they are often busy.



For paragliding we need at least 3 friends on the taking off area and 2 on the landing zone.

So, for me, it's not so easy to have 5 friends free for MY paragliding flight.
 
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