This post is Day 16 of solo backpacking the SHT with MCAS continues my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
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Day 16 on the SHT – a little easier
The storm tapered off around 3am and I slept in a bit to compensate for the sleep disturbance. The temperature had dropped over 25 degrees since the previous evening and it was a relief to be back in cooler weather. My mast cell flare symptoms were gone as well.
I hung some of my gear on tree branches to start drying out while fixing my breakfast, then packed it all up in various stages of sogginess and hit the trail around 8am.
After leaving the swollen creek behind I continued up along a long rocky ridge much like yesterday’s terrain, passing by Fault Line Vista. It began raining lightly but luckily never amounted to much.
Today was a lighter day in terms of mileage and I covered about 4.75 miles, arriving at Beaver River East campsite by 1 pm. My knees have been a bit sore ever since my longer 10-mile hike last week, so I’ve been trying to rest whenever possible. And today was deliberately shorter because of an upcoming trail reroute at Bean and Bear Lakes. The campsites near B and B are closed for maintenance and thus I have to camp where it’s available before and after the reroute.
After crossing Lax Lake Road there was a brief flat gravel roadwalk section of that was very welcome after lots of climbs and steep descents on the ridge.
Once at camp I laid everything out to dry and then got my tent set up. I spent the afternoon relaxing and reading in my tent.
The Beaver River campsites are right next to an active rail line and an ATV trail which are both rather noisy. Fortunately the rushing water from the river acts as white noise to drown out much of it.
The campsites are also very close to the town of Beaver Bay so they have taken a beating from over-use and vandalism. Most of the trees’ lower branches have been ripped off and even small trees sawed down for fire wood. It’s unfortunate that the damage jeopardizes the license from the private owners of this section of trail.
I was surprised that I didn’t see any other hikers today but perhaps the threat of rain was a deterrent. But I have been seeing some brilliant fall leaves already here and there.
What is MCAS?
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a chronic condition that affects all organ systems. It can cause severe, disabling symptoms every day, including potentially fatal anaphylaxis. MCAS often occurs with other chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Managing MCAS is challenging because many healthcare providers are unaware of it, and diagnostic tests can be unreliable. Treatments involve using antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and avoiding triggers. Check out this post on how to manage MCAS.
The bucket theory
The bucket theory simplifies understanding symptom reactions with MCAS. Imagine your body as an empty bucket you don’t want to overflow. Reactions to various stimuli fill the histamine bucket at different rates, forming the total histamine level (how full your bucket is). More histamine means more symptoms. By managing triggers, reducing exposures, and taking medications and supplements, you can control your bucket’s level.
Know your typical symptom progression
Knowing your symptom progression in a symptom flare is the key to developing your rescue plan. This post discusses how to recognize your symptom progression to be prepared to address those symptoms.
Get my free ebook, symptom log, and meal plan!
Want a tool to easily keep track of your symptoms? Sign up for my newsletter and you will receive my free 50-page ebook of lower-histamine, grain-free, sugar-free recipes, my free symptom log, and a free two-week meal plan!
What is MCAS?
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a chronic condition that affects all organ systems. It can cause severe, disabling symptoms every day, including potentially fatal anaphylaxis. MCAS often occurs with other chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Managing MCAS is challenging because many healthcare providers are unaware of it, and diagnostic tests can be unreliable. Treatments involve using antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and avoiding triggers. Check out this post on how to manage MCAS.
The bucket theory
The bucket theory simplifies understanding symptom reactions with MCAS. Imagine your body as an empty bucket you don’t want to overflow. Reactions to various stimuli fill the histamine bucket at different rates, forming the total histamine level (how full your bucket is). More histamine means more symptoms. By managing triggers, reducing exposures, and taking medications and supplements, you can control your bucket’s level.
Know your typical symptom progression
Knowing your symptom progression in a symptom flare is the key to developing your rescue plan. This post discusses how to recognize your symptom progression to be prepared to address those symptoms.
Get my free ebook, symptom log, and meal plan!
Want a tool to easily keep track of your symptoms? Sign up for my newsletter and you will receive my free 50-page ebook of lower-histamine, grain-free, sugar-free recipes, my free symptom log, and a free two-week meal plan!
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Healy is an individualized microcurrent device I use to reduce inflammation. Check out this post for more about Healy.
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Disclaimer
The preceding material does not constitute medical advice. This information is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, cure, or treatment. Always seek advice from your medical doctor.
