This post is Day 18 of solo backpacking the SHT with MCAS continuing my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
Table of Contents
A Gathering Storm
This was my last day in this section and I hiked 8 miles from East Palisade Creek to Hwy. 1. Similar to yesterday, this section also featured a trail reroute because the bridge above the Baptism River falls had washed away due to flooding.
The trail kicked my butt in the first mile and the last one, but in between the terrain was relatively gentle with rocky ups and downs.
In the first mile, I climbed Mount Trudee which is 1581 feet in elevation. Once on top, the view was obscured by fog and mist, but it was still pretty.
The bugs were back in force today so I wore my full bug suit most of the day. After descending Mt. Trudee I passed by Raven Rock, and then The Drainpipe, an extremely steep rock face with a long wooden stairway making somewhat it more accessible. After descending the stairs, I began to see day hikers on the trail coming from Tettegouche State Park.
Because of the reroute I hiked down along the Baptism River to the the Tettegouche State Park parking lot at Hwy. 61. After crossing the river near the mouth I went under Hwy. 61 and hiked back up the east side of the river. I stopped at a wooden bench to eat lunch, filter water, and reorganize my pack. After four days on the trail, my food bag was nearly empty, and I just had one liter of water, so my pack felt light and easy to carry.
At the turnoff to the falls, I veered east toward Hwy. 1. This section passed through a kill zone where young diseased fir trees had been felled to stop the spread of disease. Thousands of thin trees were heaped willy-nilly like a box of toothpicks that had been dumped out.
I began to hear thunder in the distance, and during the last half-mile, the sky began to darken. Before the Hwy. 1 trailhead I encountered another drainpipe-like rock face with a long stairway I ascended, and then I scrambled over some very steep rocks to the parking lot.
I stopped at the co-op in Duluth for a tuna melt and then continued my drive home while the lightening and dark clouds intensified. As I passed through Harris, MN my phone alerted me to a tornado warning, and a frightening storm front passed overhead. Looking west I saw a tornado cloud. Most drivers pulled off to the side of Interstate 35 South when the storm hit, pelting us with rain, while strong winds buffeted the cars. Luckily all we got was heavy rain as the tornado passed elsewhere. I’m so glad I was off the trail when the storm hit!!
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.
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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.
