Day 15 Solo Backpacking the SHT with MCAS

This post is Day 15 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).

Hot and Stormy

I left Split Rock River Wayside at about 11 am after the shuttle dropped me off and started climbing up the slope. By the time I reached the ridge sweat was pouring off me. I had initially worn my bug suit as sun protection but it was just too hot. So when I reached Chapins Ridge I stripped it off and lay down to rest on my Tyvek tarp.

This was my hottest experience on the Superior Hiking Trail so far, but it wasn’t as bad as it might have been. In the Twin Cities temperatures were in the 90s but it tends to be about ten degrees cooler up here. I was having a difficult time cooling down though and drank two liters of electrolyte water throughout the seven-mile hike.

I navigated over many rocky outlooks on the ridge and was grateful to have trekking poles for better balance. It’s challenging to navigate the trail on rocky outcroppings because you can’t see the path. I got turned around a couple of times and needed to rely on my GPS to stay on the trail. After passing by the Beaver Pond campsite I came to a ruined wooden bridge. Luckily the water level in the creek was low enough to hop across on the rocks.

Along my hike, I’ve seen many instances of trees with a root system hanging from a branch (see picture). I tried to google it but I don’t know what to call this phenomenon. It appears that the tree originated from the hanging root system but simultaneously developed a second root system that eventually became dominant. As the tree grew taller the original roots were pulled out of the ground and now hang in the air. Nature is amazing!

By the time I reached Fault Line Campsite I was having a pretty bad mast cell flare with flushing, tachycardia, and a headache. I immediately took some of my mast cell rescue medicines and rested in my tent for an hour. Then I made my dinner and continued resting. Before bed I hung my food bag in a tree in case of curious bears and then filtered some water from a nearby creek.

As I was trying to fall asleep my headache intensified. Then when I was awakened by a huge storm around 1am I understood why. There must have been a large atmospheric pressure change coming with the storm. This was my first time experiencing an electrical storm in my tent and it was a bit terrifying with heavy rain, lightning flashing, and thunder booming for over an hour. My tent took on water unfortunately so I will need to dry out my gear in the sunshine.

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.