Yesterday, Bug and I went over to Starkville to cheer for my Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium.

I have been looking forward to this trip for some time – and it was wonderful to be on campus, enjoying gameday, ringing our cowbells, and cheering on our team.

(Just getting to go roam my little town makes my heart smile so big. ♥️)

However, as an autoimmune patient, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge all that happened related to my chronic illness while we were there – or the effects that will persist as a result of this outing.

First, let me say that I had already been on antibiotics this past week for a kidney infection. I have been improving – but still have several more days of treatment to go.

Still, I was well-hydrated and without fever starting our day.

Unfortunately, the heat was worse than we would have liked – and the first issue I ran into was a severe reaction with my heat intolerance as we were walking in the sun before the game.

(We ended up out in the sun before the game – without water – for much longer than expected by accident. 🤦🏻‍♀️)

By the time we got into the shade of the stadium – and to cold drinks and seats – I was having chills, some difficulty with words, and symptoms of dehydration.

I was honestly getting a bit frightened and Bug was also becoming concerned – but, once we got liquids and cooled off, things improved.

Thankfully, our seats were in the shade – but I quickly discovered that, where they were located, I was marooned in the middle of the stairs, waiting for Bug to come take everything I was holding in my hands, so I could do this crazy spider walk up the steps between the spaced out handrails – of course, with plenty of witnesses. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

#bless

(Between my balance issues and my hip problems, especially my left SI joint post infection and surgery, my body simply COULD NOT go any further up otherwise.)

After we did get settled in and enjoyed ourselves for sometime, my blood sugar was completely crashing (related to missing lunch, lots of activity, and, most of all, my earlier episode).

At that point, our Bulldogs were mightily winning so we decided it was best to walk over to Mugshots to watch the game while we had some solid protein dinner.

We then crossed back to The Junction to witness all the fourth quarter pageantry – #dontstopbelieving ♥️ – before walking back to our car.

We had a lovely drive home and arrived properly exhausted and gameday dirty and ready for showers and lots of rest.

However, I also found that, before my body would let me rest, I was up at 3AM, eating a rice packet – because my blood sugar crashed hard again and I was weak and shaky.

(Unfortunately, getting really suddenly sick – like I did yesterday – can lead to days of disregulation with my temperature, blood sugar, nerve symptoms, you name it.)

Now, I’m up from finally having slept (a lot) and I need to go find food again. Today will most definitely be a day of rest here in the Hippie Hut.

Despite the difficulties that come with activities, I believe with all my heart that it is so important to have plans and projects to look forward to, especially as we chronic illness patients push through difficult times (because difficult days are coming whether or not we find a way to also enjoy our lives).

What I *will* do as a result of this is change how Bug and I make our Starkville trips:

• I’ll have water with me (that’s now just an everywhere thing, full stop) always.
• Our football game I hope to attend each year will have to be the latest possible in the season (for the best weather possibilities).
• I will also have to select very specific seats at Davis Wade – or possibly look into accessible seating next year.
• The other sporting activities I like to visit are much easier on my body for many reasons already – close parking, small crowds, etc – but I’ll still be super cautious to choose night games and cool weather only.

It’s so hard to find a balance between doing things – when I want so desperately to be able to – and knowing my body requires about 95% of my days in (and becomes terribly ill, sometimes even without cause or warning).

Still, it is this way – and I am in for the next several days (weeks) other than things I must do – especially since I’m not sure exactly what yesterday’s level of health episode is going to set off in my body.

(Also, an aside: I have to start wearing compression socks all the time – I had put it off until after the game because *hot* but I can stall no longer.)

No matter the issues with my body, I am so grateful for a beautiful day in my favorite place with my precious Bug.

Be well, everybody. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Grace and Blessings.