This isn't really about adrenal insufficiency. I guess indirectly it is.
I came home from Arrowhead and got a bad case of bronchitis. I'm relatively sure it was brought on by the cold temps, big effort and an hydrocortisone taper (bad timing on my part). I was unable to teach my classes or do much of anything for a couple of weeks except run a mile, cough and sleep.
When I got back to teaching while still coughing one of my students said, "Did you learn your lesson? You might not want to do things like that." I smiled and nodded.
My real answer is that, yes, I learned my lesson. My lesson was that putting myself out there was worth being sick or risking injury. She doesn't know about the adrenal insufficiency and how being out in Northern Minnesota entailed more potential dangers to my health than she could imagine. For all the times I've taken risks while having AI, I've suffered very few times as a result.
Every time I've had a negative outcome by doing something dumb or beyond my capabilities, I've learned far more than when I sat home on the couch watching TV. I also came out of the experience with great stories. Ask Paul about the time we bikepacked through the LaSals in snow without enough food. What did I learn? Check the weather conditions. Bring enough food. Listen to old ranchers when they impart wisdom. Don't cry like a baby when someone rescues you. Strangers are generally far kinder than we give them credit for. Take more hydrocortisone than you think you need.
We all have different definitions of "putting ourselves out there". That's OK. Despite adrenal insufficiency, get out of your comfort zone. Often the risks don't materialize and the worry prepares us to avoid the potential pitfalls. Sometimes, the worry and anxiety wasn't even worth the energy.
Make sure you're prepared by having your injection kit with you. Know how to use it. Be prepared for your circumstances.
Live your life, learn your lessons!
