Black and Blue Ribbons – a Column by Karen Del Vecchio

$massage, 2020, finger, fracture, awareness, sign, surge capacity, tension$

An avid equestrian and educator, Karen has been a columnist at BioNews — the publisher of this site — since 2019. She was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in 2009 after years of searching for a diagnosis that explained her symptoms. Karen enjoys working with her students, riding and caring for her two horses (Cherry and Spotty), and connecting with others in the rare disease community through her writing.

March 2, 2021February 25, 2021

5 Small Steps That Have Made My Busy Weeks Easier

Black and Blue Ribbons - a Column by Karen Del Vecchio, Columns

This school year has been unique, to say the least. As a high school teacher and college counselor, I’ve been lucky to work at an institution that has made an ... Read more

February 23, 2021February 19, 2021

Staying Warm Is Critical for Maintaining Limber Muscles

Black and Blue Ribbons - a Column by Karen Del Vecchio, Columns

Is it spring yet? Like for many people in the U.S., the weather in Virginia has been less than stellar lately. We’ve had record-breaking rainfall, and while I’m thankful we’ve ... Read more

February 16, 2021February 12, 2021

A Knee Pillow Provides Me With Pain Relief While Sleeping

Black and Blue Ribbons - a Column by Karen Del Vecchio, Columns

Over the years, the position in which I’m most comfortable sleeping at night has changed. For most of my life, I could only sleep on my stomach. After I was ... Read more

February 9, 2021February 5, 2021

Massage Therapy Helps Manage My Pain, but Insurance Won’t Cover It

Black and Blue Ribbons - a Column by Karen Del Vecchio, Columns

I’m so lucky to be able to have massage therapy every other week. While I wasn’t diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) until I was 22 and didn’t start regular massages ... Read more

February 2, 2021January 29, 2021

Another Injury Means Strike 3, and I’m Out!

Black and Blue Ribbons - a Column by Karen Del Vecchio, Columns

I really need to stop doing stupid things and hurting myself. Sheesh. Last September, I badly broke my finger and had to have surgery. I now sport a plate and ... Read more

January 26, 2021January 21, 2021

Explaining My Bruises to Concerned Healthcare Professionals

Black and Blue Ribbons - a Column by Karen Del Vecchio, Columns

After two weeks of virtual learning to avoid the post-holiday spike in COVID-19 cases, students in the school where I work returned to in-person learning last week. I was nervous ... Read more

January 19, 2021January 15, 2021

Banged Up and Bruised After a Recent Fall Down the Steps

Black and Blue Ribbons - a Column by Karen Del Vecchio, Columns

I don’t think I’m alone in hoping that 2021 would be a better year than last, but it’s certainly off to an interesting start. I work as a college counselor ... Read more

January 12, 2021January 7, 2021

EDS Has Taught Me to Be More Positive

Black and Blue Ribbons - a Column by Karen Del Vecchio, Columns

I’m certain I don’t have to tell anyone reading this column that having Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) means overcoming a lot of hurdles and other negative things. These include chronic pain, ... Read more

January 5, 2021December 21, 2020

Learning the Difference Between Occupational and Physical Therapy

Black and Blue Ribbons - a Column by Karen Del Vecchio, Columns

As is common for someone with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), I’ve done plenty of physical therapy (PT). After my diagnosis at 22, I was referred to PT to work on many ... Read more

December 22, 2020December 22, 2020

Sharing Some Light This Holiday Season

Black and Blue Ribbons - a Column by Karen Del Vecchio, Columns

I love the holidays, especially Christmas. This year is certainly different in just about every way, except for one: If anything, I think we all need more holiday cheer to ... Read more