Black and Blue Ribbons - a Column by Karen Del Vecchio

Columns

How I managed my dietary restrictions at a recent conference

I’m back! I had a fantastic time at my recent work conference and learned so much from the colleagues I met there. Last week, I wrote that I was worried about dining options, as I have food sensitivities from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome as well as alpha-gal syndrome, a…

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Learning how to manage EDS dietary restrictions while traveling

I’m preparing for a work conference, and for such events my dietary restrictions are a new element I have to consider carefully. Between the general food sensitivities that come with my Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and being diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne disease that makes me allergic…

Columns

Scratching too much is another way I get EDS bruises

It’s the season for dry skin. Between the cold weather and frequent hand-washing, I can’t seem to stay ahead of it. I have a variety of heavy-duty lotions, but sometimes my skin still gets too dry. The worst part about that is the itching. I know, you’re not supposed to…

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Reminding myself to use my heating pad for muscle pain

Back during that crazy cold snap in December, I remembered how amazing heating pads can be. Where I live, houses aren’t built with subzero wind chills in mind. So let’s just say that it got rather nippy inside when the wind chill outdoors hit somewhere around -7 F. I learned…

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It’s Important to Take an Occasional Day Off From My Busy Schedule

I don’t sit still well. I’m not sure I would’ve survived elementary school if I hadn’t been in a Montessori-style school that allowed me to move around at will, do my math while lying on the floor, and explore new things. I can sit and focus without trouble when I…

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Am I More Susceptible to Shinsplints Because of EDS?

I love dogs — I have two rescue dogs — but some days they sure give me a run for my money. I was recently watching a friend’s dogs while she was out of town. My friend lives on a farm, like I do, but her farm is bigger…

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Finding My Tribe Among Other Equestrians With Invisible Diseases

A few days ago, I stumbled upon a recent blog post titled “Come As You Are: The Autoimmune Equestrian” on the website Eventing Nation. Eventing, or the triathlon of horse sports, as it’s often called, has a range of levels, from Olympic all the way down to…

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Living With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Requires Problem-solving

I hope everyone had a restful holiday and New Year’s, however you choose to celebrate! Mine didn’t turn out as I had planned. My Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) threw in some challenges, but thankfully, a little ingenuity managed to help me figure out a workaround. Like most of the country,…

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Why I Make a Point to Embrace the Holiday Spirit

I’ve always loved the holiday season. Even though I can’t embrace it with abandon, as I did as a small child, I still revel in the feelings of Christmas. To me, the holiday season is truly about giving to others. This time of year, people are often gentler to…

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A Stumble in the Dark Leads to the Worst EDS Bruising in Years

After setting off a pain flare with a brief shoulder subluxation, or partial dislocation, a few weeks ago, I’ve thankfully been able to get things under control. Babying it a little bit and getting bodywork from my amazing massage therapist, Kim, brought the pain back to a manageable…