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.

Some Days Are Just So 2020

I saw a cartoon the other day that showed a husband and wife sitting on a sofa. The wife asked her husband how his day was. He answered, “It was a total 2020.” His wife replied, “Say no more.” I had a “2020 day” last Sunday. No, I don’t…

Spreading EDS Awareness Is Critical

Life has continued to be a stressful whirlwind of teaching, college counseling, and just trying to manage the all-hands-on-deck reality of working in a school that’s back in session with kids on campus. It’s going about as well as anyone could’ve hoped, but…

Finding Relief From GI Discomfort With Probitiocs

Like many people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrom, I often have gastrointestinal issues. I was diagnosed with a gut motility issue as a teenager, but I can really trace the problem back to when I was born. My parents have always joked about how I never let them sleep through the…

Are You a Surge Capacity Warrior?

Well, the past week and a half has been a baptism by fire, to say the least. I currently have nowhere near enough hours in my day to handle everything that needs to be done, and then manage any form of self-care other than riding.

Reflecting on an Odd Summer As Times Change Again

While the heat of summer unfortunately will continue for weeks to come, summer’s unofficial end is on the horizon as my date for going back to work approaches. As a college counselor in an independent high school, I’m usually off from mid-June to early August. Hence, in coming days, I’ll…