Columns

Adjusting to a Temporary New Normal

Last week, I was able to see my massage therapist for the first time in over three months due to the pandemic. About 10 years ago, I learned that massage is an integral part of my pain management. I don’t think I’d gone more than three weeks or a…

Letting Go of People’s Nosy Comments

One thing that’s both particularly difficult as well as sometimes wonderful about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is that, for the most part, it’s invisible. Except for my bruising, if you look at me, there’s nothing that would stand out and make someone realize that I have a rare genetic disorder.

Learning to Manage My Compensations

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is strange. Like many rare diseases, it’s unique to each person. For example, different types of injuries present variables in how a disease manifests. Since many of my long-term issues relate to specific injuries, I’ve learned to adapt to my body’s version of normal through various compensations.

I’m Trying to Make Lemon Pie

Like many others, I’ve been forced to accept the current situation as our “new normal” for the foreseeable future. On most days, I get up, take care of the hounds and the cats, then hop online to work from home for a few hours. After lunch, I usually head to…

How I Manage Chronic Pain During a Pandemic

I’m pretty sure this is the longest I’ve gone without a massage since I learned that they’re critical to my pain management and well-being. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that I’ll be getting one anytime soon. While I’m thankful I’m still functional without massages, I can’t say I’m comfortable. When…

Finding Positivity in Cooking

As I wrote in a recent column, one upside to all the extra time spent at home is that I’ve gotten to spend more time on activities I really enjoy but usually get squeezed out by the lack of time in my busy life. Two weeks ago, I discussed…

Managing Life Without Massage or Pilates

Here in Virginia, all nonessential businesses have been closed for several weeks. Frustratingly, I’m unable to access my two main therapies — massage and Pilates. Both of these activities are critical to my pain management, as massage helps to relax my tight muscles and Pilates remind my body…

Here’s How I Am Coping with the Corona Crisis

Too often while pursuing answers to health questions, people with an Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are told that their physical symptoms must be caused by stress, or perhaps they’re psychosomatic, because no obvious explanations are available. I related my own frustration about this to my physical therapist several years ago while he…

Looking for Positive Moments in Life and Books

Like everyone right now, my life and my therapies have been upended by the coronavirus. While it’s easy to get bogged down in all the stress and seemingly all-consuming fear (especially if you turn on the television), the forced downtime has some positives if we remember to look for…