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As someone with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), bruising is just a part of life. I rarely give my bruises more than a passing glance anymore. They’re just of a part of my natural complexion at this point. People who aren’t used to my bruising tend to be pretty shocked, and…

The past few weeks have gone by like a whirlwind. My horse, Cherry, and I had an awesome time at our last show of the season, most of the seniors I work with have finished their college applications, and I got together with two of my closest friends…

While in the mindset of slowing down and allowing myself time to recharge, I decided to take a short vacation. I rarely take time out because I always have so much going on. But I reached out to my two closest friends from college and asked if they wanted…

Summer and fall have been a nonstop whirlwind. A few weeks after graduation (I work as a college counselor at a private high school), the owner of the farm where I live had major knee surgery. That put me on farm duty for several months. My brother got married. And…

In the equestrian sport of eventing, we use a lot of gear. One piece of that puzzle is the safety gear we wear, particularly in the cross-country phase, where we jump solid obstacles in open fields or in the woods. Anytime a horse and rider are out on cross-country, riders…

Recently, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) made news headlines. That doesn’t happen often. Actress Lena Dunham announced that she has EDS in response to questions about a photo of her using a mobility aid. While I’d heard her name, I knew little about the actress, but I want to give her…

A few months ago, our community’s theater company held auditions for two productions. At the suggestion of someone whose opinions I trust, I contacted the theater company and arranged to audition for one. The river that flows from Egypt straight to my house In my excitement to try something new…

I’ve previously discussed how having Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) means that I often have to take side roads to reach my goals or engage in activities I enjoy. While I used to find that immensely frustrating, I now view it as another challenge to face head-on. In my work with…

Generally speaking, showing my horse is great. The shows are exhausting, but they are so much fun that I do them anyway. A recent show was no different. Even though riding is an individual sport, team members all support one another.

In the not-too-distant past, I hated shopping. Walking across parking lots and winding my way through store aisles was incredibly tiring, thanks to my Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and comorbid conditions. Prolonged standing and walking led to severe abdominal pains and vertigo. Sometimes I would have to squat in…