Posts by: Karen Del Vecchio

When I look back at all the physical activities I used to do growing up, it’s hard to believe I was never scared of injuring myself. I can no longer ... Read more

September 28, 2021September 28, 2021

Falling Off a Horse and Getting Back on Again

Ehlers-Danlos News Columns

Anyone who rides a horse knows that no matter how careful you are, sometimes you’re going to fall. I had my first fall in a year a couple weeks ago. ... Read more

September 14, 2021September 14, 2021

My Old Shoulder Injury Flared Up

Ehlers-Danlos News Columns

Well, we’re back to school and we’re rolling! It’s hard to believe that students have been back for nearly three weeks, and I’ve been back for nearly six. I really ... Read more

August 31, 2021August 31, 2021

Adjusting to the Challenges of a New School Year

COVID-19 Columns, Ehlers-Danlos News Columns

It’s that time of year again! Summer just flew by, and before I knew it, I was back at work, which for me is school. As a high school history ... Read more

August 17, 2021August 17, 2021

I Realized That I Need a New Mattress

Ehlers-Danlos News Columns

I hadn’t slept well in weeks. I kept doing that whole “wake up, turn over, try to get comfortable” thing, but nothing worked. As someone who manages chronic fatigue due ... Read more

August 3, 2021August 3, 2021

EDS Is a Part of Me, but It Doesn’t Control Me

Ehlers-Danlos News Columns

The past few weeks have been busy, yet so much fun. I was recently able to visit my grandparents, who live out of state, for the first time since the ... Read more

July 20, 2021July 20, 2021

I’ve Learned That Seasonal Allergies Can Trigger a Pain Flare

Ehlers-Danlos News Columns

Summer is in full swing here, and one fun part for me is seasonal allergies, or hay fever. I deal with both indoor and outdoor allergies year-round, but they tend ... Read more

July 6, 2021July 6, 2021

This Summer, I’m Making the Most of My Opportunity to Recharge

COVID-19 Columns, Ehlers-Danlos News Columns

It’s crazy how sometimes time seems to simultaneously crawl and fly by. It feels like just yesterday when I was headed to work as a high school history teacher and ... Read more

June 22, 2021June 22, 2021

A Little Bit of Self-care Can Go a Long Way

COVID-19 Columns, Ehlers-Danlos News Columns

It’s a bit hard to believe it’s already summer. Yet, the blistering heat and lack of rain remind me each morning that, yes, it is actually almost July. This past ... Read more

June 15, 2021June 15, 2021

It’s Time for Invisalign, Round 2

COVID-19 Columns, Ehlers-Danlos News Columns

A few months ago, when I finally returned to the dentist after being fully vaccinated for COVID-19, we talked about redoing my Invisalign. Although I had braces as a teenager, ... Read more

June 8, 2021June 8, 2021

Thanks to the Rare Disease Community, I Feel Less Isolated

Ehlers-Danlos News Columns

As I sit here working on my column, with a heating pad wrapped around my hip to calm down a recent injury, I wonder about the similarities among those of ... Read more

June 1, 2021June 1, 2021

Which Came First, the Injuries or the Compensation?

Ehlers-Danlos News Columns

As I often do, I had an interesting discussion with my rock-star massage therapist Kim last week. She’d been on vacation for a few weeks, so I’d missed a session ... Read more

May 25, 2021May 25, 2021

I’m Ready to Recharge After an Unusual School Year

COVID-19 Columns, Ehlers-Danlos News Columns

Well, it’s official. The COVID-19 school year is officially complete! For students, at least. As faculty, we still have a few weeks left, but I still can’t believe it’s over ... Read more

May 18, 2021May 18, 2021

Finding Comfortable Shoes Can Be Difficult With Flat Feet

Ehlers-Danlos News Columns

Shoes and I have an interesting relationship. I’ve said before that I seem to be much more susceptible to blisters, but my flat feet are a different issue. Like many ... Read more

May 11, 2021May 11, 2021

Balancing Responsibilities and Sleep During a Busy Month

Ehlers-Danlos News Columns

Although sleeping helps me feel my best, it is also my greatest adversary. Like many people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, chronic exhaustion is a constant battle. No matter how much sleep ... Read more