The Member Stories section of our site is a place where members can submit the stories of their experiences as a person living with dysautonomia. We also link to member stories that have appeared in our newsletter. Please note that Member Stories are not edited by DINET and the views and beliefs expressed in the articles are strictly the views of the member. Please note that the stories submitted are reviewed for content and should follow the guidelines of the site. We do our best to publish each story submitted, but publication is at DINET's discretion. If you would like to submit your story, please write to webmaster@dinet.org - include "member story" in the subject line.

Featured Member: Rachel Friemel

February 22, 2018

DINET member name: Rachel Friemel
Rachel's hometown: Davenport, IA
Diagnosis: Dysautonomia
Website: http://www.rachelfriemel.com and
https://www.saatchiart.com/LittleRae

In Rachel's words....

I am a digital and fine artist as well as a photographer and graphic 5a7dd1b02b66a_RachelFriemel_BelcherSketchs.jpeg.5e2275caa88f181a8e53586afb67e154.jpeg designer. I started showing symptoms of dysautonomia during my senior year of college while I was working on my Honors art show.

My skills are versatile, so depending on what symptoms are flaring up, I can still work on creating pieces of art. Screen Printing and Digital art are the most "Spoonie Friendly" mediums for me. Screen printing and digital mediums are a blessing because there is no time frame on when a step needs to be finished. If I'm having a bad flare and can't get to a piece for a few weeks, it will still be waiting for me.

I do have bad days when there is nothing I can do, but I use that downtime to enjoy other artist's work.

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Digital media has allowed me to work from home and communicate with clients, even during a flare. Because of this, I don't feel "disabled", but adaptable to my situation.

RachelFriemel_GlitterColorized.jpeg.dea91c5f7354ce08206e455bd99f4d94.jpeg Her work can be seen on her site, http://www.rachelfriemel.com and RachelFriemel_Alf.jpeg.fa5c32162af5e547220dfa59b2122570.jpeg also on the site, https://www.saatchiart.com/LittleRae The saatchiart site has the added bonus of showing the art and collections that Rachel enjoys viewing, in addition to showing her work.