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Sherri Koehler (she/her)

@PDXyogini@toot.cat

I’m a yoga therapist specializing in aging well and living with chronic health conditions. I am also an expert in mindful fall prevention. I’ve taught adaptive yoga for 20 years. I’m currently on a hiatus from teaching due to disability.

I am also a visual artist and art community organizer who lives with multiple chronic health conditions.

Yoga Therapist (Certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists)
Integrated Movement Therapist
Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT500)
Advaita Death Doula / Bedside Yoga

Mixed-Media Collage Artists Guild
Independent Publishing Resource Center
Special Agent Collage Collective (Agent 053)
PNW Collage Collective

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20 Posts

Joined November 06, 2022

Header:

A pair of artist trading cards that have a deep blue background with a few glittery stars punched from paper. Each card has a silhouette of a face in profile. Faces are made up of different strips of decorative paper. Each face has an eye with a star.

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#Yoga #YogaTherapy #AdaptiveYoga #YogaForEveryBody #MindfulFallPrevention #FallPrevention #Aging #AgingIntoVitality #BuildBetterBalance #OnlineLearning #LifelongLearning

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Posts

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · May 21, 2026

Replying to @PDXyogini@toot.cat

US Healthcare, Insurance, Prior Authorizations Hover or focus to reveal Sensitive

Saw my knee doctor, he’s writing a stern letter to the Second Level Appeal folks. Sadly he also said I was the only patient he was ever able to get the medication approved for every 3 months over 6. He worries insurance companies have tightened up the approvals further.

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · May 18, 2026

Replying to @PDXyogini@toot.cat

US Healthcare, Insurance, Prior Authorizations Hover or focus to reveal Sensitive

Apparently CVS have decided that a medication that was helping me when administered by my orthopedist every 3 months is no longer medically necessary. My doctor has pressed twice for a prior authorization, I just received the second rejection letter. My knee has only got worse. How is this no longer necessary!? This month is just too much. I am feeling so defeated.

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · May 04, 2026

It was hot and sunny in #PDX today so Ursa wanted to lope back and forth from the kitchen to the deck. I came up from the downstairs and realized it was quite warm and went to get the cat in so I could close the door.

No cat. Hmmm.

I was just about to deploy the treats when I heard an exhalation from the window box.

Inside the hot glass I discovered that basking in the direct sun wasn’t hot enough! Ursa was baking in his dark tent, in the sun, in the west-facing window box. The window box that must be blocked in peak summer because it makes the house so hot the AC can’t keep up.

#CatsOfMastondon #FediCats #UrsaMinorCat

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · May 04, 2026

Replying to @juliepagano@toot.cat

@juliepagano@toot.cat There's so many people I can muster up the ability to be polite to, but a salesperson that treats the "No Soliciting" sign as some kind of challenge is only getting The Kraken. The nerve to give me a sad panda face for getting yelled at. I mean seriously, did you really think I'd be dazzled by the BS and buy something from some random ass stranger who interrupts me while I'm in the effing bathroom. FFS. Honestly, I should start opening the door with a pitcher of cold water.

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · May 03, 2026

Replying to @PDXyogini@toot.cat

Finally getting back to this incident yesterday. Which I intentionally wrote up in a humous tone. It infuriates me because it's not remotely amusing when someone violates our privacy. Can we really think about what it says about the culture of consent when it is a common sale technique to view a "No Soliciting" sign as encouragement to "try harder". This is exactly what the person did yesterday. They told me they read the sign and understood what it meant. They then choose to not knock once, but to repeatedly knock on both the door and a window for several minutes. When they got the faintest inclination that I was really there, behind the blinds, they knocked all the more loudly. They had decided that whatever the fuck they're selling is such a blisteringly good deal that it's absolutely fine for them to ignore the "NO" that is posted on our home. They looked at the "No Soliciting" sign and kept knocking on the house until they got a reply. How is this anything other than a violation of my consent? My house has a clear "NO" posted on it and the person that "no" is directed at willfully ignores it, pushing, and pushing, to try and turn it into a "yes'. This a an incredibly common technique that's encouraged in sales positions. This absolutely perpetuates that any "no" is an invitation to push until it turns into a "yes'. That my friends is Rape Culture, plain and simple. Which is why salespersons take their chances when they ignore the "No Soliciting" sign on our home. At best, I'll channel the disapproving, disappointed air I've seen utilized by educators and librarians to small humans. I will make them read the sign aloud and explain to me what it means. I'll ask patiently if they missed the sign. This is, of course, a trick. The only possible right choice they can make is to say that they didn't see the sign, apologize, and back away from the home quickly. If they own up to reading, understanding, and ignoring the sign, there's a very good chance that they get The Kraken unless they very quickly and sincerely start apologizing and GTFO our property.

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · May 03, 2026

Join me May 16th online for a meetup of the #MixedMediaCollageArtistsGuild where I'll be sharing a template showing how to make a matchbook accordion book!

Don't be daunted by the tininess! It only looks complicated because it's been completely collaged! A single staple is the entire binding for the whole book!

https://gath.io/nsANFprHzZ6iWCKdrzgyh?e=cm3naw1cfh16fl4nr745xzu8u09khrke

*Note: the registration page currently has the event on 5/9, I've only recently let them know the group changed the date! It's definitely happening on 5/16.

#MakeArtTogether #BookMaking #HandmadeBooks #BookArts #TinyBook #Collage #AnalogCollage #HandCutCollage #OnlineEvent

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · May 02, 2026

Earlier, as I was finishing my morning ablutions, which is to say I was still in my bathrobe and PJs, someone began persistently knocking on both the front door and the window next to the door! I stalked suspiciously to the door and when I peered out the blinds the knocker, in some branded polo and ball cap (clearly not a neighbor) increased knocking on the effing window.

Knocking so much Ursa Minor was making airplane ears and giving the door the stink eye!

I made my saving throw versus fury and remembered to turn off the alarm before flinging open our door to ask who they were. I pointed at our “No Soliciting” and asked they read it aloud to me.

Startled and confused, they complied. I asked if they know what the sign means.

Whereupon they failed to make their saving throw versus wisdom and brightly replied, “Yes! But I just need a few more families to join this amazing….”

And thus, The Kracken was released from their flimsy bonds.

I roared, “NO!”, and slammed the door and closed the blinds.

I had second thoughts, opened the door, and further admonished the salesperson, “Don’t ignore the effing sign next time! FFS!”

I wish I’d added that they’re not entitled to make a sad panda face when they ignore a sign and disturb someone’s privacy.

Anyway. Now I’m going to take my grumpy ass self to a LEGO thing.

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · May 02, 2026

My curmudgeon level was just lowered after seeing r/birding rallying around a post about someone unexpectedly seeing an usual, injured bird in Times Square NYC to find said bird, a Virginia Rail, because two volunteers from the National Bid Alliance (was Audubon) are actively searching for it to make sure it survives!

https://www.reddit.com/r/birding/s/aPMklUyKSU

#birding #BirdNerd

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · Apr 30, 2026

New hoodie arrived to cheer my grumpy AF self up! Yes, I will be wearing it to all future healthcare appointments.

What makes the hoodie even more wonderful is that the purchase supports the #MakingItAwkward #podcast!

I am not sure how I found Jessica Wilson’s podcast that “re-grifts” an assortment of MAHA characters, makes sense of murky nutrition content, throws cold water over the panic around “ultra processed foods”, and speaks truth about the ways marginalized people are either ignored or over scrutinized in healthcare and, especially nutrition science, but I’m so glad I did. I’ve learned so many things from this podcast that have helped me understand the roots of my disordered eating behaviors!

https://www.jessicawilsonmsrd.com/makingitawkward

@makingitawkwardpod@youtube.com

#reccomendations #QueerPodcaster #QueerAgenda #nutrition #EatingDisorderRecovery

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · Apr 30, 2026

Replying to @toolbear@tech.lgbt

@toolbear@tech.lgbt thankfully it was essentially a “typo”.

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · Apr 30, 2026

Replying to @PDXyogini@toot.cat

Got a text that the appeal of the denial of the PA is under review. Should be fine now that the boxes are correctly checked. I’m sure I saved two weeks of delay by getting on the phone.

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · Apr 29, 2026

UGH!!!

I'm due to have a treatment for my severely degenerated right knee that is long overdue for a patellar femoral replacement, but "surprise osteoporosis" pushed everything back at least a year.

Last year my doctor got this treatment approved for every 3 months instead of 6 months. This was a big improvement since it stops being effective at around 3 months and 2 weeks. Meaning I was extra miserable for 2 months and 2 weeks until I could get treatment again.

The prior authorization for it expired in February, so I got my orthopedist's medical assistant on the case to get a new one so I'm on track to get another treatment next month. Get those balls all rolling along since the appointment can't be scheduled until the speciality pharmacy gives me a date that they will deliver the medication to the orthopedist's office.

I got a text today that I'd be receiving a letter explaining why the PA was rejected. I'm on hold, a second time since the first time I was disconnected after 17 minutes, waiting to have the first operator talk to the PA department. I'm not waiting for a letter to make its way through the insurance and postal systems.

After another 17 minutes I found out that the new application checked "no" on a box when they should have checked "yes". I've relayed this back to the medical assistant and, hopefully, all the balls are rolling along again.

Gah! I'm exhausted by this timeline.

And we have excellent insurance provided through my spouse's very large technology corporation.

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · Apr 25, 2026

Replying to @PDXyogini@toot.cat

Most of y’all could skip the Benadryl, but I’m actually allergic to dust. This is why I had to deal with the dust-cryptid infestation upon sighting it. It’s terrible for my allergies to leave it. We keep stuff on our headboard, so this being a place for dust to gather slips my mind. I wanted to access the pull out shelves on my side, since they’re not blocked by a crate, and see about some lighting that has failed (just not fully plugged in). I’ll remember to run a duster behind the headboard more often now! We thankfully keep several versions of Diphenhydramine (Benadryl in the US) on hand because of my allergies and MCAS nonsense. We’ve got Diphenhydramine gel caps, liquid, double strength caplets, spray, gel, and a cream. If you’re having a histamine issue and I’m around I’ll almost always have some gel caps on me!

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · Apr 25, 2026

I’ve been doing some cleaning and rearranging. For the time being we don’t need two large, cozy crates and 4 additional dog beds scattered around the house for the time being. It helps my grief to have them collapsed and stored out of the way.

However, I happened to see the colony of dust jackalopes behind the headboard! They are so far beyond bunny, absolutely have gone cryptid! Yikes, I cannot unsee the Horror!

I did not take photos. Instead I slammed a shot of liquid Benadryl (faster acting) and grabbed cleaning supplies. I can see the wall again. My back has opinions, but I referred back to the first glimpse and asked it to settle down.

Now to get to the planned adulting. Cleaning off the ceiling fan blades and changing the bed linens. Oh, and putting stuff back on the headboard; apologies to my wife for her future confusion!

#adulting #AdultingInHostileEnvironments #CryptidSpotting

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · Apr 24, 2026

It’s an unseasonably sunny, pleasant spring day here in Portland. While I was getting mail from the box a school bus stopped to drop off a handful of older children (a young tween?). One of them ran past me then leapt into the air, literally clicking the heels of their trainers together whilst making an inarticulate sound of freedom and joy.

I wished them a very happy Friday.

#pdxtst

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · Apr 21, 2026

Replying to @pjf@cloudisland.nz

@pjf This sounds perfect, absolutely saving to my watch list! Thank you <3

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · Apr 09, 2026

Replying to @ansate@social.coop

@ansate Primary care access is such a struggle in Oregon, I feel like I’ve seen several people looking. I do have a friend on Medicare and I’ll ask if they have a suggestion. 💜

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · Mar 31, 2026

Replying to @PDXyogini@toot.cat

In the upset on Saturday I managed to get my si joint out of alignment again. This feels like the very definition of adding insult to injury! My physical therapist confirmed my si joint was off of the right and my left arm was indeed slightly out of place. She put them back and was game for trying Kinesio tape to stabilize my si joint, especially after hearing that an si belt was a sensory horror show for me. I’m to be extra careful, sit on soft things, and limit driving. I already do a lot of exercises nearly every day to strengthen my glutes and stabilize the si joint, but here I am, trying to keep my ass together with tape.

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · Mar 27, 2026

Replying to @PDXyogini@toot.cat

On the “not success” side of things, my monthly dose of a monoclonal antibody to cause anabolic bone growth to treat osteoporosis is keeping me in a constant flare. Given that it sets off a histamine reaction that I need to treat with Benadryl before and after, this isn’t a big surprise. My flares increase my joint instability. What this means: I recently attempted moving a pillow at 3am, it is a heavy pillow. This dislodged my right arm off my shoulder. Not fully into a subluxation, but any amount of joint separation is pretty miserable and can lead to a worse injury. I also got my si joint out of place. I’m not at all sure how it happened this time. Last Friday one of my PTs put my right arm and si joint back in place. Two days later and my left arm felt off again. Probably from sleeping on my left side, the usual reason. Luckily I see my other PT next week. I’m 1/3 the way through the one year of treatment on this osteoporosis treatment. I suspect I’m one of the first patients my endocrinologist had with any of the EDS variants and MCAS. I won’t be the last, so I’m trying to document my reactions, e.g., I’ve redness and swelling at the injection sites that lasts for days, which surprised my nurses. My primary care doc suggested Kinesio tape as a method to stabilize my shoulders and si joint. Abdominal compression, like a si belt, aggravates my very sensitive upper gi which then sets off dysmorphia. It’s a pretty terrible combination, so taping is a great idea. It’s important to stick with the full year of treatment as it very well may reverse my condition, at least in my spine. So, yes, I am contemplating taping my ass together and my arms on for the rest of the year, if my skin cooperates. Might need to buy the big roll of tape! Romosozumab (Evenity) is the osteoporosis medication I am receiving. I’d love to hear from anyone else going through this treatment with these conditions.

Sherri Koehler (she/her) @PDXyogini@toot.cat · Mar 25, 2026

Back in February I asked my hand doc for a referral to get braces for my left hand, which needs surgery, but can't have it until my bones have more density. Unbraced I keep hurting myself (there's a bone spur involved in the whole mess).

An imperfect brace made of plastic and velcro (yes, different plastic) was made 6 weeks ago. It needed to be remade a bit last week because it's affected my sensation in my thumb and I really need one made entirely of metal so I can wear it in the shower (where I tend to hurt myself even when I'm trying to be very careful).

Today we needed to do an assessment and, despite the issues with the imperfect brace, my pain level is lower, plus my hand and thumb are stronger!

The wisdom on bracing for conventionally jointed humans is to brace for as short a time as possible so that the body doesn't become overly reliant on the support. It is very common to hear this advices from physical therapists and occupational therapists who don't regularly work with hypermobile patients.

Those of us with silly putty for connective tissue benefit from proper bracing. Preventing our joints from going even close to subluxation is important. Even subclinical subluxations (these don't show up on an x-ray usually, a trained therapist or other healthcare provider has to feel for them) can cause constant pain and leave you vulnerable to further joint instability.

I now wear light ankle wraps when I'm practicing yoga asana and high top boots for walking outside. This switch has prevented injuries to my ankles, knees, and back. It's also prevented falls

Sensory issues* not withstanding, if you can stand to brace an unstable joint, don't be afraid to explore it if you are living with #HSD or #hEDS.

*I cannot abide a brace for the SI joint, even though I would benefit from wearing one, because it's sensory hell.

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