Welcome back!
June is Lipoedema Awareness Month.
I didn't realise how fitting my timing was when I decided to share my own battle.
The biggest misconception I have heard about most lipoedema warriors is that they are just fat.
Yes. Lipoedema is fat. Abnormal fat. Stubborn fat. Unwanted fat. Against our control fat. We are not necessarily unhealthy, but we are most definitely unlucky.
Before I get into what lipoedema is, I would just like to state the following…
I am not a medical professional
I am talking from personal experience and not fact
All information I am about to share can be found on the website I have included in this post.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk lipoedema.
What is Lipoedema?
"Lipoedema, is a painful hereditary disorder, typically it leads to a pattern of adipose tissue (fat) accumulation from the hips to the ankles, arms and often other parts of the body. Lipoedema may be found in women of all shapes and sizes.
Symptoms of Lipoedema
The legs are enlarged bilaterally - arms too can be affected
The waist is small in proportion to thighs, buttocks and legs
Feet and hands are exempt and a 'bracelet' effect can appear just above the ankles and wrists
Legs/arms can be extremely painful, even to touch
Affected limbs bruise easily
The fat is soft to touch and wobbly, while skin can be cold to touch
Lipoedema can become worse in hot weather
Diet and exercise, while important, can have minimal effect
Increase in Lipoedema is often noticed when significant hormonal changes happen
Skin can have a cellulite or ‘mattress’ like appearance
Skin on the legs and buttocks can be cold to touch."
I first heard about lipoedema around 2016 when my sister-in-law read something online. She made an offhand comment about something she read that sounded like me. Being the inquisitive person that I am, here comes the researching.
- Small waist compared to larger legs √ check
- Bruises easily √ check
- Always cold √ check
- Thighs have an 'orange peel' like appearance √ check
- No amount of dieting or exercise made any difference on legs √ check
- Noticed change around puberty √ check
It was like putting a huge puzzle together. This was my body and explained so much!!
Time to see a doctor and get a diagnosis... easy right?!
Not as much as you would think.... to be continued.
I challenge you to join me and educate yourself on this disease. Furthermore, if you are a lipoedema warrior too, today is a good day to begin to love yourself. It's time for change. Stand in front of that mirror, own who you are and love yourself! <3
Until next time.
Much love,
Katie
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