My Lipedema Journey

How it started

As a teenager, I often felt heaviness in my knees despite being very active and involved in sports. At the age 15, I became a spinning and boxing instructor, but I struggled with various health issues, likely influenced by lipedema. The disease wasn’t visible then, but I always felt different and had swolleness in my legs.

Despite being declared healthy, the leg pain worsened. I consulted numerous doctors, received multiple diagnoses. My first pregnancy exacerbated the pain, leading to extreme swelling and mobility issues. And because of the pain after my first pregnancy I considered amputation due to the severity of the pain. I can imagine how crazy that sounds, but the pain made me irrational.

Lipedema diagnosis

After years of struggle, I saw a woman discussing lipedema on a Swedish TV show, and I finally had a name for my condition. I connected with a local lymph therapist, which was life-changing. Custom-made compression garments reduced the pain, although they were uncomfortable.

Life after Lipedema surgery

Deciding on surgery was tough, but it transformed my life. My first surgery relieved my pain, allowing me to stand without discomfort for the first time in years. Unfortunately, a stressful job later caused a recurrence of lipedema, leading to more surgeries for my legs and arms.

Current Lipedema life

After multiple surgeries and continuous management, my life improved significantly. I can now stay active and live a more normal life, free from the debilitating pain of lipedema.