Diagnosis of lipedema, what now?

I still remember exactly how it was. I was sitting with my phlebologist. He looked at me and told me clearly that I have lipedema, that it cannot be cured, that I have to live with it. All my hopes, wishes and dreams burst like a soap bubble at this moment. The reality was ruthless. My legs could not be saved ... the pain should remain. I was devastated, cried a lot - I felt very bad during that time.

I have now noticed several times that many of you have been diagnosed this way. Simply directly in the face, without warning, without empathy. My condolences to you! Please do not give up, deal with this disease and have hope!

There are many things that we as lipedema patients can do to feel better, to relax our legs and not to lose our self-esteem.

That has to be done

1. Find a doctor who will take your illness seriously and who will prescribe appropriate compression. It must be a flat knit fabric. Please never compromise with circular knitting. This harms your tissue more than it helps you. Flat knit is the magic word. And then wear your new favorite compression regularly.
2. Get a prescription for manual lymphatic drainage right away. This will relieve your legs and you will find that they are not that heavy anymore.
3. You can have a positive impact on your body by eating healthy. You won't be able to get rid of the lip fat, but a few pounds of normal fat are definitely in it. Even if some claim the opposite.
4. Feel good You don't just consist of your legs, you emphasize your most beautiful parts of the body. Dress the way you feel comfortable and try to combine new clothes. It's fun and you will see how comfortable you are.

At this point a cross reference to our older article Lipedema Checklist - What To Do After Diagnosis?

Especially at the beginning you have to quarrel with your fate very much. I speak from my own experience. I know how hard it is, how many tears you shed, what a dark hole you sit in. Dear ones - I appeal to you! This disease is bad, but it is not the end. Some may smile tiredly at this sentence, but try to get on with your life. Don't let this disease rule you, just turn the tables! Do something yourself to make sure that you are fine.

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."
- Alice Walker