When @ursula @ursel_at_home asked me if I would like to write an article on the topic of menopause with lipedema, I was very happy. So much has changed for me since I accepted lipedema (I got the diagnosis almost 15 years ago) and I finally found a doctor who supports and encourages me in therapy. That's why I'm on Instagram under the name @change_ela and want to encourage, support and share my path.
Instagram helped me
Yes, Instagram ... the lipedema girls there helped me to deal with it through their open approach to the disease. I've learned that compression is my friend, and it doesn't mean the end of free life. Ever since I realized that, I've felt comfortable with compression, before I found it restrictive. I watched and admired them. I loved the way they dress with compression and I wanted that too. Three years ago in December I got my beautiful black patterned print and it was too good to hide under my pants. I bought my first dress in at least 20 years. It took me to first wear it, but then ...
I felt good, found myself beautiful and feminine. And I got compliments and wanted more.
I wanted to do more for myself. Wore the compression now consistently, struggled with lymphatic drainage. Suddenly wanted to be active and live healthy. I started swimming and trying my hand at nutrition - what was good for me and what wasn't. The first kilos fell. Movement suddenly made me happy and I mutated from a sofa potato to a movement freak.
I changed more and more and I felt great
I liked myself. I started to take more care of myself and do what was good for me. I was on duty in Mission Ela and no longer just for the family around the clock. Well, the children will soon be 18, they have become self-employed. And my husband He had to learn that I am now also important in my life and he has to come to terms with my big change. Maybe I asked a lot from my loved ones. Because I have changed a lot, both internally and externally, in the last 3 years. And that may not always be easy for the family.
And what about menopause? Yes, the menopause ... because of all the changes I didn't really notice how it started.
I had my uterus removed 4 years ago due to many growths, cysts and fibroids. So I didn't really notice how the cycle changed. Yes, I sometimes got hot and one or the other hair sprouted where it shouldn't grow. So tweezers here and away with them.
The beginning became clearer to me when after every hair wash my hair fell out in clumps. Okay, I had to do something about it. I can deal with sagging skin after weight loss and lipedema legs, but I wanted to keep my hair. So off to the doctor, dermatologist and gynecologist. And then came the statement that this happens more often during the menopause due to the hormonal change, but that it usually regulates itself again.
Menopause - weren't you old when you got to that point?
But I'm not old. On the contrary, I feel younger now than I felt a few years ago. How should I deal with it now? I have made up my mind not to hang the subject too high. I see it as a phase of change that I can help shape and use. It's a new phase in my life. But I can decide how to design it.
I take myself seriously again.
I take time for myself and my needs. That doesn't mean that I'm no longer there for others. I've always been helpful and dedicated. And that hasn't changed. I only set new priorities and finally prioritized myself and no longer always put myself in the back seat. That feels damn good. I've given up trying to please everyone and I want to please myself first and foremost. I think my environment also benefits from this, because I am happier. I've learned that I can't please everyone and that takes a lot of pressure off of me. Now I just wonder how I like myself. Because I know that by now. I like myself with short hair and lighter, younger, more active and happier - that's exactly how I want to be.
The lipedema did something in me
For me, having menopause doesn't just have physical effects. They affect my thoughts, feelings and psyche. The maturity helped me to find myself. I now have other goals and desires and I am aware of them. The lipedema contributed to this. It made me deal more with myself and my body. It made me think about new things and found my style and my fashion.
I am actually a little grateful to lipedema, because without it I would not be who I am now.
I got to know new wonderful people and had new experiences. I'm still in the middle of the menopause. So I'm still on my way to the Ela that I want to be. There are still a few things that I would like to change and I have the motivation to address them. Menopause doesn't mean the end of life. They may not be pleasant physically and mentally at times, but they mean change. Change is movement, life and progress. From this point of view, they also have positive sides.
I am very happy that I was able to be there and report a little about what menopause is like for me.
Here you can find all articles of the
# WechselLilly series
If you liked the article, Ela would be very happy if you buy her a virtual cup of coffee!
