Living with Lymphedema and Lipedema

When Sarah visited a new OB-GYN after she graduated from college, the OB-GYN asked Sarah what her other doctors were doing for her lymphedema. Although Sarah weighed more than 500 pounds and had trouble walking, it was the first time she had heard the term.

[julieannerady]

I'm in shock. Complete shock. I have been seeing doctor after doctor after doctor looking for answers as to how and why I gained nearly 100lbs in one year inexplicably . Why my knees ankles and feet are always in pain. Why my legs look "swollen" all the time. Why I can barely bend my knees or find pants that fit my strange leg shape. Why my insanely strict raw diet has made no improvements in my weight whatsoever. This single video has brought me so much hope.

[teresaspaulding]

Glad to see that Lipedema is getting noticed. It is painful and insurance needs to cover this. Drs need to be updated, I am sure it is more that 11% of women with this issue.

[jude]

I like that these doctors were sensitive to this ladies issue.

[monikawangai]

I'm glad i came across this, coz I never understood how I could be skinny from my waist up and have bigger thighs than someone twice my size, but in Africa these are things u don't talk about otherwise society will think you are crazy

[claudiaadams]

I have the same problem and she is on point with everything she said. My son was also born with it as well. Healthcare has been so prejudice towards us. For him it has been the absolute most traumatic experience.

[Lippymama]

I would love to see Lipedema talked about again. The more awareness the better!

[lanedramanning]

I am glad to now be diagnosed correctly because I have been trying to find someone to help me get this process complete and get even healthier

[echastee]

I love that she's in school because she wants to fight this. Bless her. I wish I could help others like me.

[memoriea]

Just diagnosed with lipedema by the TSA....so mad a all the doctors that missed it....but at least I am getting help now...but too late to save me from bariatric surgery and anorexia...

[dirkevans]

I have Lymphedema. I am being treated with compression and elevation. I feel I was ignored and untreated/mistreated for about 40 years, probably more. I was treated as if I were just a fat person. In my younger years I was very physically active, but as the weight gain took over I became depressed and defeated. I did aggressive weight loss many times. And I would lose, but it was difficult. The edema was still there in the lower half of my body.
Insurances don't want to pay for the treatment and surgeries that would really help. Removal of swollen tissues in legs, hips, glutes and abdomen would provide comfort, lessening of pain and ease of movement.
The pain is extreme. I have been on some major pain meds for about 8 or 9 years. I feel I am past the point in my life where anyone really cares if I get quality and appropriate care. Or if I can just get rid of all of this swollen tissue so I can look and feel normal.

[Violet]

Thank you Sarah for speaking out and helping people become aware and hopefully become educated as well.

[jwilliams]

I have lipedema. I have lost from near 400 lbs to now 255 and it helps but the lipedema fat is not lost so now that diseased fat is weighing on my nerves causing severe pain at night, CBD oil is extremely helpful. I’m fortunate not to have lymphedema but everything makes sense now

[debbeattie]

Knowledge is power. Thank you for bringing this issue to light.

[Catfluff]

I have lymphedema due to breast cancer/lymph node removal; had my life threatened by cellulitis. I was failed by my oncologists who did nothing to prevent it, which is possible. They also never told me about lymph node surgery and instead only sent me to PT once the condition developed. I had to use internet to find a doctor on my own to treat me surgically. Disgraceful that my oncologist knew nothing about surgery and did nothing at the time of my lymph node removal to try and prevent this deadly/incurable disease. And I got my cancer treatment at a large hospital partnered with Sloan Kettering and was still failed.

[angiel]

Me over here very skinny, but my thighs are ridiculously big. 😔 I hate Lipedema💔

[whateverman]

omg i dont have lymphedema or lipedema but my heart goes out to those who do have it.

[ajkb]

Ive struggled with lipoedema and lymphedema my whole life. Doctors in my area have been telling me for the last 15 years its gotten worse they say that oh you're just fat and lazy. I've got a new doctor and im saving a bunch of the clips and im going to be like do you see see its a real disease im not making up an excuse for my fat.

[thisthatandthose]

What a blessing for her! Way 2 make a blessing out of your trial. going after your masters in health law. We need people 2 fight insurance Co. Wtg! you are a beautiful lady.Your smile reminds me of my sister Jan. We just lost her. And I am so sad. Bc I didnt know how 2 help. I think my gma died from CHF from all the fluid and cancers she fought. And diabetes. And now i have both lymphedema and lipodema and possibly others from it. And A.S. also. I wish you the best my skinny soul sister!! Its not just fat!

[anndonald]

OMG, that young lady is completely right. I am a 50 year old that has been suffering from a large body/obesity that started at a very early age. I am still having issues to this day to get diagnosed with Lipedema. I was diagnosed with lymphedema a few years ago, but unknown reasons (I due according to all the research I have been doing over the years) and in no specific main area. I am swollen head to toe, starting to become bed bound due to it hurts to move or stand or walk for any length of time. I am starting to develop pimple like bumps on my legs and head the when popped clear liquid comes out along with yes a little blood. I am desperate to loose this weight of approximately 220 lbs of excess weight, so I can live a long healthy life. HELP

[jw]

I live in Sacramento, Ca, and I can’t find a Dr who treats lipedema, the Drs I’ve seen won’t diagnose my condition as lipadema because they say they don’t know enough to really say what it is!! I don’t know what else to do!!