Hello 👋🏽

[SharonH61]

Hello 👋🏽 is there any active member's in the Lipoedema group?I would really like to get to know you fellow Lippy Sister's.

I am 64 years old, next week, recently retired from the NHS,

I have undiagnosed Lipoedema.

I live in Shropshire, I'm really at a loss as to where to turn. No one in my GP Surgery knows about Lipoedema and noone is interested in learning about it.

[sarahalice]

Hi Sharon Im not too far away, I'm in Worcestershire.

I would ask your GP for class 2 compressions and get yr nurse to measure you up.

I was told by a lipedema centre that my GP referred me to, that I couldn't see a specialist until I had worn compressions for 6 months.

Also it sounds like that even if we get the diagnosis, they don't do much about it. Apparently there's only1 surgeon in the whole of the UK and he's in Scotland, the chances of him seeing us are near zero 😢 .

Looks like the only real treatment they offer is the compressions anyway.

I had been wearing firm leggings that weren't doing much , but the compressions that I got from my gp do bring some relief.

I also brought a vibration plate, a mini trampoline and compression pump boots from Pulsio (1 of the best things I have ever brought!)

All the best, Sarah

[SharonH61 in reply to sarahalice]

Hi Sarah, I'm going to give my GP Surgery another try and see if I any of your advice will be a good fit for me.Thank you so much for your reply, I'll let you know how I get on xx

[ladyofcastile]

Hi Sharon! This is Estrella, from London. It's so frustrating. I am 60 and also undiagnosed. I am sick of ignorant fat-shaming doctors who should know better. I know my body and, at this stage, I rather do my own research and take care of it. I know it cannot be cured, but it can be managed and improved. This thing cost me already 10 years of anorexia in my teens and beyond.

I have it in my legs and my upper arms. I never wore medical compression garments, but I always went for compression leggings and tights, compression swimming sharkskin and compression running leggings, which are great for walking long distances too, as they support blood circulation and muscle recovery.

Diet is a big one. I am amazed at the difference a very low carb diet makes, in terms of inflammation and fluid retention. Low carb means that gluten is out of the menu, anyway, which many find helpful. I have also observed that keeping lactose (natural sugar in dairy) to the minimum helps with inflammation. I use the website DietDoctor as a guide. The visual guides are very good.

Another big one is staying active and enjoying whatever activity we are doing, from walking to swimming, dancing or jumping on a trampoline.

I hope you find lots of support in managing this condition of ours.