Living with lipedema
Living with lipedema
Long before a lipoedema diagnosis is made, many women have been fighting the steadily increasing weight and volume of their legs, buttocks or arms. However, a healthy diet and regular exercise cannot stop this process. Unpleasant comments or looks increase as the disease progresses.
Stay active!
Our patients often report that they feel alone, misunderstood and rejected. In the long term, this can lead to severe mental stress or even depression.
However, once the disease has been diagnosed by a professional, small adjustments, tricks and therapies can make life with lipoedema as comfortable as possible.
You are not alone!
Many affected women share their experiences and give first-hand tips in blogs and internet forums. Patients who have just been diagnosed often find support here and can exchange information about the course of the disease and treatment methods. Self-help groups can also be another point of contact.
Keep moving!
Unfortunately, sports and intensive exercise do not bring healing. Nevertheless, it is important that you actively participate in life and do sports. Swimming is particularly good. It takes the weight off your joints and creates a sort of natural compression from the surrounding water pressure. Aqua gymnastics and aqua spinning have a similar effect. Since these sports are usually done in groups, it increases participation motivation and spiritual well-being. All activities also work against the very common accompanying obesity.
Wear compression underwear and comfortable clothing!
Wearing compression garments regularly reduces swelling in your legs, arms and buttocks. The selection of modern and colorful models has increased significantly in recent years and can now also be seen as a fashion accessory. The right fit is extremely important, otherwise the lipoedema symptoms may worsen. The following rule applies: the compression must decrease from the extremities to the heart.
Finding the right clothes is certainly not always easy. Please make sure that you avoid tight-fitting and cutting-edge clothing. Lipedema areas are usually very sensitive to pressure. Clothing that is too tight also leads to discomfort, pain and the feeling of heaviness in the legs increases more quickly. Especially on days with a lot of movement you should pay attention to very comfortable and light fashion.
Combine healthy eating with enjoyment!
Lipoedema is definitely not caused by being overweight or obese. However, obesity is often a side effect of the disease. With a balanced and healthy diet you control your weight and actively slow down the progression of the disease and in most cases also reduce the symptoms.
We are not aware of any special nutritional recommendations for lipoedema patients. The focus of your diet should be a positive attitude towards healthy food and drinks and not abstinence. Cook plenty of fresh foods and limit refined carbohydrates, sugar and full-fat dairy.
Pregnant? Look forward to your child!
Nothing stands in the way of a desire to have children, even with lipoedema. During pregnancy, pay special attention to healthy eating, getting enough exercise, and continue to wear compressions . There are special maternity compression tights for pregnant women. Lymphatic drainage can also be very useful during pregnancy to relieve pressure on the legs. However, please inform your physiotherapist of the pregnancy, as he will have to adjust the treatment accordingly.
Liposuction can only be performed before or after pregnancy. If the operation is carried out in advance, this can lead to a reduction in the symptoms to be expected and it will certainly be easier for you to deal with your newborn. In principle, however, it is at your discretion.
We are often asked whether lipoedema is hereditary. There are currently no clear and meaningful studies. However, scientists suspect that a chronic fat distribution disorder can be inherited. An American study found that among those surveyed, around 15% of first-degree relatives also had lipoedema.
