My name is Gina, I’m 56 years old and I have lipedema/lymphedema stages 3 & 4 secondary, with Venous insufficiency. After the birth of my youngest child, in 1995, I noticed, I was putting on weight in my legs and trunk, which over time became painful in the legs and knees, and sensitive to the touch. I saw my medical doctor and was told that I was overweight, unhealthy, and needed to go on a diet and join a gym and work out 7 days a week. I left his office in tears! So, I got a gym membership and started working with a trainer.
After 6 months of dieting and working out I barely saw any change. Matter of fact, I started gaining weight. One morning, my trainer sat me down in his office and said that I needed to be honest with him about my food log and everything I was eating. I told him I am being honest; I’m logging everything! I have followed the food plan to the tee! He pretty much called me a liar and said that nobody gains 10 lbs overnight when they’re following their food plan and logging everything. I literally had a meltdown. I had no idea what was going on with my body, but I knew it wasn’t my fault. I decided to make a follow up appointment with my doctor to discuss what was going on and to tell him there was no change! I was very emotional and told him something was wrong, that I was struggling, could not lose weight and that my legs were swollen.
They did an X-ray which showed that there was a lot of inflammation in my legs; He was thinking arthritis. My doctor said to continue what I was doing, not give up and that he would do research on my symptoms and would get back to me. A week later my doctor called to tell me that his research indicated that I had a rare medical condition called lipedema with secondary lymphedema. He Said that he did not know anything about the condition but from what he was reading it explained why I could not lose any weight with diet and exercise and why it was painful. He sent a referral over to a lipedema clinic for me to be evaluated this was in 2010. It was confirmed that I had both lipedema/lymphedema stage 2.
I have been in and out of Physical Therapy for 15 years. I purchased a lymph pump and pt would wrap my legs. I have very little mobility and it’s very difficult for me to put on compression or wrap. At the request of my pt, I purchased the med®i reduction kit for lower remedy. They are amazing, I love them! They’re so easy to put on and take off. They have really helped to reduce not only swelling, but the size of my legs! Due to the severe depression and the pain that I have, I have thought of giving up so many times! The condition only got worse! Lipedema/lymphedema has taken over my life! I no longer can enjoy the things I used to! I can no longer to my job of 32 years. I can barely get myself in and out of my vehicle! Because of the help from my PT and medi velcro wraps, I am starting to see progress and doing things I could not do before! one step at a time.
Thanks, medi
