Showing posts with label women's diseases. Show all posts
Showing posts with label women's diseases. Show all posts

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Coming June 10, 2017: Lippy Legs & All – My Life with Lipedema

Scheduled for June 10, 2017 release.
You can pre-order your copy from the publisher here:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/710509

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For years, I watched as my calves legs grew larger, bruised easily, and became more painful. Even bumping against a chair or the corner of a wall would send shockwaves of pain through my calves and leave me with huge bluish-purple bruises.

I knew something was wrong, but what could it be? I thought it was a simple case of edema or general swelling, but keeping my legs elevated and taking diuretic pills had no effect. In fact, they only became worse.

In 2014, after several attempts to locate a physician who would help me figure out what was wrong, I was lucky enough to get a diagnosis. I had Lipedema, a genetic disease I'd never heard of before. It's a mystery disease with no known cure thus far.

Not widely discussed, Lipedema is rare and only affects about 11% of women. Few doctors are able to recognize the symptoms, nor have they been exposed to information about the condition and how it relates to the all-important lymphatic system.

LIPPY LEGS & ALL is the story of my life (thus far) with Lipedema. I'll discuss, in detail, what I've learned about the disease, how it's permanently changed me both physically and mentally, and why I'm determined to bring awareness to this condition so women who may suffer from Lipedema can get the essential diagnosis and treatment they deserve.

Without proper diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, a Lipedema sufferer can face a bleak future of wheelchair-bound immobility or, worse yet, amputation of their limbs. No woman deserves either of those things; if I can cast a wider spotlight on Lipedema through the publication of this book, I will.


Monday, July 13, 2015

What's an uncommon disease some women have, but they may never know about? Lipedema. Time to raise awareness!

This is not about writing per se, but the topic is connected. I've been writing about my journey with this disease on my blogs for nearly a year. I may expand those writings into a non-fiction book. Not sure yet.

Anyway, this is important to me, but even MORE important is spreading the word so women who might be affected can seek diagnosis and treatment.

Only 11% of women have this disease, so it's not common; however, for those who have the disease, it can be devastating -- especially to the psyche. That's where it's hurting me the most, in fact. I'm blessed to have a husband who loves me and is with me every step of the way.

I was diagnosed almost a year ago, thanks to Dr. Boyce & Penrose Hospital Rehab Services. Wish it had happened sooner, but I guess I was lucky to get a diagnosis. NOTE: Lipedema is NOT the same as obesity. You can starve yourself and you will still have Lipedema. It's a genetic disease that's incurable.

Without the Affordable Care Act (ACA), I would've probably never gotten diagnosed or been able to receive treatment and info on how to manage this disease. Thanks, Obama!

According to the article mentioned below, "Lipedema is inherited, and puberty, pregnancy and perimenopause exacerbate the process. Treatment is compression therapy and liposuction."

Lipedema cannot be cured by diet or exercise. Symptoms include bruising, tenderness, swelling, and heaviness in the affected limb(s).

In the article, Dr. Mark Smith said, "Most patients don't even know they have lipedema. I have seen women break down in tears once they receive their diagnosis, because their whole lives they've been told they're fat and they're not exercising; not eating right. Meanwhile, they have a condition that's not as simple as diet and exercise."

'Fat Disease' Puzzles Female Sufferers
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