Kimmi Katte writes:
“I was diagnosed with lipoedema in 2009 and didn’t have a great reaction to it – in fact I shelved the information for a couple of years because I really didn’t want to face another layer of management with another health condition. I already had my hands full with primary lymphoedema.
But when I did get started on addressing my lipoedema I decided I was going to only focus on three areas or I knew I’d lose my mind.
I started with food. I played around with macros, carb cycling, and landed on a very clean but sustainable version of the ketogenic diet and have been tweaking and modifying that for the last 5 years. Early last year before I had liposuction, I lost 13kg just by changing the kinds of proteins I was using, and by redistributing it to different times of the day. I don’t think I’ll ever stop playing with food!
I also have a strong focus on compression. I wear custom made flat knits every day without fail, and I have a sequential compression pump that I use every other day. I also wear night time compression which also go great in the pump! I remember hating my compression when I first understood I’d have to wear it, but even though now I can’t say I love it, I can say I’m very grateful for it and I know I wouldn’t be as well managed as I am without it.
And the third area I focus on is exercise. I think stillness and being sedentary is one of the things that can dramatically progress lipoedema, and so some kind of movement and deliberate exercise is part of every day for me. I walk every morning for about 40 minutes – it’s not a power walk or fast paced though, but it does include a lot of stairs. And I walk most evenings for the same period of time too. Again, not strenuous. I get to the gym 2 to 3 times per week for strength training.
I do a lot of other things as well, but these are the core things that even if the day is super crazy, I know my food, my compression, and my exercise will happen no matter what.”
Jane Harris writes:
“I first realized I had lipoedema in 2017-2018 at age of 45 (self-diagnosed, learning from the internet).
Looking back and realized changes since puberty were worsening lipoedema; heavier lower body, widening hips/thighs, with highest recorded weight of 459 lbs (208 kg’s) in the Fall (Autumn) of 2019.
Years of trying all kinds of diets/weight-loss plans were never sustainable and only ramped up my depression and desire to self-soothe with poor food choices (horrible cycle)
I was diagnosed (unofficially) in 2020 as Stage 3 Lipoedema in Spring 2020 by Orthopaedic Surgeon with an understanding of the condition;
In June 2020, sought out the guidance of a Clinical Nutritionist, specializing in dietary management of chronic disease, including Lipoedema; her guidance has been life-changing. She helped to turn my life around by nutrition alone, and by mid 2021 had lost 280 lbs (127 kg’s) and recovered my mobility, mental well-being, and joy of LIVING! Keto/low-carb eating + sugar-free has also helped reduce and eliminate my pain and inflammation in relation to my lipoedema
Other conservative Treatment Options:
Custom-fit medical grade compression garments
MLD by practitioner familiar with lipoedema, and self-MLD when unable to see a practitioner
Cupping
Meditation/Deep Breathing
My next phase of lipoedema management started in Jan 2023 with large-volume, lymph-sparing surgeries with a German surgeon. Surgeries are expected to be completed by 2026. I’ve had three surgeries so far.
Post surgery I experienced a noticeable improvement in my gait, a reduction in the ‘heaviness’ in my legs, and enjoying the feeling of my ‘kneecaps’ for the first time!
Physical movement and exercise
Walking, swimming, pilates, vibration plate, cubii ‘under-desk’ elliptical machine, cycling, next will be to implement strength training
Self-care
Deciding to LOVE myself at the stage I was at, at 460 lbs and in pain and immobility from my worsening progression of lipoedema and obesity – is when I FINALLY began to take the steps towards self-healing and see changes happen.
Paying attention not only to my physical needs, but my mental health and spiritual needs, as well.
Approaching my self-care as a project (“Project ME”), and laying out my plans and seeking support, step-by-step.
Not being afraid to reach out when I’ve hit a snag, or having a ‘relapse’ with my nutritional choices – it’s absolutely tough to admit to it, but has helped me to recover and thrive again, every time “life happens” and I fall back into old habits.
Realization of a potential connection between those with lipoedema and the condition of ADHD - officially diagnosed with ADHD in 2023 and knowing and understanding this part of my nature has helped my nutritionist to further ‘tailor’ my keto/low-carb nutrition needs.”
Jane lives in Toronto, Canada
You can see more of her story by following her @transformingjane