The Well-Rounded Mama: The Lipedema Series

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

The Lipedema Series

Sculpture by Marie-Madeleine Gautier

Over the years I have written a series of blog articles on lipedema (also spelled lipoedema), sometimes known as "painful fat syndrome" or "big leg syndrome." These have become some of my most popular articles.

Since June is Lipedema Awareness Month, I think it's time to add a link where you can find all of the series listed in one place.

Lipedema is a fat storage disorder. In lipedema, an abnormal accumulation of fat occurs in the legs and lower body. Over time, it may develop to include the arms and other parts of the body as well. It is usually progressive, though why it progresses severely in some and not in others is one of its great mysteries.

Here is what we have covered so far:

Part One - Typical features of lipedema and how to differentiate between lipedema and lymphedema

Part Two - Different stages of progression, and why it's so important to be aware of lipedema

Part Three - Types of fat distribution patterns, pictures illustrating type and stage of lipedema, how lipedema is diagnosed

Part Four - Possible causes of lipedema, medical conditions associated with it

Part Five - Possible treatments for lipedema, broken down into several sub-posts

  Traditional Medicine Treatments - Manual Lymph Drainage, Compression
  "Weight Control" and Special Nutritional Approaches (trigger warning)
  Tumescent Liposuction - Specialized liposuction to take out diseased fat cells
  Alternative Medicine Treatments - Acupuncture, herbs, etc.
  Summary of Treatment Options - Summary of all the various treatments

Part Six - Coping with clothing challenges

Part Seven - Weight Bias in Lipedema Care (Part of the Turkey Awards Series)

Part Eight - Living Your Best Life with Lipedema

In addition, there have been some other miscellaneous posts about lipedema. These include: