Lisa’s Battle with Lipoedema Disease

I have been diagnosed with Lipoedema in my legs and arms. This is a progressive disease that results in diseased tissue accumulation in the legs and arms. If untreated it can get to the point where mobility is severely affected. It cannot be exercised or dieted away. The only solution is a specialised surgery to remove the diseased tissue.

I have recently gone through a weight loss journey starting at 195kg to my current weight of 87kg.

But while my legs and arms got smaller they remained “abnormal” to look at with cuffing or large deposits of tissue on my knees and ankles and elbows, and also my limbs are painful and very heavy. I have been diagnosed with lipoedema (not to be confused with lymphoedema).

As well as the physical symptoms, this had also affected my mental health as I am incredibly self-conscious of them and struggle to fit in.

To remove the diseased tissue I will require 3x separate surgeries on my legs, and 1x separate surgery on my arms. This is specialised surgery and as such I will need to travel to Australia at a cost of approx $14,000 AUD per surgery, plus flights for each surgery, plus a weeks accommodation after each surgery as I will be unable to fly for at least a week post-op.

This has been quite an emotional and overwhelming diagnosis however with your help I hope to be able to finally be able to move without pain and discomfort and to feel confident in my body.

Thank you so very much,

Lisa xxx