so. it's official, I have lipedema..

About three weeks ago I finally got into a place that took some measurements and looked at me and pronounced, "I guess you could have it" *headdesk*   I was thoroughly confused and totally wishing for a more definitive "yes"  I was then set up for six appointments of MLD (manual lymph drainage massage) and sadly nothing more was really explained to me.  I was told I could buy the book (the one put out by dr. herbist) which has been out for a while but they haven't bothered to fully read. I was told I could buy leggings with 10%+ lycra for compression, and a dry brush.. if I wanted.. whatever..

talk about underwhelming.

If there was anywhere else to go, I would so be there.

MLD was underwhelming. It was nice, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't like I lost 50lbs and gained all kinds of energy.  after five sessions I lost a centimeter in most places they measure.  Considering this is the first loss I've had in over three years.. to me this is something.

I've been left alone for a week to see how I do on my own. I'm not amused. Not sure what I expect, but this lack of enthusiasm is underwhelming.

I did have one of my lower legs wrapped to see if they could drive out more fluid.. not really... and boy was it a pain.  Most of my issue is in my upper limbs, though, so it would be nice if there was something for that.

I bought some compression garments for my upper arms a few years ago when i was trying out laser fat loss (which was a big fat waste of time) so I've been wearing those.


Surprisingly, I haven't really told anyone. A few friends and my boss who needs to know why I'm not at work when I am having my MLD (because of course there is nowhere close to me and nowhere that does it 'after hours') and that's it.  Before the diagnosis I thought I would shout it from the rooftops, "look at me, there is a reason I'm like this, and it is NOT because I'm lazy and overeat!!"  But now that the diagnosis is here, I'm annoyed that I feel the need to justify why I'm overweight. If I am overweight because I eat too much or because I have a medical issue, it should not matter. I shouldn't be marginalized by society because I take up more room than most people.

I'm sure I'll get around to talking about it. this post is my first step in that journey.. but right now I'm choosing not to.. mostly because i do not want to sit around answering questions.. I don't have nearly enough people energy for that at the moment.. #introvertmuch?