This is an Excellent sheet of info. I too was a case manager and know somewhat the problems of insurance. But I set mt goals to get through and hope to get insurance. every statement was spot on. i was treated for lymphedema for 18 yrs, mainly episodes of swelling over the years from severe venous insufficiency. started at vein clinics of America in 2004 but they were not vascular docs at that time at least. being a nurse I was calling around at that time, to vascular surgeons telling them I felt I needed their help and couldn't find anyone. Little did I know in 2004 what was wrong with me and either did any of my Physicians. This year I fought through more MLD with my therapist telling her there was something more wrong with me. she didn't think I had Lipedema, since I didn't have tons of pain. She and I went up and back and I finally went to Cleveland Clinic to Dr Bartholomew and got an immediate diagnosis. I had sent him my own medical records that I thought were pertinent. he said that helped before I came. he did a very comprehensive exam but said walking in the door practically I was classic, he told me if I didn't get Liposuction, I will likely become disabled. He believes it is starting in my arms which I think he is correct but shocked me, too. I have really been slowed down this summer and more pain. But i also have a good NP for Pain Mgt and she agreed she knew of Lipedema and she believes the Lipedema is worsening my back and highly agrees that Liposuction would help. This is just her opinion not certified but you can tell she knows Lipedema. I blew my knee out on the golf course from arthritis and needed an urgent Knee replacement during Covid. I have had so many 'leg' and ankle problems since. many physicians including a physiatrist (rehab0 doc who gave me a cortisone injection in the ankle. one ankle surgeon told me she never saw an ankle like mine after knee replacement. (she studied at Mayo and Harvard) it is CLEAR to me at least. that lipedema has added to all these problems and my Physicians are all starting to agree. A "mini" win there. Thanks for all you do. I am seeing a surgeon Monday to see if I can get Liposuction. I am 67 with arthritis in back which I think may slow things up, but we see! thank you!
Charmaine, I'm sorry you went for years suffering from Lipedema. You are not alone. Every woman I talk to (including myself) went for years, even decades of knowing something wasn't right with our bodies, but failed by the medical industry. And I am part of that industry, it makes me extremely motivated to speak out and spread awareness of Lipedema.
I am also so happy for you that you found Dr. Bartholomew! What a great advocate he is for Lipedema. I did a lot of reading on him, and he has some great articles he's written including making a diagnosis and getting treatment for Lipedema. And he's with Cleveland Clinic, an internationally well-known medical entity.
I'm very curious who is the surgeon you're doing a consult with, and if you're looking at getting any help with getting your surgeries approved through insurance? If you're comfortable with sharing, I'd love to know!
This is an Excellent sheet of info. I too was a case manager and know somewhat the problems of insurance. But I set mt goals to get through and hope to get insurance. every statement was spot on. i was treated for lymphedema for 18 yrs, mainly episodes of swelling over the years from severe venous insufficiency. started at vein clinics of America in 2004 but they were not vascular docs at that time at least. being a nurse I was calling around at that time, to vascular surgeons telling them I felt I needed their help and couldn't find anyone. Little did I know in 2004 what was wrong with me and either did any of my Physicians. This year I fought through more MLD with my therapist telling her there was something more wrong with me. she didn't think I had Lipedema, since I didn't have tons of pain. She and I went up and back and I finally went to Cleveland Clinic to Dr Bartholomew and got an immediate diagnosis. I had sent him my own medical records that I thought were pertinent. he said that helped before I came. he did a very comprehensive exam but said walking in the door practically I was classic, he told me if I didn't get Liposuction, I will likely become disabled. He believes it is starting in my arms which I think he is correct but shocked me, too. I have really been slowed down this summer and more pain. But i also have a good NP for Pain Mgt and she agreed she knew of Lipedema and she believes the Lipedema is worsening my back and highly agrees that Liposuction would help. This is just her opinion not certified but you can tell she knows Lipedema. I blew my knee out on the golf course from arthritis and needed an urgent Knee replacement during Covid. I have had so many 'leg' and ankle problems since. many physicians including a physiatrist (rehab0 doc who gave me a cortisone injection in the ankle. one ankle surgeon told me she never saw an ankle like mine after knee replacement. (she studied at Mayo and Harvard) it is CLEAR to me at least. that lipedema has added to all these problems and my Physicians are all starting to agree. A "mini" win there. Thanks for all you do. I am seeing a surgeon Monday to see if I can get Liposuction. I am 67 with arthritis in back which I think may slow things up, but we see! thank you!
Charmaine, I'm sorry you went for years suffering from Lipedema. You are not alone. Every woman I talk to (including myself) went for years, even decades of knowing something wasn't right with our bodies, but failed by the medical industry. And I am part of that industry, it makes me extremely motivated to speak out and spread awareness of Lipedema.
I am also so happy for you that you found Dr. Bartholomew! What a great advocate he is for Lipedema. I did a lot of reading on him, and he has some great articles he's written including making a diagnosis and getting treatment for Lipedema. And he's with Cleveland Clinic, an internationally well-known medical entity.
I'm very curious who is the surgeon you're doing a consult with, and if you're looking at getting any help with getting your surgeries approved through insurance? If you're comfortable with sharing, I'd love to know!