Oops, I Did It Again! I Fell and Hurt Myself.

This is my life with bad knees and Lipedema. Plus, Q&A resumes tomorrow.

Last week, I was taking my usual morning walk. I’ve walked this loop at least two hundred times.

But this time, I was with my husband. He was talking and my mind was numb and distracted. Before I knew it, I hit the pavement with my face. I heard my neck CRACK! My right shoulder and right knee (the one I recently had a knee replacement) also took the brunt of my fall.

I’d been walking on uneven ground (there are no sidewalks in my neighborhood) to stay out of the street. It was the step half-in, half-out of a pothole that twisted my ankle. My weak knees couldn’t take the surprise. Down I went, HARD!

Does anyone else have this problem?

I sat there, shaken. And in pain. Not again! I finally got up and slowly made my way back home. Then I put myself to bed, trying to

Will I ever stop falling?

I’ve been falling since I was in my 30’s. I’m now 57 years old.

From my falls over the years, I’ve had multiple scrapes and concussions, some stitches, a really bad hematoma, and a broken toe.

I’m most notorious for falling downstairs, but I’ve also been known to have what they call in the medical community a ground-level fall or a GLF. That’s what older ladies that come into my hospital with broken hips have, GLFs.

I fear that I’ll be one of those patients someday.

I’ve either heard or read that Lipedema women do fall a lot. Our disproportionate bodies can affect balance and mobility, making us more prone to falls. Additionally, our condition can cause pain, swelling, and decreased sensitivity in the affected areas, further increasing our risk of falls.

That’s why I’m curious if any of you have had similar issues. If some of you have stories, please share them because I think it might happen to a lot of us.

I really watch what I’m doing when I walk and am extra careful when I go down stairs. But still…I fall.

Fortunately, I didn’t hurt myself too badly this time. But I did have to take a day to get right again.

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I apologize for the interruption of my Q&A on Wednesdays, but I am resuming the weekly Zoom meetup for anyone interested. Each Wednesday at 4 pm Pacific Time, I have an open Q&A for anyone who has questions about Lipedema, insurance, or whatever is on your mind. This has also been a way to connect with other Lipedema women and find information.

So, as long as I can stay upright on my two feet, I’ll be there!

Here’s my Zoom link:

Michelle Jaqua is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Lipedema and Me Q&A

Time: May 15, 2024 04:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85386247489?pwd=NEpwNnZBbFgyVnRIVGVsY0dwQjFHZz09

Meeting ID: 853 8624 7489

Passcode: 318494

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I hope to see you there!

Take care,

Michelle