What I've Learned So Far About Managing My Lipedema.
I'm learning so much about this disease just by living it
Hello and Happy Friday!
I don’t know how many of you are looking to have liposuction surgery, but I have an overall goal of surgical intervention. I started this newsletter to show you my journey towards liposuction, but little did I know there would be a huge learning curve in the process.
I learned six months ago that this uncomfortable fat I’ve been carrying around for years is Lipedema. When I found this out, I wanted to have surgery immediately and get rid of it. But, I don’t have the money to do that. I’d instead have to get my insurance to cover the surgeries.
I started doing some research and realized getting insurance pre-approval is a long process with mixed results. I also learned that if you want to have surgery, you have to show you’re doing the best you can with symptom management but have reached the point where conservative management isn’t working for you anymore.
Because I need that insurance approval, I’ve been working for months on aggressive symptom management. This is where I’ve gained knowledge I wouldn’t have otherwise if I’d gone straight into surgery.
I like to think of this as is a blessing in disguise. I’ve had to live in my body and experience fatigue, pain, immobility. My body slows down to an almost complete stop if I don’t take care of it.
Through learning symptom management, I’ve learned how to take care of myself. I’ve learned that it’s okay to slow down, take a nap, put my feet up and have some ‘me’ time. I’ve learned how to prioritize life because of my energy levels, and this has given me the courage to let go of those things that don’t serve me well. I’ve learned even better how to set boundaries and say “no.”
Rushing through my healing process with Lipedema would never have given me these gifts. I realized that maybe I needed this shift.
I still want to have surgery, and I’m still gathering the information I need to prove my surgery is necessary and not cosmetic. However, instead of being in a state of frenzy, I’ve slowed down and understood the “why” behind that need.
I hope you are doing well and practicing your self-care. My upcoming articles will delve into the multi-faceted approach to taking care of yourself, whether you plan to have surgery or not.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Michelle
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