Has anyone else here got lipoedema?

[DuckingMel]

For decades I thought that everyone had painful fat, but I've now realised that it's not the case. My symptoms started in puberty and are relatively mild. They are mostly linked to days when I eat too many rubbishy white carbs and sugar. After my CS I was so incredibly sore and bloated for days (if not weeks), which also points to lipoedema triggered by trauma. I've had eating disorders most of my life and when the lipoedema symptoms flare, I immediately restrict my eating, which is not a great cycle to be in. I think I will contact the GP to get diagnosed, but I'm afraid they'll fob me off. Anyone here got successfully diagnosed even if their symptoms are mild and transient? What helps (other than general healthy eating)? Should I lay off carbs and salt completely?

I don't but it runs in my family so my siblings/mum/aunts do.

It's a horrible, horrible condition so you have my sympathies. GP's know very little about it but you can change that by going in with information and educating them (politely). They should refer you to a local lymphedema clinic for compression (it helps some people manage pain) and yes, paleo or keto is best for managing it along with intermittent fasting. They can make a pretty big difference. Dry brushing can help some people with their pain too. Have a look at 'Thick thighs positive vibes' on Instagram - she isn't a mild case but she is raising awareness and shares so much useful information. My sister loves her.

Thank you, adventures! I have a sympathetic GP so I'm hoping he'll understand. I'm a veggie, so keto/paleo is harder, but not undoable. Does your sister eat keto? When was she diagnosed? Sorry about so many questions, but I'm completely new to this. I'm pretty sure my pear shaped mum has also got it, so I need to have a chat with her. I thought everyone hurt like I do, after eating junk. It's such a revelation to know that they don't!

Bump

There are so many women who have it who have never even heard of it, so you might be helped by finding a support group on FB rather than on here. There are some good ones - I think one is Talk Lipoedema or something? There are a few anyway. It is a big shock getting your head round it, I think.

One sister does do keto although I don't think she's the strictest - but she's the one who has embraced trying to get on top of the condition the most. My other sister is in denial, sadly, doesn't want to look into managing things but is more mildly affected so hopefully she can get away with that.

Diagnosis was about 2 years ago and it was this lightbulb of 'ohhh so that's why so many women in the family look like that.'

Thanks again, Adventure

It's hard not get my head around all this, you're right. I can't deny it any more, though. I do have painful fat that swells up periodically. When it does, I feel so sore, awful and fat (although I'm of a "normal" BMI), so I could do with some support from people who know how I feel... I will look for a support group online - thanks for the tip off!