A couple of years ago as I was losing weight and walking more, it seemed that my thighs were increasing in size. Eventually, this was confirmed when this body received a diagnosis of lipedema. Lipedema is said to be an incurable fat disorder that predominately affects a person's legs, and mainly affects women. It is estimated that 11% of the female population suffers from lipedema yet there are relatively only a small number of medical professionals who are aware that this condition even exists. There is now some research in the works. There are brave women with this diagnosis who are diligently pursuing all avenues to manage this ailment. These include various diets, herbal supplements, compression garments, lymph drainage , massage therapies, liposuction, exercises, etc. Many of these treatments are not covered by health insurance. And being caught in a continual grind of researching and spending hours with personal treatments can feel like an endless downward spiral of despair. It's time to for me to end this cycle, care for my body, but not let this process consume me.Therefore, as of now, I am going to love my legs. Lumpy, heavy, ... they still carry me. They still allow me to walk my dog and to walk up to a friend and give a hug. Time to stop the self-loathing and measuring myself against others. Time to stop hiding. Time to put myself out there fully as my best Self. It is time to live. Time to love. Time to dance. And time to remember that at an earlier point in history this body was considered a prime model for the image of goddesses.
June is Lipedema Awareness month. Be kind to those of all colors, shapes and sizes, etc. And that's Penny's two cents.
Some links for Lipedema Information:
http://www.lipomadoc.org/lipedema.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncvw-SwWk5Q
http://blog.lipese.com/2015/06/lipedema-film-fun.html
