Emily was diagnosed with lipedema, a relatively unknown disease that primarily affects women.
The symptoms are similar to lymphedema, but liquid and fat collections are symmetrical and usually affect both legs.
The disease has three stages: First, The skin in the affected area is soft and smooth. Swelling increases during the day, but typically resolves with rest and elevation.
In the second stage, lumps form on the hips, inner thighs, knees, and ankles. Swelling increases during the day, but usually reduces at rest.
In the third stage, the swelling is always present, and there is an overhang of fat and skin.
According to Lipoedema UK, the disease affects 11 percent of all women.
Most often, the disease, which is hereditary, is associated with hormonal changes, such as during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
The legs become swollen when the body’s circulatory system, the lymphatic system, is unable to remove fluid from the leg tissue.
The fat tissue then collects in the legs and is difficult to get rid of.
There’s currently no cure for the disease, and the only solution is liposuction.
Some devices, such as compression stockings, relieve the symptoms, as do exercise and a strict diet.
Emily chose have lipocuction on her thighs, which hopefully will help her in the future.
Watch Emily explain more about the disease and her operation in the video below:
Want to learn more about this disease? Check out Lipoedema UK.
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Hopefully it will help someone out there!
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