Stacey's Surgery

I’ve been hiding away now for a few years knowing something is wrong, but being told the same thing every time I saw a doctor and being told just to diet and exercise.

I was starving myself eating one meal a day making sure I was in a calorie deficit and exercising even though it was agony.

Whilst working from home I had an under the desk bike which I was constantly peddling trying to burn some calories.

I’ve done Keto/Atkins for so long I am now having to have my gallbladder removed.

Daily life is agony at this point. My arms, legs and stomach are constantly painful, not to mention unsightly.

At 32 years of age I am now struggling to walk. Even sitting on a chair causes pain and bruising and if I bend my legs I feel like they might burst. I can no longer do the things I love in life – I used to love being out and active and have a motorbike I can’t ride anymore. Now I try to stay hidden and not be seen in public, but I can’t go on like this anymore.

I have been diagnosed with Stage 2 and 3 Lipedema, which is a condition of the fat and connective tissue, which diet and exercise doesn’t budge (although I wish it would).

The only option I now have is surgery, but due to the complexity, cost and lack of research of this disease, it is not something offered through the NHS.

My GP has been amazing; she gives me the painkillers I need which help with the constant pain and has also helped me order some compression, but that’s as far as she can help me.

The thought of being in a wheelchair before I’m 40 isn’t how I thought I’d spend my life. Without surgery, this is the way it’s heading.

Now all of this is out in the open, I’m going to try swimming again to assist with my mobility. I was so scared of anyone I knew seeing me like this, I couldn’t bring myself to go.

I’m trying everything possible to get my life back to some kind of normal.

I have set up this page to help raise funds for my surgery.

The first surgery on my lower legs is £6,900, the second is £7,900 which would target my upper legs, followed by the third stage of surgery for the arms and stomach, which totals £10,200.

I would be so grateful for any support, in whatever way you can, to help me with my journey.

Thank you for reading this.

Stacey