Lipedema Hope Warrior

It's been years of struggle and in 2022, I was finally diagnosed with: Lipedema (https://www.lipedema.org). It is a painful connective tissue disorder.

After finding out about life changing surgery options here in Utah earlier this year I have spent the year planning and trying to make this now dream come true.

With your help this year I have had the chance to pay for one whole surgery! With more help I can pay for the next two surgeries and cover needed medication that insurance is still being difficult about.

I have been following all treatment guidelines from my medical and mental health team. This past month two new things have been added to see if they help. I think there is some hope.

To know why I'm hoping for these surgeries - here are some of the symptoms that I've lived with in my life and have worsened in the past two years:

1. significant swelling and inflammation in my legs and arms

2. my arms and legs had become so sensitive to touch and fabrics

3. bruising from the lightest pressure

4. issues with walking, sitting, standing

5. heat intolerance because it exacerbates the swelling and pain

6. sensitivities to certain foods that trigger inflammation

7. stiff muscles; painful joints

8. decreased mobility in knees, elbows, and shoulders.

9. missing seeing family, friends, and traveling because of my size, pain, and limited mobility

10. difficulties with mental health - shame, anxiety, and hopelessness have been ever present.

There's no noticeable relief in the growth of the Lipedema. One of the only ways to have lipedema decrease is for surgery to remove it from my body. This is why I need your help.

For more information on Lipedema, click here > https://juzousa.com/Your-Health/Lipedema; https://tactilemedical.com/resource-hub/lipedema/what-is-lipedema/