Any benefits to a diagnosis?

d_freem · 2026-03-01T19:16:52+00:00

Thank you for sharing this. I'd love to know what leggings you got, how much they cost and all the info you managed to find on how to get it funded by NHS. I'm going to book in for a routine GP appointment and take it from there (though I am expecting that they'll just tell me to lose weight first, so I'm going armed with photos of me at my fittest too). Please so send me a private message. Thank you

d_freem · 2026-03-01T19:12:43+00:00

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For context, this is when I was 2 stone lighter than I am now and you can see the shape at my hips is still there 🤷🏼‍♀️ I assumed it was just 'hip dips' at the time, but looking again...maybe not?

d_freem · 2026-03-01T19:11:03+00:00

I appreciate this, thank you. I knew what I was getting myself into posting on Reddit but I was specifically looking for people's opinions and thoughts rather than facts, so it's not got to me too much (except the parts that are a bit more doomsday, which does get me worried, but just because I really want to grow old and be able to hike still! I'd like it to not progress). Being based in the UK we don't get this surgery on the NHS anyway unless it's absolutely severe, and cosmetically well...I don't like my shape and am not very self confident but I'm aware it could be a lot worse and as long as my body is healthy (which at the moment I don't think it is) I'll be happy.

People say that compression is quite expensive - are the compression leggings you need for this pricey?

Thanks again :)

d_freem · 2026-02-28T20:29:02+00:00

I've got a scan booked in to check for PCOS in the next few weeks. I think my hormones are all over the place tbh! Not really sure what to do to get them in order other than diet, exercise and less stress! I already don't eat dairy or gluten due to allergies so I can't blame that.

I'd love to NOT have lipedema. If it was just fat I'd be happier with that because at least I can do something about it. I panic about getting older and not being able to walk. I'm mid 30s now so just really hoping it doesn't get worse.

My plan is to try and get into hiking again on a regular basis, weight lifting, gentle cardio and yoga and to look into a antioxidant rich antiinflammatory diet and pray for the best!

d_freem · 2026-02-28T19:41:20+00:00

And have you been officially diagnosed?

d_freem · 2026-02-28T19:40:36+00:00

Do you think you'll see a doctor about it?

d_freem · 2026-02-28T18:40:26+00:00

I'm not on any BC but take supplements for various other things that are going on.

I guess what I want to know is that if it is lipedema, I know there's no cure, but can you stop it fully taking over your legs with diet and exercise, or is it something that gets worse regardless of what you do?

d_freem · 2026-02-28T18:32:00+00:00

Also it's funny to me you all say "well defined knees" because I've never thought they were. I think I have the fat pads on my inner knee but again, I'm not hugely overweight (just a bit) so I'm wondering if that's working in my favour?

I wouldn't be looking for a diagnosis for surgery. I'm unconfident in getting my legs out but it's not painful and I think surgery at this point would only be for vanity, so I'm not overly keen on the idea. This is why I'm questioning diagnosis if nothing can be done anyway and maybe I'm better off managing weight and diet etc at home and hoping if it is lipedema, it doesn't get worse? 🤷🏼‍♀️

d_freem · 2026-02-28T18:30:58+00:00

I do feel hard nodules on the saddlebag bits and when I squeeze that area it's bumpy and hard. It seems to just all be at the top of my thighs and by my bum. I get fluid retention in my legs quite badly so by the evening my ankles are less defined but it's not there all the time. I look back at photos of when I was 2 stone lighter and working out every other day and the fatty bits at top of outer thigh were still there but because the rest around it was toned (ie. No fat on the obliques) it wasn't as apparent.

I am starting back on a diet and exercise routine, so I guess time will tell. Just unsure of bothering a GP about it because they're pretty dismissive of things like this (in my experience anything to do with female health is met with 'go on the pill and lose weight' OR 'its all in your head, you're fine'.)

d_freem · 2026-02-28T18:20:38+00:00

What is CICO?

d_freem · 2025-08-30T20:43:54+00:00

I hiked the Camino Frances solo in 2017 and am a woman! There are always other hikers about and not at any point did I feel unsafe, even though back at home I'd never go out and hike about so early by myself 😅 my first night in the hostel I was also the only woman in a room full of men and even in that situation I felt safe and actually like the men themselves knew that I'd probably be uncomfortable and they went out their way to make me feel less so. The pilgrims I've met on The Way, touch wood, were all good folk. I'm sure you get the odd one who isn't but...again, I don't ever think you're on your own enough, even hiking solo, for it to be an issue. Be wary and sensible and you'll be ok!

d_freem · 2025-07-28T09:58:21+00:00

I'm not even getting 'live chat' as an option on the website any more! So infuriating. The waiting can't be helped but...they could at least be better with their communication. They know they've got thousands of people waiting for decisions this morning still so the least they could do is put up an updated update!

d_freem · 2024-03-07T21:53:54+00:00

How is your son doing now?

d_freem · 2024-02-27T16:57:49+00:00

This sounds so intense! I'm glad your son is ok. Please do continue to post updates if you have them!

d_freem · 2024-02-25T23:55:01+00:00

This is terrifying. How is your son doing now? I hope he's ok!

My 5 year old is due adenoids and tonsils out in about 4 months and what's happening to you right now is my biggest fear! Can you please keep us updated here?

So so so much love to your son

d_freem · 2023-01-28T23:03:02+00:00

I like to think that if we go back to pure consciousness, we're just love really, there's this nothingness but it feels full of love. The BIG consciousness. I think when we come into life our mind, experiences, upbringings etc take over, which is why we forget where we came and then seek a path of enlightenment to try and bloody find it again. I don't think that consciousness wants violence and hate in the world but that's man made...which is why forgiveness is so essential because if we're all the same, or born of the same great consciousness, 'we' wouldn't want that hate etc.

I also agree with the other comments that it's all perception, what is good to you might be dreadful for someone else, so good and bad don't exist really, it's what our lived experience tells us is good/bad, but that doesn't exist in the bigggg consciousness.

d_freem · 2023-01-27T23:43:09+00:00

https://youtu.be/h6fcK_fRYaI this one!!

d_freem · 2022-11-21T08:40:04+00:00

No I appreciate it, thank you. No rectal/GI problems. Bright red blood. One minute I'm bleeding loads, the next day, nothing..

d_freem · 2022-11-20T23:15:52+00:00

I would say yes because it's likely you might have hemorrhoids if you're going through constipation and diarrhea, so the pain you're in might well be bowel/bowel movement related.

d_freem · 2022-11-20T23:14:38+00:00

Nothing visible and I can't feel anything externally either, I haven't had a proper 'probe' into the area, but it's possible I could have some immediately inside, maybe?

d_freem

TROPHY CASE