Lipedema Causing Limbs to Explode!

Kim Kardashian's Butt ExplodingI saw the articles about Kim Kardashian having lipedema, what I didn’t see was that the National Enquirer claimed that her “lower limbs could explode in a bloated mass of fat.”

Now that I’ve caught my breath from laughing (how many hundreds of us would be limbless if this were true?), I’d like to focus on a new article that came out saying that the claims about Kim Kardashian having lipedema were irresponsible.

Apparently Dr. Tomas Wright, who has made several news and tv appearances in the USA and is connected to the Laser Lipo & Vein Center in St. Louis, has put out a press release with some truth about lipedema along with a healthy dose of self promotion.

Lipedema is a fat storage disorder that causes an abnormal or disproportionate accumulation of fat in the legs and arms.  Lipedema can gradually lead to swelling, heaviness and tenderness in the affected limbs but many women who have it have few or no symptoms.  It’s not a rare disease, but there’s a poor understanding and awareness for it even among physicians and nurses.  Up to 12% of the female population may have lipedema, but 98% of those with the condition don’t know they have it.  That’s what makes articles like this one published by the National Enquirer so disappointing.  There’s a great need to spread information and awareness about lipedema.  Rather than share some helpful information, the article makes things worse by including multiple factual errors such as lipedema can “cause limbs to explode.”

The article goes on to talk about who Dr. Wright is and about education about lipedema.  If you wish to read the rest of the PR, go ahead and check out Claims About Kim Kardashian Having Lipedema are Irresponsible.

Now, what are my thoughts on this? Ok yea, saying that our limbs will explode in a bloated mass of fat is kind of stupid.  Is it really irresponsible? I’m inclined to say, “not really.”  I work in marketing and I know the power that idiotic click bait holds, and that’s what the original article was.  Sensational, idiotic, click bait.  However, how many people went on to look up lipedema after reading about it in this Kim Kardashian article? How many women discovered they might have it? Most people know that while the National Enquirer is fabricated entertainment, there’s always still a grain of truth.  In this case, lipedema is real.

Now, let me go make sure my limbs don’t explode…

 

 

PetraAnn

PetraAnn was first diagnosed with Lipedema in fall 2015 after years of eating keto and exercising with no weight loss results.After diagnosis, she has gone through 8 tumescent liposuction procedures from 2016 until 2018 and on 17 December 2019 underwent an abdominoplasty to remove the remaining 3-4 liters of lippy fat and loose skin.
PetraAnn

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One thought on “Lipedema Causing Limbs to Explode!

  1. Hi.
    I have been reading your posts for the best part of the day and I thank you for being brutally honest with your words. They bring comfort in such a strange way.

    I have suspected Lipedema for many years but thinking back I truly believe I have suffered near enough 2 decades. I went to the doctor last year and he prescribed me some strong tablets to loose weight. Surprise surprise they did nothing. I have worked very hard over the years at the gym etc to no avail. Hell I almost have up. In the end I had to give up as the body attack sessions caused me to sprain ankles.

    A few years on I have plucked up the courage to tackle the subject again, with a female doctor this time. And I am currently awaiting for a referral for the hospital.

    Now the disappointing factor in all this is if and when I get Lipedema confirmed there is nothing I can really do about it. Here in the UK the NHS don’t recognise it so I wouldn’t be able to seek treatment with out stumping up huge amounts of cash.

    Can I ask, all the treatment you have sought have you had to pay for all of it yourself?

    I am thinking it’s not a few thousand euros but a hell of a lot more.

    Or have you managed to find an insurance company who would have significantly contributed.

    The biggest question i have is do you feel better for putting yourself through it all?

    I wish you luck in your next treatment and hope you have a rosy future ahead.

    Regards Carey.

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