Julie’s Lipedema Story

Many years later, during Covid-19 lockdown I sat in front of my computer wondering if there was a reason that my knees had fat globs.  I came across that word ‘Lipedema’ again.  This time I dove in and learned as much as I could.  I was surprised to find that I was already doing some of the conservative treatments like rebounding, vibration, and dry brushing. I read further and found more things I could try and learned that there is no cure and the only way to remove this diet-resistant fat was through Lymph-sparing liposuction.  And so began another deep dive of learning.

I researched all the types of liposuction used for Lipedema and read up on all the doctors I could find.  I used the search function on all the groups I had joined.  During my research I kept getting drawn back to Dr. Marcia Byrd’s clinic.  I have always trusted my intuition so I knew this was the direction I needed to go.

As soon as the Byrd Lipedema Surgery Center in Roswell GA reopened after 2020 lockdown I called for a new patient package.  I got all the photos and forms returned and 2 weeks later had my initial phone consultation.  There was a new peace in my soul to hear a doctor tell me that there was a real reason why my legs were so large and that it wasn’t my fault and that she could help me.  The big adventure had begun.  I spent a lot of time the next few weeks wondering what it would feel like to have normal legs that didn’t hurt.  I wondered what it would be like to not feel looked down upon and snickered at.  I wondered what it would feel like to wear normal clothes and walk normally, and not feel like I was dragging sand bags behind me.  I wondered what it would feel like to not hurt and to feel better about myself. I also wondered what the surgeries would be like.

The day of my first surgery finally arrived.  Dr Byrd was starting at the bottom and working up, so first surgery was from my ankles to just below my knees.  I was so excited…and a little nervous.  I felt like I was in good hands.  The whole staff was so friendly.  Still being a little under the influence it didn’t even register that I was looking at my own legs right after surgery. Wow!  I had very little pain after surgery but did have some swelling, especially my right calf.  The difference was immediate.  I had lost that feeling of dragging sand bags behind me.  There was a new pep in my step.

A month later I headed back to Georgia for my second surgery, anterior thighs.  Much calmer going in knowing what to expect.  After this surgery my thigh fronts were a little tender when I pulled my compression garment on and off.  But, I now have knees.  KNEES!!!  The first time in my adult life that I have seen my knees.  They are wonderful knees.  They look so normal and they feel so wonderful.  I love my knees!!  And, an extra bonus was that as soon as my second surgery was done my right calf was able to let go of all swelling and now matches my left.  Not only do I now have knees, I also have calves and ankles!!!

In 6 weeks we were headed back to Georgia once again.  This trip was for my posterior thighs.  I was expecting pain when sitting but was actually surprised at how little pain and how quickly I felt recovered from the surgery.  The big globby balls of fat that used to be behind my knees are gone and I have full range of motion in my knees and no pain.  Life is good.  I am blessed.

My next surgery was for my buttocks.  Again, much less pain than I expected.  What a great new experience to lay on my back and not have that butt shelf under me.  I had to readjust my car seat because I was no longer sitting on my own cushion.  This was the easiest and quickest recovery.

I am looking forward to my 2 remaining surgeries.  In January of 2021 I will be getting my arms done, and in February my trunk/abdomen will get a turn.

I am so thrilled with my lipedema surgery results and am diligent about wearing my compression, getting MLD, walking and staying hydrated.  Every morning I wake up and feel energy in my legs.  I feel healthier and stronger than I ever have.  Pants legs hang loose and look normal.  Boots fit.  I have knees!!  I bike.  I walk.  And I skip!!

I turned 65 between my second and third surgeries.  Yes, it would have been wonderful to get this done in my 30’s or 40’s.  But I am actually very thrilled to be able to do it now!  And I am so glad I trusted my intuition and went to Dr. Byrd.