Diagnosis Lipoedema - What to Expect

What It Takes to Diagnose Lipoedema

For most lipoedema patients, it's their general practitioner or a specialist nurse who first suspects lipoedema. A specialist healthcare professional usually confirms the diagnosis. Your medical history and a thorough physical examination are among the basic diagnostic tools. Blood samples are used to monitor the function of your heart, kidneys, liver and thyroid gland, and to check glucose and protein levels. This is usually done to rule out other diseases. Ultrasound can further evaluate your affected limbs and the function of your veins. For more information about basic and advanced diagnostics for lipoedema, click here.

What It Means to Treat Lipoedema

Lipoedema is a chronic (long-term) condition that cannot be cured, requiring holistic, lifelong treatment with compression therapy, along with physical and psychological therapy, amongst others. Living with a chronic condition can feel like a rollercoaster ride — there will be ups and downs, good times and bad. The diagnosis may be unsettling at first, but lipoedema is not a life-threatening condition. Many lipoedema patients can lead nearly normal lives with the right therapy. Compression therapy plays a central role in this. Read how JOBST Confidence compression garments provide even more comfort with a truly personalized fit for lipoedema here.  

How to Cope With the Diagnosis

You don't have to deal with this situation entirely on your own, nor should you. Seeking and accepting help can make a big difference. Share your feelings with your family and friends, and join a community of like-minded people. Try to find a routine that helps you manage your lipoedema — understanding your condition and self-management can make a real difference. And perhaps most importantly: be patient with yourself. It always takes time to get used to changes.

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Join the LymphConnect Community and connect with other lipoedema patients.