I gotta say, I'm pretty anxious. We are about to leave to drive up to Spokane to our hotel. Surgery is tomorrow at 12:30pm. I have everything all packed that I will need. I have not followed through with the hypnosis I'm supposed to do to prepare. This is ironic since I am a certified hypnotist. The thing is I have had to work three days with heavy scheduling of clients. I'm not anxious about the surgery or pain. I'm honestly anxious about interpersonal social fears and shame about my body.
I have known about having Lipdemda since 2017. I am getting my first surgery next weekend and a second one mid June. I am prepaying it and have little faith I will get reimbursed. If I do get any money back then I can schedule the third one. Here's a summary of some of the steps in the process.
I had my exam with Dr. Dan Hagerty on 8/13/24. Premier Lipedema Clinic
I'm started on MLD in September and was done by end of November 2024.
I started wearing Compression full time. Compression Wear
On Sept 6, 2024 I had my Functional Capacity Exam (with vlog)
"I am finding this whole process of facing my lipedema very frustrating. But I just have to keep up my determination. The medical system is challenging to navigate. You just have to keep trying. You have to advocate for yourself and keeping doing so even when you face frustration."
I got a New PCP after only using zoomcare for awhile. He diagnosed me with insulin resistance and prediabetes. (He didn't do my A1C though...)
"I had an intake with a new PCP. I sent the letter from my surgeon. To be honest, doctors have no interest in Lipedema because there is no billing code! They will add Edema to your chart, but that's it. However, I am going in tomorrow for fasting labes and he is going to test for Insulin Resistance!"
Return to see Dr. Perez 12/3/24; I saw him last in 2019, and he has continued to follow the diagnosis research at vascular conventions, etc. He shared that obesity is not a moral failing. He credited the Lipedema community for being out in front with that truth. 
I sent my packet in January of 2024. They did not fax it to my insurance until late April.
My Packet (intro)
