I've had what has been diagnosed as lymphedema in my left leg since puberty. It affects mostly my ankle and foot with the "balloon" effect on the top of the left foot, meaning its definitely lymphedema. its really difficult to wear shoes, I have compression garments that I wear on my foot and ankle but it just pools above, and generally sucks. It's been progressively worse over the years as I've gained my weight, obviously, leading up to me barely being able to fit in my husband's winter boots this past season. Primary doc sent me back to the venous specialist who I saw 10 years ago who again told me "sorry it's lymphedema, that sucks here's some expensive compression garments."

I've recently been youtubing, and finding myself questioning things, as one is wont to do when searching the internet for information. My entire left leg is all gross and Fluid filled, it seems. The skin texture is super dimply (think marble sized cellulite), bruises easily (though that may be the anemia), and is always really, really sore, like I can barely have it massaged because it feels like you're stabbing me with a knife.

Has anyone had lymphedema that was later diagnosed as lipidema? Have you tried lymph sparing liposuction? I'm wondering if it might be something for me to pursue after the sleeve and losing my weight.

I'm sure that once I have the sleeve and start losing weight it won't be nearly as bad, but given that I still had the issue 100 lbs ago, I'm not sure it will fully go away. Diet and exercise haven't helped in the past which is why I'm pursuing the sleeve... I just can't stop grasping at straws, I want my damn foot fixed, or at least somewhat normal!

"@@Inner Surfer Girl" may have some info for you.

Edited August 5, 201610 yr by KristenLe