Meet Ashleigh, a 35-year-old patient from Coffs Harbour. Ashleigh’s journey with Lipoedema began during her pregnancies, when she noticed significant changes in her legs. Despite living an active lifestyle and maintaining a healthy diet, her legs continued to grow disproportionately.
Ashleigh had always felt that her legs didn’t match the rest of her body. While her upper half remained a size 8-10, her legs appeared swollen, bruised easily, and felt tender to touch. Running and moving quickly in water caused discomfort, and even minor pressure was excruciating.
Ashleigh recalled always thinking her legs were just built bigger, they never seemed to match her mum, sister, or friends, but she didn’t think there was a medical reason for it.
As time passed, these symptoms worsened. After each pregnancy, Ashleigh’s legs grew larger while the rest of her body remained the same. The changes were frustrating and unexplained until she visited a vein specialist for treatment following blood clots in her left leg. After stripping her veins, she asked the doctor why her legs were growing so disproportionately.
“You have mild Lipoedema,” he told her, “my wife has it. There’s nothing you can do about it. Get used to it.”
Unsatisfied, Ashleigh left the appointment determined to do her own research and seek out further guidance.
However, by the time she discovered Lipoedema Surgical Solution she was afraid to eat anything at all, worried it would further enlarge her legs. Ashleigh was diagnosed as having Stage 2 Lipoedema. She began conservative management, switching to custom-made flat knit compression stockings, self-administering manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy weekly, and refining her diet to focus on a Mediterranean-style anti-inflammatory approach. While Keto hadn’t worked for her, these adjustments helped manage symptoms and improved her overall health.
Living with undiagnosed Lipoedema for so long had a significant impact on Ashleigh’s mental and emotional well-being. She took pride on staying fit and healthy, yet no matter what she did, her legs remained beyond her control. The physical pain, especially after pregnancies, became unbearable at times.
Ashleigh also faced everyday struggles that many women with Lipoedema know too well. Activities she once loved, such as running and playing team sports, became painful. Even casual outings with her children, like going to the beach or swimming lessons, became difficult. The financial burden of managing Lipoedema, from compression garments to treatments, added another layer of stress.
“Everything has to be run through this filter: Can we afford to do this? Still have to buy compression. Or should I have a piece of cake for my son’s birthday or is it not worth it? I wish I could take my kids to the beach with everyone else, but I have to wear compression. Will I be able to find a long dress that’s not too dressy for this upcoming wedding? If I sit on the floor to play, will the kids jump on my legs?
In March 2024, Ashleigh’s first surgery was performed using the Lymph-Sparing technique, removing 3.1 litres of Lipoedema fat from her lower legs. In July of the same year, a further 4.2 litres were removed from her upper legs.
Now on the path to surgery, Ashleigh is excited about the possibility of regaining mobility and confidence.
Her experience has also fuelled her passion for raising awareness about Lipoedema.
“Since being diagnosed, I have seen countless women just walking down the street who seem to have lipoedema. Big women, small women, young women, old women. I still don’t know if I should say anything to them, because I wish someone had said to me 15 years ago.
Perhaps telling my story will be the tipping point on the pile of women’s stories that convince SOMEONE in power that this is a real condition. That we’re not just fat and need to eat less and move more. Or worse that we are crazy and there is nothing wrong at all. And I hope my story gives other women a little shred of hope and peace of mind knowing they are not in this alone. I know it has
helped me.”
Ashleigh wants women with Lipoedema to know they are not alone.
“Don’t be embarrassed or live in the shadows. And don’t let this condition define who you are as a person.”
To see a doctor who are experts with Lipoedema click here, or if you are searching for vein treatment by a practitioner aware of Lipoedema you can consider our sister clinic Vein Doctors Group.
