Meet Catherine, a 56-year-old holistic health practitioner from Perth, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lipoedema.
Catherine first became aware of Lipoedema four years ago, thanks to a friend’s observation. Her friend noticed Catherine’s difficulty tolerating even the lightest of massages without discomfort, prompting her to consider the possibility of Lipoedema. Catherine had long struggled with sensitive skin, bruising easily, and swelling in her legs. Over time, she noticed her legs growing larger while her waist remained small. As the years passed, she began to feel an increasing heaviness and tightness in her legs, along with the appearance of nodules in her arms.
Looking back, Catherine now realises that her symptoms of Lipoedema began when she was a teenager. Her mother also suspects that both she and Catherine’s great-grandmother may have had the condition.
The official diagnosis of Stage 4 Lipoedema brought a mix of vulnerability and relief. Catherine recalls the diagnosis process as straightforward—she participated in a Group Zoom Call consultation and sent Dr. Lekich photos of her legs and arms. Finally, she had a name for the pain and discomfort she had experienced for decades.
Lipoedema has deeply impacted Catherine’s life, making even simple tasks, like walking her dog, difficult. Working in holistic health, she also feels pressure to “look healthy.” Meditation, a core part of her work, is now physically challenging as she can no longer sit on the ground and must use a chair instead. Emotionally, Catherine battles depression, low self-worth, exhaustion, and the judgment of others. “I’m at Stage 4, so I can’t even use a blood pressure monitor on my arm because of the excruciating pain,” she shares.
In addition to Lipoedema, Catherine has been grappling with several other significant health challenges, which have made her journey even more complex and exhausting, but she remains determined to improve her quality of life.
In preparation for Lipoedema surgery, Catherine has been diligent about her conservative management plan, which includes regular manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression therapy, and support from a nutritionist who specialises in a Lipoedema diet.
In September 2024, Catherine underwent her first surgery with Dr. Lekich, targeting her arms and abdomen. During the procedure, 4.8 litres of Lipoedema fat were removed using the minimally invasive, Lymph-Sparing technique. This marks a significant step forward in her journey toward better health.
Looking ahead, Catherine hopes the surgery will reduce the swollen feeling throughout her body, ease her pain, and restore her sense of wellbeing. She views this procedure as a kick-start to a more positive chapter in her life.
Raising awareness about Lipoedema is close to Catherine’s heart. If not for her friend Brooke, she might never have known about the condition. “It’s very rare to come across a nurse or doctor who knows about Lipoedema,” she says. As someone deeply engaged in her community, Catherine is eager to use her platform to help spread knowledge and provide support for others. “I’m passionate about helping people and being supportive. I’d love to be a beacon of hope for people out there.”
Her advice to other women is to start researching and gathering information about Lipoedema. “This condition doesn’t define who you are or your success as a woman. Whatever your passion, you are more than this disease.”