A Life-Changing Experience at Accelerate: My Journey with Lipoedema

As I sit here reflecting on my journey, I can hardly believe how much has changed since my visit to Accelerate’s clinic in Hackney, London. I’m 80 years old now, and for the first time in my life, I finally received the answers and support I had been searching for decades. This is the story of how I discovered what was really happening with my legs, and how Accelerate’s dedicated team helped me understand and manage my condition – something I’d lived with for over 60 years.

A Mystery Unravelled

For as long as I can remember, my legs had always been different. Since I got my first period as a teenager, my legs began to change, becoming swollen and thickened in a way that no one could explain. I went through life asking doctors why this was happening, but no one could give me any answers. One doctor suggested liposuction many years ago, but without an explanation of what was going on, I didn’t feel comfortable proceeding with something so drastic.

Fast forward to this summer, when I was preparing to leave my home in California to visit the UK for a few months. A physical therapist in Santa Cruz referred me to a specialist who treated patients with Lymphoedema. After a brief consultation, the specialist suggested that my condition might be Lipoedema, not Lymphoedema, and that the UK had more advanced resources and knowledge about it. That’s when I found Accelerate, and everything began to fall into place.

A Warm Welcome and Life-Changing Consultation

When I arrived in London, I wasted no time booking an appointment with the Accelerate team. The process was simple and efficient, and I was able to secure my first consultation within a week of arriving. My appointment was with Anna, a Nurse Specialist who specializes in both Lymphedema and Lipoedema, and I can honestly say it was one of the most valuable experiences of my life.

Anna listened attentively to my story and took the time to explain everything I needed to know about Lipoedema. She gave me brochures with detailed pictures that showed the various ways the condition can manifest in different people’s legs and arms. She also explained the stages of Lipoedema, the differences between Lipoedema and Lymphoedema, and even took precise measurements of my legs to better understand my situation. For the first time, I felt like someone truly understood me.

Finally, Answers and Support

I had never before heard of “cuffing” of the skin around my ankles and above my knees until I spoke with Anna. She explained how this phenomenon happens in people with Lipoedema, and how weight management and compression garments can help. I had also never heard of compression garments, but Anna explained how they could reduce swelling, improve the appearance of my legs, and even make them feel more comfortable.

What struck me the most during my consultations was the emotional support I received. For years, my family and I had watched me struggle with this issue without understanding what was happening. Anna took the time to listen, to repeat key information, and to make sure I fully understood the nature of my condition. She helped me see that my legs were the way they were not because of anything I did wrong, but because of a disorder that was outside of my control.

A New Outlook on Life

Thanks to the incredible care I received at Accelerate, I now have a much clearer understanding of what’s going on with my legs. I understand that Lipoedema is likely genetic, although no one else in my family has been diagnosed. I also now understand the connection between my eating habits, weight fluctuations, and how my legs look and feel. Before meeting with Anna, I had never really understood how my diet could impact my condition. I now realize that maintaining a healthy weight is key to managing the symptoms.

With this newfound knowledge, I’ve been able to make better decisions about my diet and my lifestyle. I’m making a conscious effort to avoid foods that may not be good for me, and I feel much more empowered knowing that I’m doing something proactive to manage my condition. I’ve also started wearing compression garments, and I already feel the difference – they make my legs feel much lighter and more comfortable.

Gratitude Beyond Words

Looking back on this journey, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. After struggling for 67 years without a clear diagnosis or understanding, I finally feel like I have control over my condition. I can’t express enough how thankful I am to Anna and the team at Accelerate for offering a space where I could receive not only medical care but also the understanding and emotional support that I so desperately needed.

This experience has been nothing short of life-changing, and I encourage anyone who is dealing with a similar condition to reach out to Accelerate. It’s never too late to get the answers and support you need. Thanks to the team at Accelerate, I’m living my life with a better understanding of my body, and for the first time, I don’t feel like I’m alone in this journey.

Take the First Step

If you’ve been living with unexplained leg changes or suspect you may have Lipoedema, I encourage you to take the first step toward understanding and managing your health. The team at Accelerate is here to listen, to educate, and to provide the support you deserve. It’s never too late to get the help you need—and I can tell you from experience, it will make all the difference – Sara

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