Finding Passion Through Challenge:
A Lipedema Journey to Joy
Have you ever marveled at those who discover their passions early in life and then doggedly pursue them? That was a dream I long held but couldn’t seem to grasp. My hobbies were plentiful, yet when asked about my passion, all I could muster was, “I love to talk.” It seemed too simple, perhaps even trivial. However, life has a way of unveiling passions in the most unexpected of places.
Three years ago, at 59, a revelation struck me: I was diagnosed with a condition called lipedema. This wasn’t a new development; it had shadowed me since puberty, a silent companion manifesting as heavy, aching legs, unexplained weight gain, and disproportionate fat storage. These symptoms, coupled with pain and bruising in my lower body and upper arms, had been my norm. I was resigned to the idea that this was just the burden of being overweight, coupled with a natural decline into reduced mobility as I age.
Everything changed when I encountered Catherine Seo and Leslyn Keith from Lipedema Simplified and the Lipedema Project. My understanding of my body and its pains was transformed. Lipedema, characterized by painful fat accumulation and edema, was not a mere side effect of obesity but a distinct and diagnosable condition. Discovering that the lumpy, bumpy fat had a name and that my experiences were not a solitary anomaly ignited a spark within me.
Armed with this newfound knowledge, my mission became clear: to educate and support others navigating the same path. I dove headfirst into learning everything about lipedema, eventually joining Lipedema Simplified as a Keto and Fasting coach, sharing the protocols that had significantly impacted my own journey.
My role has since expanded to community manager, symposium presenter, course developer, and director of the Coaching Collaborative Global Network. This network, a collective of nutritionists, therapists, and researchers, offers comprehensive support, including CBD oil for pain management, to those battling lipedema.
Now, at 63, my passion has never been clearer. I’ve harnessed my love for speaking to advocate, educate, and spread awareness about lipedema, affecting approximately 11% of women in the U.S. alone. My involvement with virtual events, interviews, and as a facilitator for courses on the holistic approach to managing lipedema alongside esteemed professionals has been incredibly fulfilling.
My journey from misunderstanding my body’s signals to becoming an empowered advocate and part of a support system for others has been nothing short of transformative. I live my dream daily, sharing joy, knowledge, and support with a community that once felt isolated in their struggles.
To those navigating life with lipedema, know that understanding, support, and a vibrant community await you at Lipedema Simplified. May you, too, find joy in living your passion, emboldened by the knowledge that anything is possible, even with lipedema.
Living with Lipedema: Tips for Empowerment
- Seek Knowledge: Educate yourself about lipedema; understanding your condition is the first step to empowerment.
- Find Your Community: Connect with others who understand your journey. The support and shared experiences are invaluable.
- Explore Treatment Options: From dietary approaches like Keto and fasting to physical therapies and pain management, there are many paths to relief.
- Advocate for Yourself: Whether in healthcare settings or in your personal life, your voice is your strongest tool.
- Embrace Self-Care: Prioritize activities and practices that nourish both your body and mind.
Remember, your journey with lipedema is uniquely yours, but you don’t have to walk it alone.
~ Gail Straker, BAEd
Community Manager, Director of Coaching
Lipedema Simplified