The Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN) will also be joining the LSS Lymphoedema Awareness Day on the 11th March at Moreton Hall Community Centre, 1.30pm – 4.30pm. LSN joins Macmillan, Talk Lipoedema, The Chronic Pain Support Group and BSN at the event. Do come and join us on the 11th March to learn more about Lymphoedema and Lipoedema – whilst enjoying tea and lovely cake at this free event. Dress code – Carnival if you can, can can!
So what is Lipoedema?
The Suffolk GP Federation Lymphoedema Service also treats patients with Lipoedema. It’s a chronic and progressive disorder that can occur at any age and affects the adipose tissue, over 300 million women worldwide have this painful condition. Because of increased fat under the skin, legs can appear pale and feel cold when compared with the rest of the body. Skin feels fatty or doughy and is often tender and bruises easily. Feet and hands are not affected, although the arms can be occasionally. Lipoedema can be very painful – women with the condition often complain of aching in the affected limbs and pain in the knees. Some features of Lipoedema are:
- Weight is gained disproportionately on hips and thighs and below knee, this usually affects both sides and is symmetrical.
- Legs are sensitive to touch with deep throbbing pain in legs and pain in knee joints
- Legs feel heavy and swell throughout the day (especially after long periods of standing or sitting) but resolve overnight.
- Fat on legs looks dimpled like “orange peel“ and legs may feel cold to the touch. Lipoedema fat does not respond to dieting
If you think you may be suffering from Lipoedema then visit your GP to ask for a referral to the Suffolk GP Federation Lymphoedema Service. Further information can be found at: www.lipoedema.co.uk and www.talklipoedema.org
Further details about LSS and the Lymphoedema Service:
Suffolk GP Federation CIC:
0845 2413313 (choose option 3)
www.suffolkfed.org.uk –
click on Clinical Service tab
British Lymphology Society website www.thebls.com
