"Love yourself for you who are"

Newsletter Issue #17 of Lipoedema Matters
(a monthly newsletter created by Lipoedema Surgical Solution and Dr Chris Lekich)

Knowledge and education are key for women with Lipoedema

Clare Anstiss and Jo Tate, the owners and operators of Custom Medical Stockings (CMS) in Queensland, have over 35 years of experience in measuring and fitting compression garments and say the greatest joy of their roles is going through the journey with the Lippy Ladies.  

We have a great deal of empathy and respect for Lipoedema ladies who suffer from this condition and continue to endure difficulty with mobility …  in most cases severe pain and discomfort that is often coupled with low self-esteem.

Generally, our measuring services start with support for Lipoedema patients prior to their surgery.  However, we also see ‘Lippy Ladies’ after their surgery – to fit a new, smaller pair of garments. It’s great to see the differences in the measurements and the excitement on the patient’s face once they see this.  It means the journey they have been on was worthwhile.  The feedback and sincere appreciation received from patients at the fitting is truly heartwarming.  We also fit people who have Lymphoedema, general oedema, require compression for travel or have been referred by their GP for compression.

Custom made medical grade flat knit garments assist with the softening of fibrous tissue.  Many ladies notice “lumps” under their skin.  The gentle massaging effect of the garment along with the compression component which assists with circulation and movement of any lymph fluid (if there is a lymphoedema component) helps to ease pain in most circumstances.  In a pre-surgery context, the compression stocking assists the surgeon to achieve the best possible outcome from the surgery by removing larger amounts of the softened subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Knowledge and education are the keys for Lipoedema ladies.  Directing our ladies to online information, information centres and talking to their practitioners.  Being informed and understanding the context of their condition gives the Lipoedema ladies power… The power to ask questions, to understand the condition, educate family and friends (where comfortable) and to seek medical advice as needed.

Our customers – ‘Lippy Ladies’ are facing many challenges – but our consistent message and advice to Lippy Ladies over the years has always been…  “Love yourself for who you are…   Your legs do not define you.”

We have Lipoedema ladies, who when we first meet are very despondent, but by the time they have their garments on, they are already feeling a difference (a bounce in their step!), and begin to realise they can have a better quality of life and manage their lipoedema.
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This is the joy that we see in our customers, we truly enjoy going on the journey with these ladies.