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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. This is the joy that we see in our customers, we truly enjoy going on the journey with these ladies.
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I recently saw a post (Medi) - What do giraffes have to do with compression? Giraffes have a venous pressure of over 250mmHg in their front and hind legs - that's three time more than us humans!! Who now there's a trivia fact.! Giraffes stand on their feet 24/7 so why don't they get swollen feet??? It has to do with the unique skin of the giraffe which does not expand on the legs due to the high density and the relatively thick layer of skin. The pressure is increased and basically promotes increased circulation, hence no swelling. Us mere humans don't have the same skin as a giraffe so we need to assist our circulation by using compression garments, compression bandaging or wraps as these will increase the pressure and improve circulation. #compression #lipoedema #lipedema #lymphoedema  One of our lovely Lipoedema ladies' feet had swollen since we measured her for her flat knit garments and after a week of trying to wear them, they had become uncomfortable, and were cutting in at the front of the ankle.
What was our solution – sanitary pads with wings. Yes, you read correctly, we used thick sanitary pads with wings vertically up the leg to cover the crease at the front of the ankle. The wings held it into place as the flat knit garments were put over the top. The result - it worked! Happy client, happy us. We are hoping our lovely friend can now wear the garment with ease and she can see the swelling come down for a more comfortable fit. This is what can happen when Clare & I come to our clients. With a mobile measuring business, we can spend the time and use items that are at our disposable at your place. When you are happy, we are happy!! It’s been a while since I posted here, my apologies. I travelled to Melbourne by car to spend some time helping family down there. It is a fair journey, but it was really a quite enjoyable road trip. We took 3 days, 2 nights to get there. Each day I would put my compression socks on and at the end of each day my ankles and legs were great. No issues with swelling or aching from sitting for long periods of time and believe me, my other half does not believe in stopping every 2 hours to move around!!
Now we are all able to travel again, it is more important than ever to wear our compression garments. If you intent to fly, definitely, as the combined effects of the pressure in the cabin and immobility for long periods of time (especially if flying overseas) can be extremely detrimental to our vascular health. The outcome can be DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) which can be a disastrous start to your much longed for holiday. The cost of purchasing some proper medical compression garments may seem to add to the cost of your already expensive holiday but imagine the cost of being in hospital for treatment of a DVT and missing out on part of your holiday. Please, if you are travelling by plane, long car journey, train travel or bus travel, talk to us about compression garments that would be suitable for you. Always make sure you are measured properly for your garments as the wrong size can be as bad as not wearing any at all. Jo and I are always happy to have a chat with you about what is suitable and we always love to hear of your adventures both overseas and in Oz. Travel safe everyone - Cheers Clare PS. just a couple of happy snaps. Share some of yours with us. Unfortunately, Lymphoedema, Lipoedema and generalised swelling is worse in hot weather. This is when you really need to wear your medical grade compression garments to contain the swelling. Use a spray bottle to dampen your legs and this will instantly cool you down. Stay in air-conditioning as much as possible. If you have a pool, walking up and down in the pool is fantastic as this provides great compression as well as keeping you cool. Contact us if you need any assistance with your garments. Clare & Jo  |
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