The symptoms of this disorder make some people feel embarrassed to discuss the matter with their doctor. Try to remember that there is nothing to be embarrassed about, and if it is lipedema, the earlier you catch the disorder, the more treatable it will be.
In stage 1, the skin will still be smooth, and swelling may increase during the day, but disappear with rest. During this stage, the disorder responds well to treatment. In stage 2, there may be indentations in the skin, and lipomas (fatty lumps) may develop. You may experience eczema or skin infections known as erysipelas. Swelling may still appear during the day, but likely doesn’t go away completely, even with rest and elevation of the legs. At this stage, your body may still respond well to treatment. During stage 3, you may experience a hardening of the connective tissues. At this stage, the swelling is unlikely to go down regardless of whether you are resting or elevating your legs. You might also experience overhanging skin. It is still possible to treat the disorder, but you may be less responsive to various treatments. In stage 4 you will likely experience a worsening of the symptoms present in stage 3. At this stage, the disorder is referred to by some experts as lipo-lymphedema. As with stage 3, treatment is still worth trying, but you may not respond to some treatments.
Currently, there is no blood test that will allow a doctor to determine if you have lipedema.
For example, some people suffering from lipedema are very thin above the waist but appear disproportionately large below the waste.
Note that the symptoms are not always exactly the same. Your entire leg may not be swollen or you may have swelling from the tops of the ankles all the way to the hips. Some people experience only a small pocket of fat just above each ankle.
The fat may create a column appearance that stops abruptly at the elbows or the wrists.
Additionally, it may be painful to the touch, and you may find that the affected area bruises very easily. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Providing your doctor with as much information about your health and genetic history as possible will aid your doctor in determining possible causes and treatments.
For example, if you are suffering from lipedema it is not unlikely that one of your parents is also suffering from the disorder. [12] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Though the cause of the disorder may not seem important, it could be helpful for your doctor when deciding upon good treatment option.
