Throughout her 36 years, Theresa Fredenburg-Hinds grappled with swollen and achy legs. Medical professionals consistently attributed it to her weight. However, a serendipitous encounter with a store assistant who identified her symptoms unveiled the actual underlying condition affecting Theresa.
From an early age, Theresa was well aware of her ongoing struggle with a medical ailment that caused her legs to become swollen. Despite consulting numerous doctors, she never received a proper diagnosis for her condition. Theresa commented, “Lipoedema is frequently misdiagnosed or disregarded by the medical community due to biases against those with excess weight.”
The medical condition she had suspected, lipoedema, leads to an unusual accumulation of fat in the legs and arms, primarily affecting women. While Theresa had been dealing with swollen legs since she was 8 years old, the discomfort intensified during her puberty and growth years. Her doctors attributed it solely to obesity and advised her to purchase compression stockings as a solution.
Theresa’s apprehensions remained unaddressed until she visited a store to purchase compression stockings, where a perceptive store assistant highlighted her symptoms. Theresa recounted, “I visited a specialized store, and the employee there took a single glance at my legs, informing me about a condition known as lipoedema or lymphedema. She handed me a pamphlet to share with my doctor.”
“Although I had come across lipoedema in my online research, having it confirmed by that compassionate woman in the store brought me to tears of happiness,” Theresa shared. Following this incident, Theresa revisited her doctor, only to be informed once more that her condition was simply due to obesity. Yet, she refused to give up this time and decided to seek counsel from a specialist. Ultimately, she obtained an official diagnosis of lipo-lymphedema, a blend of lipoedema and lymphedema.
Theresa is actively using online platforms to raise awareness about lipoedema and promote body positivity. “Society’s embrace of curvier bodies has somewhat eased my experience of living with lipoedema,” she acknowledged. Despite having to navigate challenges like public stares and ableism in her daily life, Theresa has noticed an increase in understanding among people. Presently, she’s dedicated to sharing her journey with those who might be grappling with a similar condition.
Being distinct from others should be embraced as a chance to celebrate diversity, similar to the touching story of a father who got a tattoo to match his son’s birthmark.
