
Katie’s Lipoedema Surgeries
Donation protected
Hello there!
Let me start off by introducing myself. My name is Katie and I received an official diagnosis of Lipoedema at the end of 2020.
What is Lipoedema I hear you wonder??
In short, it’s fat. Abnormal fat.
Lipoedema Australia describes it as “a painful hereditary disorder, typically it leads to a pattern of adipose tissue (fat) accumulation from the hips to the ankles, arms and often other parts of the body. Lipoedema may be found in women of all shapes and sizes.” See https://www.lipoedemaaustralia.com.au for more information.
The only way to removed this abnormal fat is lipoedema liposuction, which runs between $16,500-$20,000 per surgery. Unfortunately this is not covered by Medicare or health insurance as lipoedema is still not recognized by Medicare. Meaning the cost of the surgeries out paid out of pocket.
I have managed to find a couple surgeries myself so far but unfortunately I still have more to go but have had to pause due to funds.
Before I could start with liposuction it was discovered that I had a PFO (or hole in my heart) and this had to be operated on before I could proceed with the lipoedema removal. This was another $28,000 out of pocket cost that was not expected. I’m hoping to have more surgeries to remove as much lipoedema as possible so that I can continue with conservative management to keep any further growth at bay.
If you want to follow my story and results so far check out my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/ZA8vSp5NntfN8AxW/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Any support you can offer is welcome
Organizer
Katrina Schopp
Organizer
Carole Park, QLD