Stacey’s Lipedema Surgery

First of all thank you so much for taking the time to have a look at my page. Even if you can’t donate (times are hard for most) hopefully this page gives you an insight to what Lipedema is.

So what is Lipedema?

Lipedema is a painful condition where abnormal fat accumulates predominantly in the legs and sometimes arms (Stacey has already had arm surgery), causing pain, discomfort, and limited mobility. It affects primarily women and can have a profound impact on physical and emotional well-being. It’s not caused by being overweight or eating unhealthy it’s down to hormones.

Stacey has already had two successful surgeries but she desperately requires surgery on her legs and neck. She has recently been given a disabled permit for parking as her mobility is steadily declining and the Lipedema in her neck has caused hearing reduction in one ear as well as neck pain and headaches.

Unlike normal fat lipedema tissue cannot be metabolised (burnt off by exercise or diet) the only way to reduce it is to remove it. The texture of lipedema is hard lumps which is tangled between nerves and veins causing painful swellings and deformity. Lipedema also causes huge inflammation problems in the body.

Stacey is determined to regain control of her life and overcome Lipedema however the costs of treatments and therapies are a significant burden. Unfortunately the NHS doesn’t cover the costs of surgery which is why we’re trying to raise some pennies this way.

After surgery there’s physio costs, compression therapy / garments, lymphatic massage costs to try to prevent the Lipedema returning.

Every donation, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to helping Stacey on her journey to a brighter, pain-free future. If you are unable to donate please consider sharing the story as there are others with the same condition and helping to spread awareness is key.

What am I doing to raise money?

Well if you know me, you already know I’m a bit of a dickhead. If you don't... you know now.

I've signed up for IronMan Wales 2024

This is an event in Tenby (Sept 24) where I have to swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles and then run a marathon 26.2 miles... all in the same day one after the other.

Sounds horrific doesn't it especially as I can't swim and I'm currently terrified of cycling on roads.

I’ve done some silly challenges in the past but this is definitely the most difficult one.

I'm in desperate need of any help and guidance with training as I've never done anything like this... but I can assure you (even those that doubt me, and there's a few) I'll be there and I'll get round.

Thank you for reading if you got this far.

Updates to follow.. (@dadstriathlon on insta).

Stacey's journey.. (@mylipedemalife_)

Rick xxx