Jessica’s Story

I am 33 years old and I live in the amazing state of California. In 2019 I was diagnosed with Lymphedema, yea! I am actually excited about this diagnosis as I suspected I actually had COPD. I had been actively avoiding doctors for the last several years as my previous doctor could not see past my weight. I went to her a few years ago (2015 I believe) asking about the swelling in my legs, she told me it was most likely edema and she wouldn’t prescribe compression stockings as she assumed I wouldn’t wear them. She also told me I needed to lose weight. For the record, this was always what she wanted to talk about during our visits and I was actively training for half marathons, I was working out and eating well consistently but I wasn’t losing weight. My doctor had fatphobic mentally and could not treat me for my medical issues because she couldn’t look past my weight. At the time I didn’t realize I was in the beginning stages of exercise bulimia and anorexia tendencies, which is something my doctor supported. I currently see a therapist who specializes in eating disorders and she has helped me tremendously. After this appointment, I decided to never go back to that office as I didn’t feel like my doctor was listening to my concerns. So I didn’t see a doctor for several years and in 2017 I was laid off and lost my health insurance. For the remaining 2017 and 2018, I didn’t have health insurance and with my luck, I developed bronchitis 3 times in 2018. Also, my ankles and feet almost doubled in size due to swelling. For as long as I can remember my legs have also been large and in charge (so I never was concerned about them) however my left leg developed what I call a dent which also was causing what I assume is my muscle to be pushed out. Also during this time, I gave up working out as I was dealing with the anger of my exercise bulimia. Between the swelling, dent, bronchitis, and my therapist insisting I practice self-care, I finally was determined to get health insurance and see a doctor. I got an appointment with a doctor I have never seen before and I hoped they would listen to me. To my surprise, she was someone who was part of my half marathon training group. Because we had trained together before, she knew that my swelling was not due to COPD or my lack of working out and she suspected it was Lymphedema. She had me complete an ultrasound on my legs and other tests to confirm I didn’t have COPD. My test results confirmed I had Lymphedema. I was instantly referred to a Lymphedema specialist and I just love her. She has not only had compassion for me but she also guides me on how I can best manage my Lymphedema without judgment. She has even suggested I may have Lipedema which she suspected caused my lymphedema. In 2020 I was diagnosed with Lipoedema and now know my undiagnosed Lipoedema caused Lymphedema to develop in my legs. I currently wear compression stockings every day that go from my toes to my breast bone and they have worked wonders on me. My insurance didn’t approve my Flexitouch pump however I was still able to get one through Tactile Medical. I have also started working out again, including yoga and walking, while also working hard not to get back into old habits. In all honesty, the only struggle I have had with Lymphedema was the fashion component at the beginning of my diagnosis. The compression garments don’t scream trendsetting but I have found ways to make it. I now purposely wear outfits to show off my compression garments so I can show the world I am not ashamed of my diagnosis. Knowing this is chronic and a lifelong issue somehow doesn’t bother or concern me, I know it’s my cross to bear in my life. My goal is to have both Lymphedema and Lipoedema procedures, treatments, medical devices, medical supplies, and compression garments not only covered by insurance but known and understood by more medical professionals. As well as ending fatphobia in the medical industry. Having insurance cover all of these life-saving and care management products and services and having medical professions understand these diagnoses and know how to treat them will also improve the life quality of many Americans. By ending fatphobia in the medical industry, many more Americans can get the diagnosis, treatment, and care they deserve without the disrespect and disregard the medical industry has for fat people. Fat people deserve the same respect, dignity, and care as straight-sized people.