Theresa Fredenburg-Hinds, aged 36, endured a lifetime of swollen and painful legs. Medical professionals often attributed this discomfort to her weight. However, a serendipitous encounter with a shop assistant who recognized her symptoms unveiled the true underlying condition that Theresa was grappling with.
Doctors had consistently informed Theresa that her swelling legs were “just fat.”
From her early years, Theresa was well aware of the medical condition that caused her legs to swell. Despite consulting numerous doctors, she had not received an accurate diagnosis for her condition. Theresa emphasized that “Lipoedema is often misdiagnosed or overlooked due to fatphobia by the medical community.”
The medical condition Theresa believed she had, lipoedema, leads to an abnormal accumulation of fat in the legs and arms, primarily affecting women. Despite experiencing enlarged legs since the age of 8, her condition intensified in pain during puberty and growth. Medical professionals dismissed her concerns, attributing her condition solely to obesity, and advised her to purchase compression stockings as a solution.
She was led to realise her true condition by a stranger.
Theresa’s apprehensions went unacknowledged until a crucial moment when she was purchasing compression stockings, and a store assistant recognized her symptoms. Theresa recounted, “I visited a specialized store, and the attendant there immediately identified my legs’ condition as lipoedema or lymphedema. She handed me a pamphlet to share with my doctor.”
“I had come across the term lipoedema and conducted my own research online, but when this kind lady in the store validated it, tears of happiness welled up,” Theresa shared. However, even after this encounter, her doctor reiterated the notion that her condition was solely due to obesity. Undeterred, Theresa persisted and sought advice from a specialist who finally provided her with an official diagnosis: lipo-lymphedema, an amalgamation of lipoedema and lymphedema.
She now uses her experience to raise awareness of lipedema.
Theresa is actively using online platforms to raise awareness about lipoedema and promote body positivity. She notes that society’s increasing appreciation for curvier bodies has somewhat alleviated the challenges of living with lipoedema. She acknowledges that while she encounters issues like public stares and ableism in her daily life, people are becoming more empathetic and understanding. Theresa is currently focused on sharing her personal journey to support those who might be facing a similar condition.
Theresa firmly believes that appearing different from the norm should be embraced as an opportunity to celebrate diversity. A poignant example of this perspective is illustrated by a father who got a tattoo to match his son’s birthmark, highlighting the power of embracing uniqueness.
