01.07.2024
Lipedema Column – Part 2
Lipedema and Summer: The Fear of Pain
Summer used to mean carefree days at the pool for me, but today the hot days are associated with painful, swollen legs. As someone affected by lipedema, I know how difficult summer can be, but I have learned that some tips help me to enjoy summer more again.
I would like to share some personal experiences with you and hope they also help you to a bit more ease this summer.
I used to love summer. I was the first one at the swimming pool and could hardly wait for the warm and hot days. Nowadays, I get a stomachache when I know the hotter days are coming again. I think of aching legs that are swollen with water and feel tight. The shoes pinch and everyday life becomes harder, as if it wasn't already.
For people with lipedema, summer can be a challenging time. Compression stockings help against the pain and water retention. My first thought when my doctor said, "You should especially wear compression in the summer," was that it couldn't possibly work?!
A thick pair of tights in summer is supposed to help me?
Every person affected by lipedema who has compression knows how hard it is to get into it, and when you sweat, you can totally forget about it.
I would now like to share a few personal experiences and thoughts with you on how to still enjoy summer a little despite having lipedema.
What helps me in the summer
1. Dry brushing in the morning. Stimulates the lymph and is very pleasant.
2. Rinse the legs with cold water. Sounds worse than it is. Definitely give it a try :)
3. Go swimming. This is a very good sport for us with lipedema. It is gentle on the joints and stimulates lymph flow.
4. Anti-inflammatory nutrition. It has helped me a lot with my pain and is now a help for me and my body in the summer.
5. In the evening, as the end of the day, half an hour in the Venen Engel.
6. Comfortable clothing. I find loose clothing with pleasant fabrics to be the best here.
I can now enjoy the summer a bit more again, as I find my aforementioned tips to be a great help in everyday life with lipedema.
The hotter temperatures in summer can be an unpleasant time for you. Just look at what feels good for you and pay attention to your body's signals, and don't let societal expectations pressure you. For me, it was always this feeling of everyone going out and looking forward to summer, while I'm grumpy and thinking about aching legs and just wanting cool temperatures.
Summer is for all of us, we just have to see how we can manage it with lipedema so that we don't suffer too much.
Also, be sure to enjoy the warm days in your own way.
All the best for you,
Talia