how can I find treatment centers to help me with my lipedema of the legs and ankles
http://www.fatdisorders.org/society/doctors/doctor-directory
You can also check out some Facebook groups, like Lipedema Sisters USA to see if there are other ladies in your area who have been diagnosed and treated by professionals not listed here.
There is also a list of massage and physical therapists on that site as well.
Hi Michelle
Unfortunately, it's very difficult to find a treatment center that specializes in lipedema. Dr. Karen Herbst at the University of Arizona, Tucson, is the BEST, but she has a long waiting list.
Many of the lymphedema clinics now also help with lipedema. The National Lymphedema Network offers a free, online resource database with credentialed clinics. Go to www.lymphnet.org. Otherwise, call 1.800.541.3259, the NLN infoline.
Fortunately, there's an increase in awareness about lipedema along with lymphedema, so it's getting a little easier to find knowledgable clinicians.
My best wishes to you
Pat Egan
Interim Executive Director & CEO
National Lymphedema Network
2288 Fulton Street #307
Berkeley, CA 94704
www.lymphnet.org
First find out if your Medical Group has a Lymphadema specialist or a therapist that does Mannual Lymph Drainage ( MLD) massage for Lymphedema. The go see them and ask if they are also familiar with Lipodema. This is the BEST bet of your meeting someone who knows about it within you medical community.
If no luck there, search the vodder.com website to look for a " Vodder trained" MLD Therapist in you specific area. They are SU RE TO KNOW however will most likely not accept insurence.
Lastly, put out on the Facebook sites what city and state you are in and see if anyone knows of a specific doctor or MLD therapist.
I have in my Facebook group about my Lipoedema treatment journey a list of doctors in Europe. About USA the best way is to post your question in one of the groups. There are 2-3 groups you can join whose members are mostly USA and are very generous with information. Join Honest Discussion Lipoedema, my group is My Lipoedema treatment journey, liposuction for Lipoedema etc
The main group is Lipedema Sisters USA. Places that do lymphedema treat also do MLD for lipedema although they may not know what it is. Vascular doctors are a place to start as well.
We have a portuguese facebook group for lipedema fighters. We also suggest the Brazilian Lipedema Association which has a list of dedicated specialists.
I would also like to suggest this lipedema information site in portuguese, for south american patients.