Have You Ever Felt Dismissed by a Health Professional?

This is a highly personal story about my lipedema journey and the health care professionals I have met along the way, so this will only be open to members.

First, I want to say that I have been blessed with having so many good people in my life who have done their best to help me and my lipedema situation. I want to thank my first general practitioner, who took me seriously when I explained the pain in my legs and thighs in 2011 and who tried her best to send me in the right direction; the cardiovascular doctor who told me about my lipedema as early as 2012; my surgeon, who removed a lot of my pain and swelling by reducing my lipedema volume through four surgeries; my physiotherapist, who was the most amazing support during my surgical phase, both mentally and physically; and my new general practitioner, who still tries his best to support me with knowledge and by sending me in the right directions so I can get the best care possible. You have all been a blessing, and I’m thankful every day for your support and for taking me seriously.

But last summer, I had an experience with a doctor in a totally different field—someone I saw for something unrelated to lipedema. I mentioned my lipedema because some of my decisions in life are shaped by what I’ve learned since getting the diagnosis, and by nearly 14 years of pain management. He told me that the pain was “just in my head,” and said he knew that because his wife works with lipedema patients as a physiotherapist. He was so rude, and he made me feel so small.

If you’re comfortable, share what helped you feel supported—or what you wish you’d said in the moment.