Lipedema was recognized as a disease by the World Health Organization in 2018, but its treatment is still not covered by Spanish social security.it’s a chronic disease Progressive, affects almost exclusively females, includes disproportionate accumulation of adipose tissue (fat) Occurs in the legs, but can also occur in the arms. It’s not a result of being obese or overweight, in fact dieting doesn’t work to lose weight, at least not below the waist and is sometimes confused with cellulite. Its origin is unclear, but some experts point to genetic, hormonal, and inflammatory factors. First described in 1940, the disorder is very common, believed to affect 12% to 18% of women.
These patients knock on the doors of patient associations, asking for help.In fact, at this moment, they represent The Galician Association for Lymphedema, Lipedema and Chronic Venous Insufficiency receives 90% of the consultations. “20 years ago, the same thing happened to patients with lymphedema who were not diagnosed and not treated,” they explained from the association.
One of the steps these patients take is to wear compression stockings on their legs when instructed but not currently available No choice but to pay out of pocket. They cost more than 300 euros, which not everyone can afford. For some time now, the Lymphedema and Lipedema Association has asked the Ministry of Health to include these garments in the orthotics catalog, as they have done in the past for lymphedema garments, and they have also asked the Ministry of Health to help them obtain or find solutions for Galicia plan.
But the first step is to get a diagnosis, and that too fails. “They usually tell them they are fat and they are going on a diet. Most have Every tap brings constant pain and bruising.We believe that some health professionals do not know The disease is good and we ask the Selgas to raise awareness so that it can be diagnosed and treated,” they explain.
The route is to see a family doctor, who in turn refers the patient to a vascular surgeon, who then goes to rehabilitation services. However, the Lymphedema and Lipedema Association recommends the establishment of a multidisciplinary unit in Galician hospitals, which includes These professionals as well as nutritionists, endocrinologists and psychologists, because research must be done from different aspects. Regarding the psychological impact, they point out that they are the ones who don’t know what happened to them, don’t give them a solution, can’t wear the clothes they want, receive demeaning judgments, and lose their self-esteem.
On the other hand, they pointed out that the lack of public health care led them to seek the solution of private clinics to operate, but not all private clinics can provide the necessary guarantees.