Navigating Self-Image with Lipedema: Finding Joy in Photos Despite Challenges

Hi friends!

My husband and I recently took an impromptu trip to a local museum he’d never visited and we had such a good time. When we got home, I saw a few pics hubby had taken of our fun day. The first thing I spotted…OMG my ARMS! I think most of us with lipedema do it occasionally, right? I have to tell you I had a bit of a sting, and then I was like NOPE. I’m not doing this to myself anymore.

Living with lipedema can be a complex journey, especially when it comes to self-image. As someone with this condition, I’ve had my fair share of moments where a photograph has stopped me in my tracks, not just because of typical self-consciousness, but because it starkly shows the progression of my lipedema.

There it is folks. The picture that made me gasp. Also, looking at cool stuff in a museum on a really fun day.

The Harsh Reality of Visual Evidence

It’s one thing to notice changes in the mirror day by day, but seeing a photograph can sometimes feel like a slap in the face. The camera seems to highlight the areas affected by lipedema – the disproportionate fat distribution, the changes in my body shape that I work so hard to manage. These images can be more than unflattering; they can be a visual reminder of the medical challenge I face daily.

The Emotional Toll

Catching sight of these photos can trigger a range of emotions – frustration at the lack of control over my condition, sadness about the changes in my body, and sometimes even anger at the unfairness of it all. It’s easy to fall into a spiral of negative thoughts, focusing on how lipedema is affecting my appearance rather than seeing the whole picture.

This picture I will chock up to being a wardrobe learning experience. I think I’ll wear the black compression tights (over the toe) with this dress next time. That’s it. Done.

Shifting the Focus: Finding Light in the Shadows

However, I’ve learned that dwelling on these negative aspects doesn’t serve me well. Instead, I’m working on changing my perspective and finding reasons to appreciate these photos, even when they show aspects of myself I find challenging.

Different angle, arms, legs and feet look pretty good in the picture. Now all we’re focusing on is my personality, which as you know, can be pretty goofy. That’s what I want to remember.

Reasons to Embrace Photos, Lipedema and All

Tracking Health Journey: Photos can be valuable tools for monitoring my condition, helping me and my healthcare providers track changes and adjust treatment plans.
Celebrating Resilience: Each photo is a testament to my strength in living with lipedema. I’m still out there, living life and creating memories despite the challenges.
Body Positivity: These images can be opportunities to practice self-love and acceptance, embracing my body as it is.
Raising Awareness: Sharing my journey through photos can help educate others about lipedema and reduce stigma around the condition.
Focusing on Joy: Instead of fixating on my body, I can choose to focus on the happiness evident in my smile or the fun activity I’m engaged in. Sometimes I have to stop myself and remind myself of this, but I get there.
Capturing Relationships: Photos with loved ones remind me of the support system I have, which is crucial in managing a chronic condition.
Documenting Achievements: Whether it’s a physical accomplishment or just getting out and enjoying life, these photos showcase my determination.
Inspiring Others: By sharing my story visually, I might inspire others with lipedema to live fully and confidently.

Embracing the Whole Picture

Learning to appreciate photos of myself with lipedema is an ongoing process. It’s okay to acknowledge the difficult emotions that come up, but it’s also important to look beyond them. I’m working on seeing these images as chapters in my life story – a story that includes challenges but is not defined by them. When I look at a photo now, I try to see more than just my lipedema. I see a person who is living, laughing, and loving. I see someone who is brave enough to face the world despite insecurities. I see a whole person, not just a condition. So, while it’s not always easy, I’m learning to cherish these photos. They’re not just images of a body with lipedema; they’re snapshots of a life being lived fully, challenges and all. And that’s something truly worth capturing and celebrating.

It’s so funny that when I do social media influencer work, I can take literally HUNDREDS of photos before I find one that I want to share. I think it’s also really important to share candid’s from time to time so that you all know I’m authentic and really do have the same struggles as everyone else dealing with lipedema, and middle age, and being a woman in the age of social media. All of it. So here you go. I hope this helps just one more person today.

Susan

PS: Here’s a link to this dress. I love it and it comes in a lot of patterns. It’s holding up well since I purchased it in January 2023 and have worn it MANY times! https://amzn.to/3S1SBRx