I haven't been diagnosed with that.

Hi, everyone and Colleen! I haven’t been technically diagnosed yet, however, I feel that I have all of the symptoms of Dercum’s. I’ve had lipomas and skin issues my whole life. At 18, I had an emergency appendectomy…not sure if that’s related, but looking back things seem to add up more. I have 2 amazing boys (men now, ha) and my first was born with a placental abruption…not sure if that’s related. I’ve been super healthy my whole adult life…although, I use to eat way more processed foods, sugar, treats before I realized I needed to lose weight and the fatigue and lipomas started to increase. My first real fatigue was Jan. Of 2020, although, now looking back it might have been Covid? Anyway, fast forward to Jan of 2021, and I was teaching elementary music and at lunchtime I just was fatigued I couldn’t teach anymore that day. And I had to resign from my full-time teaching job. (I’ve been subbing some since then.). Anyway, I also have been in menopause since 2020 and that doesn’t help anything. Most recently I have recovered from a staph infection due to mold exposure and then, this past 6 months, I think this disease has really taken off. It’s really affecting my stomach and motility as well. I had H Pylori, but I think it’s going away. I’ve been real strict on diet, eating smaller meals, eating super healthy, low FODMAP, and taking Motility Pro supplement, which is helping. It is also affecting my liver (as I eat super healthy now and no alcohol)…and I have NAFL already…I’m trying to reverse that with diet, exercise and castor oil packs (my grandma died of liver cancer…so, I’m super on top of it!). Anyway, I have lots and lots of small lipomas mostly in my abdominal area and down the sides of my torso, some in my legs and in my breasts (they are dense breasts…just had a clear 3D mammogram…yay for that!). I’m also following up and doing a pelvis scan to rule out my endometrial lining not thickening more. I’m also a little dizzy at times…as I think it’s affecting my brain a little…yikes! My blood numbers are all over the place…really out of whack for how I eat and live, I love to exercise…but, my cardio ability is compromised now…so, I want help with that too…I really don’t want to be on oxygen. I really want to get on top of all of this and stop it from progressing as well as feel better with what I already have. I’m trying to stay hopeful and helpful to others…that brings me such joy! I have 2 amazing sons and 2 amazing step-sons, but they are all busy with their families…and my husband is dealing with a a lot of medical issues and addiction as well…so, having this support group is amazing!! I’m so, so grateful!! I’m also scheduled to meet with Dr. Herbst a renowned doctor in this field in Tucson, AZ this Sept…thank you God!! I’m hoping to get the diagnosis in writing and coded for my social security disability benefits. I had to retire back in Jan. Of 2021, but I’m only 56 and still wanted to teach more….but, fortunately I had a great career and taught for 27 years…elementary music, choir and piano! I miss it…but, not the stress! :). I love to play piano and sometimes I volunteer at Mayo…maybe we could all meet one day there and I’ll play for you all and we could have lunch! I so hope you all are feeling wonderful today! I’m trying to remain positive and hopeful…but, I have to admit, tears fall easily (especially for a menopausal women.). Maybe we could also share what is helping us all out? I am taking fish oil, sunflower lecithin, Motility Pro (really helps), Vit D, multi, B-12 and other supplements…a liver tincture helps some too. I also found a Boiron pain stick and ginger oil with arnica to help the pain of the lipomas. Ok, wow…I guess this got long! Thanks so, so much!! I’m sending you all healing blessings and hang in there!! Hugs!! Mia ;)🌸💕