07/22/2026
Since I officially diagnosed myself with Lipedema, I dove into the sugar free, gluten free world. Sugar is a catalyst for inflammation as well as gluten.
Any way I can eliminate pesticides, I have to, because I am so toxic due to the dysfunction of my lymphatic system. It is being pressed flat due to these tumors I have. The more sugar and gluten I consume, the more these tumors grow. So limiting their growth really helps my body get rid of stored toxins by releasing some of the pressure inside of my body.
There is so much I could share, and I hope to some day be able to process enough of this to help educate women in our area! It is extremely complicated and all of this is part of “childhood trauma”…. I’m not sure about that. But I do know I have lived as long as I can remember in fight or flight. Rushing, feeling inadequate and never completing tasks. This disease affects many neurological functions, like memory, and studies show most women who have Dercum’s disease also have ADHD. I’m not sure how all of this is connected yet, but I am definitely able to connect some dots with my heath in relation to my cognitive function.
I see Dr Ashley Mann in Morrilton for functional medicine. Honestly, I don’t sing her praises enough. She didn’t have the diagnosis, but let me tell you, she is smart! She already had me started on the right plan, and the adjustments line up SO MUCH of our bodies that we don’t even think are related!
It is NOT expensive, she has Care Plans to fit your body and your affordability. And she takes Care Credit now! So pay it off with no interest.
I am not screaming from the mountain yet about ditching traditional medicine. Dr Wilkerson will always be my best doctor! He is a good one and has encouraged me and referred me everywhere I have requested in this journey for the last 8 years. I love him and would not be here without him.
With that being said, I have also stopped ALL FOUR blood pressure medications I was on. For over 5 weeks now all of my BP readings are normal to low. With no medicine. 🙌🏻
So here’s to fresh salads, fresh chicken, fresh veggies, and limited sugars as much as possible. It’s hard. It isn’t easy. Some days I want to cheat. But Steve has been doing it with me, and helps me on the hard days not to chew my own arm off. 🤪 Thanks, babe! 😍😉
Watch your kids. If cellulite shows up at puberty, or shortly after, look up Lipedema. Start them on gluten and sugar free. Be their advocate. Follow Karen Herbst, MD for more facts about Ellers Danos syndrome, and other diseases related to abnormal cell development. PLEASE, don’t give up. You and your children deserve more. There are progressive diseases like Dercum’s disease that we can prevent so much pain and suffering for the next generation! ♥️
Oh and I should have started with this. GOD. God has shown up big. God sends us encouragement through friends and family at the right time! Sometimes we get discouraged and the burden of all of this is so heavy. It’s exhausting. But we know we are not pushing ahead alone. For we are never, ever alone! God loves YOU so much. He desires you to be healthy and be able to take your sufferings and use them for His glory! So onward. Keep moving. Keep praying. Keep asking! He will answer! 🙏🏻♥️
