The Lympha Press Podcast

With five seasons and over 100 episodes, the Lymphedema Podcast is a rich resource for both patients and clinicians alike. Founder Betty Westbrook, PTA, CLT, started the podcast because she wanted to be able to direct her patients to information they could listen to after they left her care. “It also kept me from repeating myself,” she says, jokingly. But it turned into so much more.

Since the podcast’s 2019 launch, Westbrook has covered topics ranging from cellulitis, bandaging, sexual challenges, and grief with leading experts. In the process, her “always be professional” mantra shifted to “never forget to show you care.”

Westbrook’s in-person demeanor comes through in her podcast episodes. And her underlying mission? “I want people to know they don’t have to feel alone in their lymphedema journey.”

Find out more at www.lymphedemapodcast.com.

The Lympha Press Leadership Series is intended to raise awareness to leaders in lymphedema, CVI, wounds, and lipedema and the organizations that advocate for awareness and research. Lympha Press is proud to offer this content to serve both clinicians and patients.

One of the Lipedema Patient Roundtable’s founding panelists Cheryl Scoledge, of the Facebook group Lipedema and Food Sensitivities, made a special guest appearance to add to the discussion about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). A connective tissue syndrome that can also be prevalent in lipedema patients, it affects the skin, joints, and blood vessel walls, resulting in overly flexible joints and elastic skin that easily bruises. Stories of braces being necessary on legs and even dental impacts were shared along with important information on how to be tested and manage this condition.

In addition to EDS Awareness Month, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Lympha Press reminded attendees that there are patient and clinician mental health resources on www.lymphapress.com. Also shared was the encouragement to “move your body” and “start where you are” when facing a challenge to avoid being overwhelmed.

Inflammation was also a “hot” topic, with Cara Cruz (Pale Ginger Pear) sharing her recent progress obtaining testing for inflammatory markers. How food sensitivities impact these results were also discussed.

The group is preparing for Lipedema Awareness Month in June with excitement – especially regarding Pattie Cornute’s Lipedema Fitness Triathlon along with upcoming Lympha Press webinars with Dr. Karen Herbst and Linda-Anne Kahn. Roundtable host Brenda Viola is also offering an encore webinar of her recent talk from the Fat Disorders Resource Society Conference in July.

Special thanks to all the attendees of this monthly live Roundtable who add so much depth and encouragement to the hour (which always flies by!). We especially appreciate our regular panelists:

Siouxie Boshoff (@lipedema.living) Angelique Charles (@thelippybutterfly) Pattie Cornute (@lipedemafitness) Cara Cruz (@PaleGingerPear) Linda-Anne Kahn (@lindaannekahn) Brenda Viola (@BrendaViola_ViciCommunications)

And thank special guest:

Cheryl Scoledge (Facebook Group: Lipedema & Food Sensitivities)

The Lipedema Patient Roundtables are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 8:00 PM EST and are sponsored by Lympha Press, which offers compression therapy systems like the Optimal Plus compression pump and Lympha Pants garment to effectively treat lipedema patients. The Roundtable demonstrates Lympha Press’s commitment to patient well-being and to fostering the important sense of community that contributes to mental health. To learn more about how Lympha Press can help you, reach out at lymphapress.com/contact-us.

Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

Mental health is as important as physical health, especially when living with a chronic condition like lymphedema. In recognition of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, panelists and attendees at the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable opened up about their own mental health journeys and how they support their emotional well-being alongside their physical.

Joining the panelists on the other side of the virtual table was regular attendee Fenton Groff, who shared his story peppered with insights on how he manages his mental health together with his lymphedema.

The hour flew by as the conversation continued to topics like the surgical treatment of lymphedema, exercise, and nutrition, as well as re-framing your lymphedema treatment as self-care. To close out the evening, Fenton shared an encouraging quote from Mark Twain: “The secret of making progress is to get started.”

A special thank-you to our panelists this month:

Kelly Bell, Lymphedema Patient and Advocate (@veteran_fighting_lymphedema) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient and Lympha Press Marketing and Communications Associate (@lymphielife) Fenton Groff, Lymphedema Patient Angela Jones, #Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy) Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982) Amanda Sobey, Lymphedema Patient, Certified Personal Trainer, and Nutritionist (@am.sobey) Nasreen Starner, Certified #LymphedemaTherapist (@nasreenstarner)

And here’s a list of links mentioned during the chat:

Find a Certified Lymphedema Therapist through resources from the Lymphology Association of North America, Lighthouse Lymphedema Network, the Lymphatic Education and Research Network, and the National Lymphedema Network Watch Kathleen Lisson’s webinar on breathing techniques and mindfulness Watch Leslyn Keith’s webinar on The Lymphatic Code

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

Lympha Press is proud to offer these monthly Lymphedema Patient Roundtables and to be a support to the lymphedema community. The Roundtables are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00 PM EST. Sign up to attend any of our live webinars at https://linktr.ee/LymphaPress.

Learn how our easy-to-use compression therapy can help you manage your condition by visiting www.lymphapress.com or contacting marketing@lymphapress.com.

“Love is the greatest ingredient in healing.”

That’s just one of the gems from this insightful interview with Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR, CLT-LANA. Giving hope as well as the tools to manage chronic conditions has been Karen’s mission for over 40 years. A problem solver at heart who enjoys coming up with “new recipes for treatment no one has thought of yet” makes her training sessions riveting. Her passion for education and a desire to “put lymphedema in remission” make her work with patients and clinicians effective.

A lifelong learner who encourages people to keep looking for answers, she brings her curiosity and wisdom to each Research Roundtable for clinicians. This unique series, co-anchored by Karen Ashforth and Dr. Karen Herbst, is a platform for leading-edge conversations on a different topic each month. Sponsored by Lympha Press, clinicians can register by following this link.

She is also one of the anchors of the monthly Lymphedema Patient Roundtable, hosted by Alexa Ercolano from Lympha Press. Patients can register for this monthly discussion, held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8 PM EST, by visiting this link.

To learn more about Karen Ashforth and her work, visit www.karenashforth.com.

The Lympha Press Leadership Series is intended to raise awareness to leaders in lymphedema, CVI, wounds, and lipedema and the organizations that advocate for awareness and research. Lympha Press is proud to offer this content to serve both clinicians and patients.

This special edition of the Lipedema Patient Roundtable was all about beating the post-conference blues! Joining our regular panelists were patient speakers from the Fat Disorders Resource Society (FDRS) Conference, including:

Wyckham Avery (@wyckhamavery) Sarah Bramblette (@born2lbfat) Hiba Hamati (@hibs800) Beth Rylaarsdam (@curvygirlbeth) Jenn Sephton (@livingwithlippy_public)

From learning to "pivot," walking into a doctor's appointment with the Standard of Care for Lipedema in the US, wearing clothes that make you feel great, and celebrating the passage of the Lymphedema Treatment Act — this special edition of the Roundtable encouraged all who attended to know their worth and find strength in community.

Special thanks to our anchor patient panelists who offer their time and insights so freely each month:

Jenny Beaujean (@jenny_beaujean) Siouxie Boshoff (@lipedema.living) Angelique Charles (@TheLippyButterfly) Pattie Cornute (@LipedemaFitness) Cara Cruz (@PaleGingerPear)

If you'd like more information about how you can use Lympha Press to manage your lipedema or lymphedema, we'd love to help. Visit https://lymphapress.com/contact-us/ to get connected with a local Lympha Press representative!

Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The April Lipedema Patient Roundtable was jam-packed with information and inspiration as each anchor panelist shared their biggest takeaway from the recent Fat Disorders Resource Society (FDRS) Conference. Special guest Dr. Omar Beidas from Advent Health shared insights about lipedema surgery and answered questions about chronic venous insufficiency, BMI, and other factors when considering surgery. His local Lympha Press Compression Therapy Consultant, Rich Bradley, talked about the important relationship between reps and doctors, as well as lymphedema and other therapists. Both shared success stories and their commitment to helping lipedema patients.

In response to questions from the audience, tapping or Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) expert Lauren Fonvielle from Mindshift with Lauren talked about this technique for pain and mindset management and led the group through a tapping exercise.

The Lipedema Patient Roundtables are brought to you each month by Lympha Press, which offers a tremendous tool to manage this condition. The Optimal Plus is indicated by the FDA for the treatment of lipedema, and combined with the Lympha Pants garment, offers easy-to-use compression therapy in the comfort of home. Find out more by contacting Lympha Press!

Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

Spring has sprung, and the April Lymphedema Patient Roundtable was buzzing with questions from attendees on topics ranging from tips for donning garments, managing swelling after knee replacement surgery, and mobility aids for lower extremity lymphedema. Plus, Amanda Sobey gave an exciting recap of the Lymphedema Association of Manitoba's celebrations — and wins — during Lymphedema Awareness Month.

What's the difference between compression garments, bandages, and wraps? Can we use hot tubs if we have lymphedema? And how do you deal with a doctor who won't listen to you about your lymphedema? The hour flew by as panelists discussed these questions and more alongside those chiming in in the live chat to share their own experiences and insights. Regular attendee Fenton Groff summed it up best: "Walk a mile in our lymphedema shoes for one hour... and you will obtain years of education."

A special thank-you to our panelists this month:

Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (@karenashforth_cltlana) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient and Lympha Press Marketing and Communications Associate (@lymphielife) Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy) Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982) Amanda Sobey, Lymphedema Patient, Certified Personal Trainer, and Nutritionist (@am.sobey)

And here's a list of links mentioned during the chat:

Lymphedema Association of Manitoba petition The Lipedema Foundation The Lymphology Association of North America The Lymphatic Education and Research Network The 2023 National Lymphedema Network Conference registration The Lymphedema Treatment Act TSA Cares Card for air travel (PDF)

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

Lympha Press is proud to offer these monthly Lymphedema Patient Roundtables and to be a support to the lymphedema community. The Roundtables are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00 PM EST. Sign up to attend any of our live webinars at https://linktr.ee/LymphaPress.

Learn how our easy-to-use compression therapy can help you manage your condition by visiting www.lymphapress.com or contacting marketing@lymphapress.com.

Katina Kirby’s greatest wish is that she’ll be out of a job someday. “A day when there is a cure for lymphedema is the highest hope,” she says in this enlightening interview.

Her career started as an occupational therapist, and when the opportunity arose for lymphedema therapist training, she raised her hand. Katina loved helping patients, though 25 years ago a lymphedema diagnosis was met with skepticism in the medical community. “This is just post-surgical swelling…” she heard, though the surgery in question had been four years previous.

Truly, awareness and treatment have come a long way. Katina’s long-term experience in lymphedema therapy equipped her perfectly for the role of Executive Director of the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA). LANA’s website, www.clt-lana.org, is a wealth of information for both patients and clinicians and Katina’s hope is that many will avail themselves of LANA’s resources.

Lympha Press has been a proud LANA sponsor for many years and is delighted to shine a spotlight on Katina Kirby and the significant role LANA plays to educate and advocate for advances in lymphedema therapy.

This interview was recorded in March 2023. You can watch a video recording of the interview on the Lympha Press USA Channel on YouTube.

The Lympha Press Leadership Series raises awareness of leaders in lymphedema, CVI, wounds, and lipedema and the organizations that advocate for awareness and research.

Dr. Mark Melin wanted to be an astronaut, and now he studies space as part of his groundbreaking work in lymphedema and wounds.

Find out how his personal experience led to his profession, and be inspired by his fervor for patients to advocate for themselves.

A call to join the American Vein & Lymphatic Society and a host of “shout outs” to people he is inspired by inform this captivating interview.

This interview was recorded in March 2023. You can watch a video recording of the interview on the Lympha Press USA Channel on YouTube.

The Lympha Press Leadership Series is intended to raise awareness to leaders in lymphedema, CVI, wounds, and lipedema and the organizations that advocate for awareness and research. Lympha Press is proud to offer this content to serve both clinicians and patients.

March is Lymphedema Awareness Month! Every Lymphedema Patient Roundtable is about lymphedema awareness, but the March Roundtable was especially pumped with conversation around life with lymphedema.

The panel was joined by Steve Kantor, founder of Medical Solutions Supplier, and lymphedema patient and advocate Veronica Seneriz, who many know through her group, Lymphie Strong, and her role as Patient Services Director at the Lymphatic Education and Research Network.

Panelists and attendees reflected on their lymphedema journeys and shared the lessons they’ve learned — and are still learning — along the way, and Veronica spoke about her unique experience growing up in a “lymphedema family” as a multigenerational lymphedema patient. The conversation was so engaging that the Roundtable went over its usual hour by almost ten minutes, although it still felt like time flew by: “This was the fastest round table ever. It went by too fast!!” wrote one attendee in the chat. “So much information, so appreciated!”

We so appreciate those who joined us this month, including our panelists:

Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (@karenashforth_cltlana) Kelly Bell, Lymphedema Patient and Advocate (@veteran_fighting_lymphedema) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient and Lympha Press Marketing and Communications Associate (@lymphielife) Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy) Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982) Steve Kantor, founder of Medical Solutions Supplier Veronica Seneriz, Lymphedema Patient, Founder of Lymphie Strong, and Patient Services Director at LE&RN (@lymphiestrong) Amanda Sobey, Lymphedema Patient, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist (@am.sobey) Nasreen Starner, CLT (@nasreenstarner)

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

Lympha Press is proud to offer these monthly Lymphedema Patient Roundtables and to be a support to the lymphedema community. The Roundtables are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00 PM EST. Sign up to attend any of our live webinars at https://linktr.ee/LymphaPress.

Learn how our easy-to-use compression therapy can help you manage your condition by visiting www.lymphapress.com or contacting marketing@lymphapress.com.

It's Lymphedema Awareness Month and the Lipedema Patient Roundtablers were honored to welcome William Repicci, President and CEO of the Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LE&RN). The resources available through LE&RN for lipedema patients were discussed as well as how this important organization advocates for patients with all lymphatic disorders. A powerful moment was when Repicci stated, after hearing the impassioned words of the panelists, "Stoicism doesn't change the world. Activism does."

Nine years after her original lipedema surgery, Siouxie Boshoff was missing from tonight's panel as she recovered from surgery with Dr. Jaime Schwartz. Pale Ginger Pear spoke about recovery and read a poem; The Lippy Butterfly encouraged us all to "stop, drop, and roll" with life; and the attendees filled chat with what the monthly Roundtable means to them.

Brenda Viola shared (with joy) the testimony of a Pennsylvania lipedema patient who now goes out dancing on Friday nights and wears shorts again, thanks to her Optimal Plus and Lympha Pants.

The entire group is excited about the upcoming Fat Disorders Resource Society (FDRS) Conference in April, where Dr. Karen Herbst will offer the keynote and both Cara Cruz and Linda-Anne Kahn will also serve as speakers; Brenda will close the conference with "Settling Your Worth." Pattie Cornute's recent posts on @LipedemaFitness spoke to the power of "the words we say to ourselves," and some powerful time was spent thinking about "I am...I can...I will..."

Next month, the panel sticks to its "New Year's Resolution" to invite experts to join the discussion. Dr. Omar Beidas, a lipedema surgeon based in Florida, and Lauren Fonvielle, who is an expert on mindset and tapping, will join the April Roundtable.

But March? It was another jam-packed, information- and inspiration-filled hour with special thanks to:

Pattie Cornute (@LipedemaFitness) Cara Cruz (@PaleGingerPear) Angelique Charles (@TheLippyButterfly) Jenny Beaujean (@jenny_beaujean) Linda-Anne Kahn (@lindaannekahn)

If you'd like more information about how you can use Lympha Press to manage your lipedema or lymphedema, we'd love to help. Reach out to marketing@lymphapress.com for more information or visit www.lymphapress.com.

Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

“I like putting puzzles together,” remarked Lymphatic Education & Research Network President and CEO William Repicci during this Lympha Press Leadership Series interview.

His story is remarkable: From Alaska to Africa; a background in psychology and Broadway plays to his current role with Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LE&RN); every stop in his journey prepared him to be an effective advocate for lymphatic causes.

When responding to a vague job description, he eventually turned down the offer because “I knew nothing about lymphedema.” But as he learned 10 million people were affected by a disease that had little recognition in the medical world, he took on the challenge. Initially rebranding what had been a failing and near-bankrupt organization, what we now know as LE&RN grew to become a positive force for both patients and clinicians.

Without LE&RN, there would be no World Lymphedema Day. Department of Defense research funding now includes lymphatic diseases, thanks to their advocacy efforts. The creation of LE&RN’s Centers of Excellence is also a highlight… but there’s much more work to do, and Repicci remains inspired as he enters his twelfth year of service at LE&RN’s help.

Find out more at https://www.lymphaticnetwork.org.

This interview was recorded in March 2023. You can watch a video recording of the interview on the Lympha Press USA Channel on YouTube.

The Lympha Press Leadership Series is intended to raise awareness to leaders in lymphedema, CVI, wounds, and lipedema and the organizations that advocate for awareness and research. Lympha Press is proud to offer this content to serve both clinicians and patients.

In this installment of the Lympha Press Leadership Series, learn more about Kathleen Lisson, CLT, and how her desire to help reduce the side effects of her mother’s cancer led her first to massage therapy, then manual lymph drainage, and certification as a lymphedema therapist.

A contributor to the Standard of Care for Lipedema in the United States and a prolific author, Lisson is fueled by curiosity. “I want to wake up every day with the intention of learning something new,” she says.

Patients will be inspired by her respect for them; in fact, she says to her patients, “You’re calling the shots.” Respectful of the care team, she delights in collaboration and learning new techniques to help patients. She admits to many a late night on PubMed and is devoted to advancing awareness and education. Follow her on social media at @KathleenLisson.

This interview was recorded in February 2023. You can watch a video recording of the interview on the Lympha Press USA Channel on YouTube.

The Lympha Press Leadership Series is intended to raise awareness to leaders in lymphedema, CVI, wounds, and lipedema and the organizations that advocate for awareness and research. Lympha Press is proud to offer this content to serve both clinicians and patients.

Love is usually in the air at the Lipedema Patient Roundtable, but extra doses were served up with the addition of Kathleen Lisson, CLT, to the panel as a special Valentine’s guest. As one of the authors of the Standard of Care for Lipedema in the United States, she adeptly answered questions from the audience, including how to best deal with pain, what to look for when considering surgery, and even led the group in a beautiful meditation to end the program.

Attendees were interested in the Lympha Press Optimal Plus, and panelists encouraged that, when it comes to lipedema, more than a leg sleeve is the “optimal” garment choice. Several of the anchors are regular users of the Lympha Pants and Cara Cruz has the upper extremity garment, which came in handy for healing after her recent arm surgery.

Excitement is building for the upcoming Fat Disorders Resource Society (FDRS) Conference in April and next month is Lymphedema Awareness Month, so the Roundtable will host a representative from the Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LE&RN). In the meantime, a reminder to “never turn your back on your self” underscored the value of knowing our worth, fueling all who logged on with an extra helping of encouragement.

Special thanks to the panelists:

Pattie Cornute (@LipedemaFitness) Cara Cruz (@PaleGingerPear) Angelique Charles (@TheLippyButterfly) Jenny Beaujean (@jenny_beaujean) Kathleen Lisson (@mindfulcoachkathleen)

New visitors join the Roundtable each month! Please bring your questions, and should you want to learn more about the Lympha Press Optimal Plus, reach out to marketing@lymphapress.com or visit www.lymphapress.com to find out how helpful it is when managing lipedema.

Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

Hearts weren't the only thing pumping at the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable this Valentine's Day: With Medical Solutions Supplier founder Steve Kantor at the virtual table, the conversation was pumped on the topic of pneumatic compression therapy!

How can one ensure they get the most out of their treatment sessions with their pump? What's the difference between the pumps you see in the drug store or online versus pumps like Lympha Press? And what is the "wave" setting? With Steve's pneumatic compression know-how, certified lymphedema therapist Karen Ashforth's clinical expertise, and our patient panelists providing their own first-hand experiences, the chat seized the opportunity to buzz with questions about pumps.

Panelists and attendees also talked about navigating relationships with lymphedema, not just with others but with yourself as well. Regular attendee Fenton Groff summed up the love felt during the night best, saying: "This Roundtable is my monthly support group — I wouldn't miss it. I love all of you."

Thank you to our panelists this month:

Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (@karenashforth_cltlana) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient and Lympha Press Marketing and Communications Associate (@lymphielife) Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy) Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982) Steve Kantor, founder of Medical Solutions Supplier

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

Lympha Press is proud to offer these monthly Lymphedema Patient Roundtables and to be a support to the lymphedema community. The Roundtables are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00 PM EST. Sign up to attend any of our live webinars at https://linktr.ee/LymphaPress.

Learn how our easy-to-use compression therapy can help you manage your condition by visiting www.lymphapress.com or contacting marketing@lymphapress.com.

This recording is from February 2022.

Can you feel the love? Attendees at the February Lymphedema Patient Roundtable sure did! In honor of February being the month of love, a few of our panelists brought along their special someones to talk about relationships and lymphedema.

There wasn’t a dry eye onscreen as Kelly Bell’s wife, Jen, described how adrift they felt when looking for answers and how she strove to be his “safe harbor.” Alexa Ercolano and her twin sister, Breanna, shared the ways their experience growing up was affected by Alexa’s lymphedema, and Angela Jones and Angelique Charles expressed how their shared experience of living with lipolymphedema has made their friendship invaluable despite never having met in person (yet!).

What about when the only person you have is yourself? Amanda Sobey discussed what it was like to go through the bulk of her lymphedema journey alone as a single parent, and how she eventually forged her own support system through social media. Our medical professionals on the panel chimed in, too, about the importance of therapists having support as well.

It was a night of extreme vulnerability, resiliency, encouragement — and, most of all, of love.

A huge thank-you to our panelists and their guests:

Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (@karenashforth_cltlana), and her partner, David BestCam Ayala, Lymphedema Patient (@CamronAyala)Kelly Bell, Lymphedema Patient and Advocate (@Veteran_Fighting_Lymphedema), and his wife, Jen BellAlexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient (@lymphielife), and her sister, BreannaAngela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy), and her friend, Angelique Charles (@thelippybutterfly)Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982), and her friend, Amy Rivera (@ninjas_fighting_lymphedema)Amanda Sobey, Lymphedema Patient, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist (@am.sobey)Nasreen Starner, CLTBetty Westbrook, CLT (@LymphedemaPodcast), and her friend, Brittany Williams (

Plus size model and influencer Beth Rylaarsdam — known as CurvyGirlBeth online — tells her lipedema story and shares how she manages her condition and embraces the lipedema life.

This interview was recorded in June 2020 You can watch the video recording of Beth's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

In this fascinating interview with American Vein & Lymphatic Society (AVLS) Executive Director Dean Bender, he recalls, “In 2004, most of our membership couldn’t spell lymphedema, let alone diagnose it.”

Much has changed for the better since then, and Bender details how AVLS offers Advocacy, Research, and Education to its members. The role of the Foundation to fund mission-critical initiatives, how a name change ensured that lymphedema would be viewed as important as venous disease, and his vision for American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) recognition of venous and lymphatic medicine as a stand-alone medical specialty were discussed.

To AVLS members, Dean says “Thank you” while offering a call for more engagement. Volunteerism is at the heartbeat of AVLS’ success, which offers hope and help to patients with chronic conditions. For more information, visit https://www.myavls.org.

This interview was recorded in January 2023. You can watch a video recording of the interview on the Lympha Press USA Channel on YouTube.

The Lympha Press Leadership Series is intended to raise awareness to leaders in lymphedema, CVI, wounds, and lipedema and the organizations that advocate for awareness and research. Lympha Press is proud to offer this content to serve both clinicians and patients.

It took panelist Jenny Beaujean 45 years to get a diagnosis. May it never take anyone that long again!

The Lipedema Patient Roundtable made good on its 2023 resolution by bringing in special guests to add leading-edge information to the monthly conversations. Guy Eakin, Chief Science Officer for Lipedema Foundation, answered questions about research initiatives and the Lipedema Patient Registry. His colleague, Kathy Doherty, informed the audience about the newly released Lipedema Patient Bill of Rights, which can be found at lipedema.org. And guest April Sluder, who leads the group The Lipedema Journey, spoke about her Mindful Movement collaboration with Pattie Cornute. Cara Cruz's healing journey after her final surgery, ways to boost your mood with color, and the mind/body/brain connection added to the invigorating conversation.

Thanks to our regular panelists as well as the record number of attendees!

Pattie Cornute (@LipedemaFitness) Cara Cruz (@PaleGingerPear) Angelique Charles (@TheLippyButterfly) Siouxie Boshoff (@Lipedema.Living) Jenny Beaujean (Facebook: Lipedema & Food Sensitivities) Linda-Anne Kahn (@LindaAnneKahn)

The Lipedema Channel on YouTube is where each month's Roundtable and excellent one-on-one interviews "live." This channel celebrated 1,000 subscribers in January! These initiatives are all part of Lympha Press' commitment to support the lipedema community. Lympha Press provides the Optimal Plus, which is pneumatic compression therapy specifically indicated by the FDA for the treatment of lipedema. To find out more, reach out to marketing@lymphapress.com.

Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

Happy 2023! The Lymphedema Patient Roundtable kicked off the new year by celebrating some major wins, from the passage of the Lymphedema Treatment Act into law to panelist Catherine Rosenberg's incredible progress after undergoing lymphovenous anastomosis surgery.

Panelists and attendees shared the different ways they are committing to their lymphedema management and self-care in the new year, such as figuring out which compression garments work best for them or finally making the call to set up a surgery consultation. The theme of "giving yourself grace" came up, along with the importance of finding and leaning on community. Other topics of discussion included central lymphatics, lymphatic imaging tests, and nutritional considerations with lymphedema.

Thank you to our panelists this month:

Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (@karenashforth_cltlana) Kelly Bell, Lymphedema Patient and Advocate (@veteran_fighting_lymphedema) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient and Lympha Press Marketing and Communications Associate (@lymphielife) Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy) Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982) Amanda Sobey, Lymphedema Patient, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist (@am.sobey)

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

Lympha Press is proud to offer these monthly Lymphedema Patient Roundtables and to be a support to the lymphedema community. The Roundtables are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00 PM EST. Sign up to attend any of our live webinars at https://linktr.ee/LymphaPress.

Learn how our easy-to-use compression therapy can help you manage your condition by visiting www.lymphapress.com or contacting marketing@lymphapress.com.

At the age of 21, Brandy McKeown was introduced to lymphedema therapy at a time when little was known about lymphedema. She says, “I fell in love… and we grew together.”

And grow she did, running several clinics and, ultimately, becoming a co-owner and CEO of the International Lymphedema and Wound Training Institute (ILWTI).

In this interview, Brandy, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CLWT, shares how ILWTI was on the forefront of teletraining, the only school of its type that includes wound care certification, and its unique focus on training students not only to be excellent therapists but also how to run successful, financially viable clinics.

The title of this interview, “You Can Be That Therapist,” relates to her favorite success story: A patient had been told he would lose his limb, a diagnosis Brandy refused to accept. The patient, a farmer, is back at work and inspires Brandy to encourage others that they can “be the one that saves a limb.” Lympha Press is proud to be included in ILWTI’s curriculum, and the valuable role of intermittent pneumatic compression in managing lymphedema is also discussed. Find out more about what ILWTI has to offer at https://www.ilwti.com/.

This interview was recorded in January 2023. You can watch a video recording of the interview on the Lympha Press USA Channel on YouTube.

The Lympha Press Leadership Series shines a light on medical professionals making a difference in the fields of lymphedema, CVI, wounds, and lipedema. The goal is to raise awareness about these individuals and their practices or the organizations they represent.

The December Lipedema Patient Roundtable had a festive air as the regular panelists presented their "Secret Santa Poems" to each other and The Lippy Butterfly, Angelique Charles, moved us all with a rendition of Silent Night. In between? Plenty of lipedema conversation, including the juxtaposition of movement and mindfulness, and an enlightening discussion about obesogens, which are chemicals that could influence or promote obesity in humans or animals. These are found in everyday household items like food containers, toys, cookware, personal care products, cleaning agents and medical supplies. Linda Anne Kahn and Siouxie Boshoff shared their extensive research on this important topic and how to reduce exposure to obesogens, which is pertinent to everyone - not just the lipedema population.

It was Pale Ginger Pear's birthday and she shared details about her final, just-completed surgery. Special guest Kasi Grosvenor gave a recap of her experience offering the patients' perspective at the 2022 Lipedema Foundation Research Workshop. With so much forward motion in the area of research, the panel enthusiastically supported inviting the Lipedema Foundation’s Chief Science Officer Guy Eakin to the January 2023 Roundtable... and April Sluder will also visit to discuss her collaboration with Pattie Cornute on mindfulness and movement.

The evening ended with resolutions for the new year, and encouragement to "let love in."

The Lipedema Patient Roundtable was created by Lympha Press to support lipedema patients as they manage their condition. Host Brenda Viola said it this way: "Lympha Press offers a product that helps tremendously. The Optimal Plus is a powerful tool for women with lipedema, but because we care, we wanted to offer these patients support beyond our pneumatic compression therapy." To find out more about the Optimal Plus for lipedema, contact marketing@lymphapress.com.

Happy holidays and merry everything to all from Lympha Press and the Lipedema Patient Roundtable! 

Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

It's beginning to look a lot like lymph-mas at the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable! The December edition brought many gifts, including a recap of the recent National Lymphedema Network Conference, the importance of patient — and self — advocacy, and a candid conversation about the discouragement or frustration that can sometimes accompany life with a chronic condition.

As folks shared their strategies for coping and staying positive, Roundtable regular Fenton Groff offered this inspiring message in the chat: "We all have personal struggles and stories from our chronic condition... but even though this disease process is progressive for me... I can still walk, I can breathe, I can see the birds and listen to beautiful music and smell wonderful brewing coffee and I am in a routine to better my lymphedema care. Small victories people... find your small victories."

To end the night, panelists and attendees considered the question "If you could ask 'Lymphie Santa' for one thing, what would it be?" and chimed in with their wishes for the lymphedema community in the new year. 

A special thank-you to the elves on our panel:

Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (@karenashforth_cltlana) Kelly Bell, Lymphedema Patient and Advocate (@veteran_fighting_lymphedema) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient and Lympha Press Marketing and Communications Associate (@lymphielife) Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy) Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982) Amanda Sobey, Lymphedema Patient, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist (@am.sobey) Nasreen Starner, CLT (@nasreenstarner)

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

Lympha Press is proud to offer these monthly Lymphedema Patient Roundtables and to be a support to the lymphedema community. The Roundtables are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00 PM EST. Sign up to attend any of our live webinars at https://linktr.ee/LymphaPress.

Learn how our easy-to-use compression therapy can help you manage your condition by visiting www.lymphapress.com or contacting marketing@lymphapress.com.

She's about to turn 76 years old, but our new lipedema friend, Lenora, has a timeless story to tell of lifelong learning! She's watched every single video on The Lipedema Channel and talks about how she manages her condition after finally being diagnosed with lipedema. Learn about her youth and the cultural norms that impacted her lifestyle; be inspired by her zest for art, languages, and music - and she'll even play a rare instrument for us at the end! 

This interview was recorded in August 2020 You can watch the video recording of Lenora's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood that can result in toxic stress. When the body’s stress response stays activated over a long period of time, the result is increased inflammation and hormone disruption.

Research has found that an adult who has one or more ACEs that were not mitigated by protective factors has an increased risk for many chronic diseases. Experiencing toxic stress has direct negative effects on the body and utilizing unhealthy coping behaviors to deal with the effects of trauma also has damaging effects on the body.

In this webinar, Kathleen Lisson, CLT, offers beneficial stress reduction skills for you to help reduce unhealthy coping behaviors and stress levels. Help increase your patients’ resilience (and perhaps your own) and enable them to bounce forward instead of just bouncing back after adversity.

Watch the video recording of this presentation and more webinars from our Lympha Press Education Series on the Lympha Press USA Channel on YouTube.

About our Speaker

Kathleen Lisson, CLT, is board certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork and is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. She owns Solace Massage and Mindfulness, has taught classes at IPSB Massage College in San Diego and is the author of Plastic Surgery Recovery Handbook. She is a NCBTMB Approved Provider.

Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Massage Therapy and is an NHI (Natural Healing Institute of Naturopathy) Certified Master Aromatherapist, an MMI (McLean Meditation Institute) Certified Meditation Teacher and an ACE-certified Personal Trainer. She is certified to present Peggy Huddleston’s “Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster” workshop.

She was a speaker at the 2018, 2019, and 2022 Fat Disorders Resource Society conferences, a keynote speaker at the 2019 MLD UK conference and completed the Lymphedema Therapy Advanced and Review class at the Földi Clinic in Hinterzarten, Germany.

"You must be lying to me..."

That's what Jenny Beaujean's doctor said in response to her story that diet and exercise were having no effect on the swelling in her limbs.

It took a cat bite that triggered cellulitis at 50 years old for Jenny to finally get a lymphedema diagnosis and another 12 years for an expert to recognize that she also had lipedema.

Lifelines for her have been the social groups focusing on Lipedema and Food Sensitivities, Lipedema Fitness, Lymphie Strong, and Dances with Fat. The knowledge provided in these online communities - including Lympha Press' Roundtables and interviews - has empowered Jenny to advocate for her health and implement an effective self-care plan. 

Her plan includes the Lympha Press Optimal Plus and her first-hand experience of working with our team of experts has resulted in less pain, improved mobility - even an improved attitude!  She calls her Lympha Press her "blue smurf suit" and uses it twice daily as recommended by her doctor.

Be encouraged by Jenny's story and be empowered to get the help you need to manage your lipedema.

This interview was recorded in April 2021. You can watch the video recording of Jenny's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

Huge servings of gratitude and appreciation were at the pre-Thanksgiving Lipedema Patient Roundtable. How to stay motivated to "get up and move" and how PMS impacts lipedema patients were topics of conversation, as was how to don compression and how to keep hose from sliding down. Many new attendees had questions about preparing for a doctor's visit and how to go about getting a diagnosis.

Several members of the audience shared excitement about getting their new Lympha Press pump — and powerful conversation about not judging yourself for how your body looks brought emotions to the surface. This post from April Sluder resonated: "I don't need to explain my body. Neither do you. It doesn't matter why my body looks like this... we are no less or no better than anyone else because of our appearance, size, or physical ability."

Expressions of gratitude for the Roundtables and the support and love so evident in these and other gatherings of the community ended another beautiful hour.

Special thanks to panelists:

Pattie Cornute (@LipedemaFitness) Cara Cruz (@PaleGingerPear) Angelique Charles (@TheLippyButterfly) Jenny Beaujean (@Jenny_Beaujean)

The Lipedema Patient Roundtables are sponsored by Lympha Press. To learn about how the Lympha Press Optimal Plus can help manage lipedema and lymphedema, contact marketing@lymphapress.com. 

Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

November is the season of gratitude, and to celebrate, panelists and attendees gathered around our virtual Roundtable to share their own feelings of "lymphatic gratitude."

Joining the panel was Amy Beaith, a lymphedema patient and self-care herbalist whose insight and experience were especially appreciated during a discussion about herbs and supplements that may be helpful for lymphedema. Other topics covered during the hour were cellulitis, managing fibrosis, and surgery. And for those planning holiday travel, Catherine Rosenberg has you covered with more tips on traveling with lymphedema — and your compression pump!

In acknowledgment of Veterans Day, our own "Veteran fighting lymphedema" Kelly Bell spoke about the intersections of being a Veteran, a lymphedema patient, and an advocate: "I've learned through being a Vet, being in the military, and being a part of this lymphedema family — we're all families," Kelly said. "We're all out here to help each other."

A warm thank-you to our panelists who joined us this month:

Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (@karenashforth_cltlana) Kelly Bell, Lymphedema Patient and Advocate (@veteran_fighting_lymphedema) Amy Beaith, Lymphedema Patient and Self-Care Herbalist (@lymph.well) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient and Lympha Press Marketing and Communications Associate (@lymphielife) Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy) Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982) Amanda Sobey, Lymphedema Patient, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist (@am.sobey)

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

Lympha Press is proud to offer these monthly Lymphedema Patient Roundtables and to be a support to the lymphedema community. The Roundtables are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00 PM EST. Sign up to attend any of our live webinars at https://linktr.ee/LymphaPress.

Learn how our easy-to-use compression therapy can help you manage your condition by visiting www.lymphapress.com or contacting marketing@lymphapress.com.

“No stopping lipedema? No…it’s not stopping ME.”

A “beanpole” until puberty, Molly Gallagher’s legs felt and looked different after that hormonal juncture. She exercised compulsively and enjoyed success with the Keto diet, but hormone therapy as part of fertility treatment wreaked havoc with her body.

Leg pain, weird sensations, leg cramps, and lack of energy dealt her not just a physical but also an emotional blow.

A turning point was the care she received at Carolina Vein Center with Dr. Lindy McHutchison. “Have you ever heard of lipedema?” was a life-changing question. Understanding that her condition wasn’t just cosmetic, feeling validated instead of body-shamed, and given tools to manage this new diagnosis gave Molly a sense of purpose.

One of those tools is her Lympha Press Optimal Plus: “It loosens the solid block of my legs and reduces the heaviness.” She measured before and after in three places, and reduced a total of 4 1/2 inches. “After using the pump, I can get my compression on!” says Molly.

Normally an introvert, Molly enjoys sharing her story in the hope that it will help others. Follow her on Instagram at @UnstoppableMolly!

This interview was recorded in May 2022. You can watch the video recording of Molly's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

These inspiring lipedema interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. This pneumatic compression therapy device is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of lipedema in the United States. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

It was a boo-tiful night as the panelists donned costumes for our annual Halloween episode. Everyone displayed their personalities with flair - from Ringmaster Pattie Cornute to the lovely Lippy Butterfly as... well, a butterfly! Perhaps the showstopper was Pale Ginger Pear who created an uncanny replication of Lympha Pants.  (You've got to see it to believe it!)

Dr. Karen Herbst and Linda Anne Kahn offered an excellent overview of the highlights from the AVLS (American Vein and Lymphatic Society) Conference, including Lympha Press' groundbreaking symposium on how chronic illness impacts the mental health of both patients and practitioners. Discussion also centered around how to handle cravings, keeping blood pressure down without meds, and how FEAR impacts us all. Siouxie Boshoff had another "drop the mic" moment when she discussed her views on courage. The importance of being enCOURAGEd was also emphasized - which is one of the main goals of the monthly Lipedema Patient Roundtable.

It was a night filled with information and warmth (with some hilarious moments sprinkled in, too). If you'd like to know more about how the Lympha Press Optimal Plus can help you manage lipedema effectively, please contact marketing@lymphapress.com. 

Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The weather may be cooling, but the conversation at the October Lymphedema Patient Roundtable was heating up with hot topics such as central lymphatics, the power of community, and the importance of mental health.

Panelists Kelly Bell and Alexa Ercolano talked about their experiences attending the recent Boston Lymphatic Symposium — and meeting Roundtable regular Fenton Groff! — while certified lymphedema therapist Betty Westbrook gave a sneak peek into an upcoming conference from the Lighthouse Lymphedema Network. Seasoned traveler Catherine Rosenberg shared a wealth of insider tips to make flying with lymphedema easier, and Angela Jones stressed the importance of self-care: "We cannot be everything to everybody. We have to save some for ourselves."

In honor of World Mental Health Day, panelists and attendees opened up about their struggles while sharing what helps buoy them through difficult times, from mindfulness exercises and grounding techniques to ice cream and poetry. The evening flew by before ending on a cozy note with a discussion about everyone's favorite things about fall.

Thank you to our panelists who joined us this month:

Kelly Bell, Lymphedema Patient and Advocate (@veteran_fighting_lymphedema) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient and Lympha Press Marketing and Communications Associate (@lymphielife) Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy) Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982) Betty Westbrook, Certified Lymphedema Therapist (@lymphedemapodcast)

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

Lympha Press is proud to offer these monthly Lymphedema Patient Roundtables and to be a support to the lymphedema community. The Roundtables are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00 PM EST. Sign up to attend any of our live webinars at https://linktr.ee/LymphaPress.

Learn how our easy-to-use compression therapy can help you manage your condition by visiting www.lymphapress.com or contacting marketing@lymphapress.com.

When the basketball team bullied this cheerleader by saying, “There’s tree trunk legs,” Liz Saunders became acutely aware that her body was different.

But that didn’t stop her.

A natural performer, she participated in dance and theatre, developed her singing gift, appeared in a national commercial, and entertained many with her renditions of the American songbook classics.

It took this 50-something-year-old adult several years to finally get a diagnosis after going to different doctors who said, “There’s nothing wrong with you.”

She persisted and found a doctor who not only diagnosed her with lipedema, but prescribed a Lympha Press. “It has been fantastic. The process was surprisingly quick and easy and so is using my Lympha Press. I feel better and in just a month I’ve lost weight!”

Though results vary for every patient and the main goal is reduced pain and increased mobility, for the first time in years, Liz broke the 200-pound plateau and she credits the change to her Lympha Press.

Her life is dedicated to fitness and, at Wiser Health and Fitness, offers personal training for all people. “I feel this is my calling,” says Liz.

Be inspired by her story, her spirit, and her determination to move — something Liz says she was born to do.

This interview was recorded in October 2022. You can watch the video recording of Liz's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, which offers the Optimal Plus, the world’s most advanced pneumatic compression pump designed with lipedema therapy in mind. Find out more by visiting www.lymphapress.com or sending us a message.

The changes in her body at age 13 were so traumatic for Lisa Lugo that she developed an eating disorder — even starving herself for seven days in the hope of looking “like the other girls.”

A lifelong journey to discover what was going on with her body took a turn when she discovered the Fat Disorders Resource Society (FDRS), which led to finally being diagnosed with lipedema last August.

And when she heard about the Lympha Press? “I knew I had to have one.” “I felt the difference immediately…such a sense of relief and a decrease in fatigue. My legs no longer felt like sausages. I was hooked.”

Lisa’s interview is inspiring not only because of how well she manages her lipedema and Dercum’s disease, but also how she manages her mindset: “I made a decision that I live here in this body and I was going to be happy where I live.” A gifted singer, Lisa knew she was born to be on stage and decided “I was going to stop denying myself. I have a right to life.”

And boy, does she live. Singing with her band, City Sounds, Lisa even shared a bit of the song “Hallelujah” during the interview. Goosebumps? Definitely.

This interview was recorded in June 2022. You can watch the video recording of Lisa's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, which offers the Optimal Plus, the world’s most advanced pneumatic compression pump designed with lipedema therapy in mind. Find out more by visiting www.lymphapress.com or sending us a message.

The Lipedema Patient Roundtable kicked it old skool, with panelists wearing their favorite band T-shirts from back in the day — from the Moody Blues to Andy Gibb and U2 — and pondering the question: "What would you say to your high school self?"

In between, a host of questions surrounding supplements and even Mucinex, abdominal lipedema, and fatty liver were addressed by Dr. Karen Herbst and Linda Anne Kahn. Answers about BMI, success stories of using Lympha Press, and anecdotes about self-advocacy inspired.

Listen to the replay to experience the life-affirming conversations and genuine sense of community offered uniquely by the Lipedema Patient Roundtable. And to find out more about how Lympha Press can help you manage your condition, visit www.lymphapress.com or contact marketing@lymphapress.com.

Special thanks to panelists:

Pattie Cornute (@lipedemafitness) Cara Cruz (@palegingerpear) Angelique Charles (@thelippybutterfly) Siouxie Boshoff (@lipedema.living) Jenny Beaujean (@jenny_beaujean) Dr. Karen Herbst (@DrKarenHerbst) Linda Anne Kahn (@lindaannekahn)

Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The seasons may be changing, but one thing remains consistent: the monthly Lymphedema Patient Roundtable! At the September Roundtable, the topics ranged from gut lymphatics and research grants to surgical treatments and compression wrapping. 

Attendees brought up the various hurdles in getting a diagnosis — and treatment — while Kelly Bell's wife, Jen, joined the panel to provide her meaningful perspective on being a support person to a loved one with lymphedema.

 A thread throughout the evening was the theme of "encouragement," and panelists and attendees alike shared their own words of encouragement to buoy one another during their lymphedema journeys.

A special thank-you to our panelists this month:

Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (@karenashforth_cltlana) Jen Bell, Lymphedema Patient and wife of Kelly Kelly Bell, Lymphedema Patient and Advocate (@veteran_fighting_lymphedema) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient and Lympha Press Marketing and Communications Associate (@lymphielife) Amanda Sobey, Lymphedema Patient, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist (@am.sobey)

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

For information on the most advanced pneumatic compression therapy in the world, visit lymphapress.com.

A marketing project associated with her passion to raise awareness of the benefits of Pilates for those “living in a body like mine” is what ultimately led Lori Paquette to her diagnosis.

“I have good news for you,” Dr. Lindy McHutchison at Carolina Vein Center told her. “You have lipedema.”

Learning that “this was actually a thing” was liberating for Lori, who lived until her 50s not knowing “What was going on with my thighs?”

Dr. McHutchison recommended that Lori incorporate Lympha Press pneumatic compression therapy into her routine. Lori loves how it feels and especially how well it manages her swelling in humid temperatures. When visiting her cardiologist she exclaimed, “Look at my ankles!”

You’ll find yourself smiling as Lori’s infectious laugh and energy are palpable throughout the interview. You can follow her on Instagram @lip.electric.witch.

This interview was recorded in May 2022. You can watch the video recording of Lori's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

These inspiring lipedema interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. This pneumatic compression therapy device is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of lipedema in the United States. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

Those who follow Sean Mulroney and The Obesity Revolution know his lymphedema journey has been filled with ups and downs. One constant “up” is his use of the Lympha Press LymphaPod to manage his condition. It became a critical tool in his recovery when 200 pounds of additional fluid rendered him immobile.

His recent 15-week hospital and rehab stint may have stolen his ability to celebrate holidays with his family (with the exception of Facetime!), but his determination to address both his mental and physical health are inspiring.

Sean says, “Life isn’t happening to me. It’s happening for me. And while lymphedema may be my Achilles heel, it’s also my greatest blessing, because it’s made me who I am.”

Viewers interested in learning more about Lympha Press and the LymphaPod® therapy for larger patients can reach out using our Contact Form.

This interview was recorded in April 2022. You can watch the video recording of Sean's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

It might be the dog days of summer, but some of the coolest lipedema voices gathered once again for the monthly Lipedema Patient Roundtable. Medical expert Linda Anne Kahn led the program by talking about dry, itchy, inflamed eyes and the connection with mast cell activation syndrome. Turns out many of the panelists and attendees also suffer from dry eyes and Linda offered solutions to help them cope.

An interesting discussion about anesthesia and its impact on patients and the importance of medical professionals “checking the chart!” was followed by questions surrounding Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and how to obtain a diagnosis. Compression talk also played a starring role, as did a call to silence our internal critics and practice self-compassion.

The conversations were underscored by encouragement to use our gifts and express our creativity. Patients may have lipedema, but it’s not their whole life. Panelists answered the question, “What lights you up?” and the evening ended on a fun note: “What poster was on your wall in high school?” (Pale Ginger Pear’s close encounter with *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone provoked the conversation.)

Special thanks to our amazing panelists:

Pattie Cornute (@lipedemafitness) Cara Cruz (@palegingerpear) Angelique Charles (@thelippybutterfly) Siouxie Boshoff (@lipedema.living) Jenny Beaujean (@jenny_beaujean) Linda Anne Kahn (@lindaannekahn)

As always, Lympha Press presents the monthly Roundtables to be a source of education and inspiration for the lipedema community. For those who’d like to find out more about how the Lympha Press Optimal Plus helps them manage their condition, contact marketing@lymphapress.com.

Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

Ch-ch-ch-changes! That was the theme of the August Lymphedema Patient Roundtable, beginning with Brenda Viola passing the baton to Alexa Ercolano as the new host of the Lymphedema Roundtables. Another big change? Catherine Rosenberg lost twenty-six pounds of fluid in two-and-a-half weeks after successful lymphaticovenous anastomosis surgery to address a thoracic duct obstruction. Incredible!

Speaking of changes: Why do changes in temperature affect swelling? Does lymphedema cause the sciatic nerve to act up? And why is it that swimming helps lymphedema? The chat was active throughout the night, with attendees asking questions and jumping into the conversation by sharing their own experiences.

The evening ended on a thoughtful note as panelists shared what they wished they had known when they were first diagnosed: "This lymphedema journey is not an easy one. It is a lifelong, challenging one," said Catherine. "Sometimes we need to give ourselves a little more credit than we want to."

Thank you to this month’s panelists:

Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (@karenashforth_cltlana) Kelly Bell, Lymphedema Patient and Advocate (@veteran_fighting_lymphedema) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient and Lympha Press Marketing and Communications Associate (@lymphielife) Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy) Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982) Amanda Sobey, Lymphedema Patient, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist (@am.sobey)

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

For information on the most advanced pneumatic compression therapy in the world, visit lymphapress.com.

Sharon Dodds never stopped reaching out for help, and her message to others with lymphedema and lipedema is “Keep reaching out.”

During the years before her condition had a name, she sometimes thought she was crazy. “I was walking, exercising, and yet my legs were painful and getting bigger.” When finally diagnosed in 2016, she said to herself, “I need to keep this at bay because I want to have a life.”

Her son did some searching and discovered pneumatic compression, but when she heard about Lympha Press at the Lipedema Patient Roundtable, she reached out for help. Soon connected with her local compression therapy consultant, she found Lympha Press easy to work with and her new pump and Lympha Pants so easy to use: “I just slide inside and push the button. It’s super easy.” Best of all? It’s working to help her stay on top of her lymphedema and lipedema so she can live the life she wants to live.

This interview was recorded in March 2022. You can watch the video recording of Sharon's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

These inspiring lipedema interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. This pneumatic compression therapy device is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of lipedema in the United States. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

“I obsessed over other kids’ legs,” shared Debrena “Bre” McEwen, who is known and loved by many as @TheBrenaJean on Instagram. “I remember wishing I could run.”

Embracing body positivity helped, but she knew something else was going on. As she approached age 40, her intent to live healthy led her to investigate reduction surgery. The procedure required weight loss, and she began tracking calories, and even surprised herself at how small her caloric intake was for a person of her size. Her research uncovered a potential answer: lipedema!

But attaining a diagnosis proved challenging. One hurtful doctor said, “All I see is a person that needs to go on a diet.” Heartbroken, but undaunted, she continued to pursue answers. Within minutes of a telehealth visit with Dr. David Amron, she had her diagnosis: Stage 3 lipedema, impacting her upper and lower extremities. Finally, someone believed what her body and mind were telling her!

Another game-changer for Bre was connecting with the online community. “They’ve taught me how to care for myself,” she says. “And care is love in action.” She saw Cara Cruz (known as @PaleGingerPear on social media) talking about Lympha Press and she experienced it firsthand at Dr. Emily Iker’s practice. Now she has a Lympha Press of her own and loves it. You’ll be inspired by Bre’s story and her encouragement to connect with others.

This interview was recorded in April 2022. You can watch the video recording of Debrena's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

It's host Brenda Viola's birthday, and the Lipedema Roundtablers surprised Brenda with party hats, flowers, and a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" to celebrate! Aside from the celebratory energy, the occasion was marked by the virtual worlds of Brenda, Linda Anne Kahn, and superfan Jackie Larson colliding as they shared the screen from Linda's home.

The brain fog and fatigue commonly associated with lipedema were discussed, giving Linda Anne the opportunity to encourage attendance at her August 22nd Lympha Press webinar, "Mitochondrial Health, Mast Cell Activation, Your Brain, and the Lymphatic System."

Dr. Lindy McHutchison and Dr. Karen Herbst brought their expertise to field viewers' questions, which covered everything from stress-related inflammation and how pink noise can help relax the mind and body to rest. Pattie Cornute's successful Lipedema Fitness Triathlon and its aftermath were discussed, and Angelique Charles's recent efforts to find balance were also reviewed.

Cara Cruz's insightful Lipedema Awareness Month posts, including the sentiment to "focus on what your body has allowed you to do" and a forceful message from Siouxie Boshoff to "stop the hating" online were met with enthusiastic agreement by the panel.

The Lipedema Patient Roundtable is a safe space for the lipedema community to share with honesty both challenges and triumphs. "Only love" is the mantra for this forum and with each passing month, the community grows in support of each other.

With many references to the Lympha Press Optimal Plus made during the hour-long webinar, we'd be honored to help you manage lipedema. Reach out to marketing@lymphapress.com for more information.

Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Patient Roundtables are held every third Wednesday of the month and brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. The Optimal Plus was specifically designed for lipedema patients, who report results that include reduced pain and increased mobility. Lipolymphedema patients benefit from the movement of lymph that Optimal Plus therapy provides, and often experience a reduction in size. Find out more by visiting www.lymphapress.com.

Panelists and attendees at the July Lymphedema Patient Roundtable were compressed for success as we welcomed special guests from Sigvaris to discuss all things compression.

Emily Pour, Commercial Director of Lipedema and Lymphedema Strategy at Sigvaris, and Lindsay Playford, Marketing Program Coordinator, joined our regular panelists at the Roundtable for a special “compression session” to talk about different types of compression, how it works, and how compression can benefit you and your patients.

The chat was bursting with compression questions: When is it safe to use compression while healing from cellulitis? How long before you replace your garments? And what’s the best way to wash and dry them? Other topics such as nutrition and compression pumps were covered as well.

A special thank-you to our panelists and guests:

Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (@karenashforth_cltlana) Kelly Bell, Lymphedema Patient and Advocate (@veteran_fighting_lymphedema) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient (@lymphielife) Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy) Lindsay Playford, Marketing Program Coordinator, Sigvaris (@sigvarisgroup_usa) Emily Pour, Commercial Director of Lipedema and Lymphedema Strategy, Sigvaris (@sigvarisgroup_usa) Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982) Amanda Sobey, Lymphedema Patient, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist (@am.sobey)

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

For information on the most advanced pneumatic compression therapy in the world, visit lymphapress.com.

Cheryl Scoledge is the founder of the Facebook group "Lipedema and Food Intolerances." Her devotion to finding answers for her lipedema, which remained undiagnosed until age 50, resulted in a dramatic improvement in her quality of life. Going from a size 24 to a size 10 to speaking at the Fat Disorders Research Society Conference, Cheryl shares what she's learned on her lipedema journey.  The information contained in this video is not intended to be medical advice; it is only for informational purposes.  

These inspiring lipedema interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus.  This pneumatic compression therapy device is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of lipedema in the United States.

For more information on Cheryl and her group, visit www.facebook.com/groups/CherylsLipedemaJourney.

This interview was recorded in June 2020. You can watch the video recording of Cheryl's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

She’s earned a Doctorate and four Masters degrees, so when this lifelong learner was faced with the one-two punch of breast cancer and then lymphedema, she was relentless in her pursuit of answers.

A nurse practitioner, Fernanda Cooley dove into the research and implemented compression and nutritional changes, even using an infrared sauna. When finally prescribed her Lympha Press pneumatic compression pump and upper extremity Lympha Jacket, she realized dramatic improvement.

Listen to this inspiring interview and learn how her arm circumference reduced after just a short time using her Lympha Press. And believe us, she knows: she’s even got an Excel spreadsheet to track her progress!

This interview was recorded in April 2022. You can watch the video recording of Fernanda's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

It’s the second anniversary of the Lympha Press Lipedema Patient Roundtable, and the celebratory night turned the spotlight on the “superfans” who show up every month to share, learn, inspire, and laugh with our regular panelists.

Pattie Cornute (@LipedemaFitness), Cheryl Scoledge (@LipedemaDiva), Siouxie Boshoff (@Lipedema.Living), Angelique Charles (@TheLippyButterfly) and Cara Cruz (@PaleGingerPear) all honored — with “Flat Fansie” photos — the regulars who have helped to build this amazing lipedema community.

This hour flew by with discussions on everything from inflammation to menstruation; how to curb sugar cravings and avoid glycosides; the importance of sleep and how it relates to pain; how essential oils impact the brain; and how to eliminate toxins from the body. The benefits of Lympha Press before and after surgery and how it is an important management tool for all lipedema patients were also reviewed.

Lympha Press is proud to sponsor these monthly roundtables. When people join together and share common challenges, it’s easier to surmount them… and you learn the powerful truth that you’re not alone.

Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Patient Roundtables are held every third Wednesday of the month and brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. The Optimal Plus was specifically designed for lipedema patients, who report results that include reduced pain and increased mobility. Lipolymphedema patients benefit from the movement of lymph that Optimal Plus therapy provides, and often experience a reduction in size. Find out more by visiting www.lymphapress.com.

Summer is here, and panelists and attendees at the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable took a break from the heat to gather virtually for the June Roundtable. Joining the panel this month was special guest Sean Mulroney of The Obesity Revolution, who shared some of his story as well as his experience using the LymphaPod as a larger-bodied lymphedema patient.

How did you spend your summer vacation? Lymphedema patient Alexa Ercolano and therapist Nasreen Starner spent theirs at Camp WatchMe, the first and only summer camp in the United States for pediatric lymphedema patients and their families, and couldn’t wait to talk about their time at camp!

The conversation tackled some heavier topics, too, as attendees asked questions like: What happens when lymphedema feels impossible? How do you get back on track after “falling off the horse” with your treatment? And do you have to wear compression all day long? What followed were uplifting discussions that motivated and inspired.

The evening closed with words of encouragement by the panelists, including Sean Mulroney’s reminder that “small tweaks lead to great peaks.” Hang in there, everyone!

We’d like to thank the panelists who joined us this month:

Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (@karenashforth_cltlana) Kelly Bell, Lymphedema Patient and Advocate (@veteran_fighting_lymphedema) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient (@lymphielife) Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy) Sean Mulroney, Lymphedema Patient (@iamseanmulroney) Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982) Amanda Sobey, Lymphedema Patient, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist (@am.sobey) Nasreen Starner, CLT (@nasreenstarner)

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

For information on the most advanced pneumatic compression therapy in the world, visit lymphapress.com.

Gretchen Schackel considers herself a pioneer, particularly when it comes to lipedema surgery. Since age 13, she wondered what was "wrong" with her legs. Thinking it was lymphedema, she eventually discovered manual lymph drainage and compression stockings - but the lipedema fat remained.

She took a chance after Googling lipedema and signed up to attend a conference with Dr. Karen Herbst. This led to a life-changing experience "feeling free with her body" and no longer hiding because she met people just like her. And it led to the next step - a trip to Germany to remove lipedema fat that severely affected her ability to walk.  "This was not a cosmetic surgery, but it enabled me to walk normally."

Gretchen's journey to self-acceptance, her caution about scams in the lipedema community, and her candor in sharing how lipedema "affected every choice I made" will be both educational and encouraging to those who watch this interview.

This interview was recorded in January 2021. You can watch the video recording of Gretchen's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

At 5'8" and 140 pounds, you might not think Andrea Wilson fits the mold of your average Lipedema Lady.  But the more we learn, we understand there IS no mold. Learn about her journey to finally achieve a diagnosis, her three surgeries to remove painful fat, and how she is successfully managing her condition. You'll be inspired!

This interview was recorded in June 2020. You can watch the video recording of Andrea's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

Nita Clewis "always wanted a way out of the fat suit." Success with a low carb and keto diet helped reduce the pain - both mental and physical - that accompanies lipedema. She speaks to "the dark hole of misdiagnosis" and how it affected her outlook on opportunities (and herself). When diagnosed, she forged a way to manage her condition and her commitment to the lipedema community and her own health is inspiring. Find out more by following Nita on Instagram @WholeAndBalancedLiving.

This interview was recorded in August 2020. You can watch the video recording of Nita's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

At the May Lipedema Patient Roundtable, panelists shared gems of wisdom and inspiration from the Fat Disorders Resource Society (FDRS) Conference along with the joy of meeting in person for the first time: Cara (Pale Ginger Pear), who never runs, literally sprinted across the lobby and practically dove onto Angelique Charles (The Lippy Butterfly) when sighted at the hotel!

A big takeaway from the FDRS Conference was the relationship of lipedema cells and sodium, as well as the importance of treatment modalities like Lympha Press compression therapy to manage swelling.

May is not only Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month; it is also Mental Health Awareness Month. During a vulnerable conversation about body dysmorphic disorder and its impact, panelists shared their experiences of being so upset about the appearance of their body that it got in the way of their ability to live life normally.

Panelists also talked about Lympha Press’ robust lineup of Lipedema Awareness Month events, the upcoming Lipedema Awareness Triathlon started by Lipedema Fitness, and a heartwarming story of how love found The Lippy Butterfly that will give you all the feels.

Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Patient Roundtables are held every third Wednesday of the month and brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. The Optimal Plus was specifically designed for lipedema patients, who report results that include reduced pain and increased mobility. Lipolymphedema patients benefit from the movement of lymph that Optimal Plus therapy provides, and often experience a reduction in size. Find out more by visiting www.lymphapress.com.

Carol Moody is one determined woman.

At puberty, her weight skyrocketed by 60 pounds, though her eating and exercise habits hadn’t changed. Strict diets with no results followed and doctors suggested that she would eventually be bedridden.

“I was determined NOT to be bedridden,” says Carol. The idea of being wheelchair-bound was a wake-up call.

Carol was no stranger to adversity; legally blind, her mindset has always been to “find a way.”

By 2014, swelling progressed to cellulitis that had become septic. In 2015, her body was filled with fluid. Prescribed water pills that didn’t help, she researched decongestive surgery, which was frowned upon by her doctor. Carol’s response? “I’m going to go anyway.”

This decision led to her introduction to pneumatic compression and, eventually, a lipedema diagnosis to go along with her lymphedema.

What’s most remarkable about Carol’s story is her determination to give this fight “everything she’s got” because she is WORTH it. Learn of her Keto diet success (losing 118 pounds) and how Lympha Press helps her successfully manage her Stage 3 lipedema/Stage 2 lymphedema. Hear about the importance of “finding your tribe” like Pattie Cornute’s @LipedemaFitness or Catherine Seo’s Lipedema Simplified.

A regular visitor to our Lipedema Patient Roundtables, meeting the resilient Carol Moody for the first time in person – face-to-face – was a true privilege.

This interview was recorded in March 2022. You can watch the video recording of Carol's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

These inspiring lipedema interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. This pneumatic compression therapy device is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of lipedema in the United States. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the theme of mental and emotional wellbeing reverberated throughout the May Lymphedema Patient Roundtable. Our patients on the panel discussed the different ways they manage their emotional lows and avoid "comparison traps," and the therapists talked about the physical effects stress and emotional pain can have on lymphedema.

Catherine Rosenberg brought up the all-too-common conundrum of well-meaning comments coming off more hurtful than helpful, which lead to a discussion around setting boundaries. There was great commentary from attendees in the live chat too, including questions about diet and nutrition, triggers ("Sometimes the condition itself is a trigger for me," said lipolymphedema patient Angela Jones), and the progression of lymphedema when left unmanaged.

As the hour came to a close, the panelists shared encouraging quotes and nuggets of advice to buoy those who may be going through a difficult time. You won't want to miss this extra-inspiring episode!

Thank you to the panelists who joined us this month:

Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (@karenashforth_cltlana) Kelly Bell, Lymphedema Patient and Advocate (@veteran_fighting_lymphedema) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient (@lymphielife) Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy) Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982) Betty Westbrook, Certified Lymphedema Therapist (@lymphedemapodcast)

You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

Lympha Press is proud to offer these monthly Lymphedema Patient Roundtables and to be a support to the lymphedema community. The Roundtables are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00 PM EST. Sign up to attend any of our live webinars at https://linktr.ee/LymphaPress.

"I built the community that I didn't have."

Amy Rivera is a powerful voice in the lymphedema community. Her Ninjas Fighting Lymphedema Foundation offers help and support that she wished for on the journey to a lymphedema diagnosis.  Misdiagnosed for 30 years, Amy was born with the right side of her body swollen. One doctor told her she'd be in a wheelchair by the age of 35.

She fired him.

A lifetime of sluggishness and fatigue combined with the swelling didn't keep her from living a full life and becoming a mom. That vision of ending up in a wheelchair and not being there for her family? It fueled her search for answers.

When she finally discovered what she had was lymphedema, she booked a flight to see a doctor who understood the condition.  Since then, she's been on a reduction journey for her Stage 4 elephantiasis, using compression, bandaging, MLD, and pneumatic compression therapy.  She's had three surgeries (and is currently recovering from one). Everything she learns along the way she uses to uplift the lymphedema community. 

At first, she was fighting for herself.  Now she fights for everyone with lymphedema. Her mission: "To ensure that no one suffers alone."

Be inspired by Amy Rivera's story and connect with her Foundation at www.winourfight.org.

This interview was recorded in April 2021. You can watch the video recording of Amy's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

In 2014, Susan Mortarelli was bedridden. She searched endlessly for answers while feeling like her skin was on fire. Today, she's a vocal and very present advocate for those with lipedema and Dercum's disease. She candidly shares her experiences with surgery, ICG lymphography, and lymphoscintigraphy imaging. Susan underscores the importance of using medical language to communicate with medical professionals. Her exhortation to know your medical history and to offer encouragement to others when you're feeling down is inspiring.  Susan leads a wonderful support group for those in the New England region: Lipedema Strong New England.

Here are some resources discussed in the interview:

FDRS - https://www.fatdisorders.org/ LE&RN - Lymphatic Education and Research Network - https://lymphaticnetwork.org/ Defying Dercum's - Susan Mortarelli - https://youtu.be/YaByouuosC4

This interview was recorded in November 2020. You can watch the video recording of Susan's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

Mother-daughter duo Sonja and Tayler have a unique bond: they both live with chronic conditions.

Tayler was born with lymphedema, and although her swelling was obvious from birth, she wouldn’t be diagnosed until she was twelve. Around the same time, her mother Sonja was diagnosed with lipedema.

From the quest for a diagnosis to navigating treatment, going through the process together has allowed Sonja and Tayler to learn from — and lean on — one another. They’ve also met other lymphedema families through a memorable experience at Camp Watchme, the first and only summer camp in the United States for children with lymphedema.

For families beginning their own lymphedema journeys, Sonja says to trust your instincts: “You know your child best.”

“It may seem hard, but you need to keep on trying,” adds Tayler. “It will end up getting easier.”

This interview was recorded in March 2022. You can watch the video recording of Sonja and Tayler's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

“To not be able to move as a dancer is to not remember who you were,” shared Beth McKee Elliott. This moving interview about her lipedema journey offers hope to other women with mobility challenges. A cortisol cascade changed her body dramatically and for years she went undiagnosed. She now says, “My legs look like old friends.”

Find out about what she’s learned about self-acceptance through her somatic practice, her decision to have surgeries, and her message of hope to those who have (or think they have) lipedema.

This interview was recorded in July 2020. You can watch the video recording of Beth's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

She was her mother's caregiver for her entire adult life and saw the loneliness and pain of immobility associated with lymphedema and lipedema. LysaMarie knew something was different about her lower body, but remained undiagnosed for years.

Gastric bypass, endless exercise - nothing helped. It was only when she started connecting on Instagram that she saw other bodies like her own, which eventually led to the medical treatment that helped her reclaim her life.

LysaMarie is an inspiration who believes in integrating mind, body, and spirit to manage life (and lipedema). A Reiki master, her dream is to create a center that helps others "take that step" to fight for a better future.  She changed her own perception, and it changed her life, even opening up doors for old dreams to rise up again.

This interview was recorded in March 2021. You can watch the video recording of LysaMarie's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

To learn that the condition that had plagued her for decades had a name was a relief for Amy Vasquez. For years she heard "calories in, calories out" and was even accused by medical professionals of eating more than she admitted to. Amy ate clean; she was a gymnast and dancer in her youth. She saw similar, big thighs among her family members and thought there wasn't anything that could be done to manage the symptoms, which had spiked at puberty.

It wasn't until the 2000's that a Cushing's disease diagnosis led to the discovery that she also had lipedema. And eventually, she was prescribed Lympha Press to help manage her lipolymphedema.  "My lower legs don't even look like I have it anymore," she says. "I work from home and can use my Lympha Press any time. It's so convenient and so easy to use."

Amy wants others to know her story to advocate for themselves and get a diagnosis early - and begin managing their condition sooner. Her closing words are powerful: "Your life is worth fighting for."

This interview was recorded in August 2021. You can watch the video recording of Amy's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

With a host of other medical concerns, Stephanie Roache wasn't focused on managing lymphedema when she was diagnosed.  Soon, it became apparent that it could no longer be ignored.

"I clicked on a coupon during Lymphedema Awareness Month," she shares. Amanda Sobey (@am.sobey) encouraged her that the best thing she could do was move her lymph.  Her renewed commitment to managing her lymphedema led to finding a new lymphedema therapist. Soon after (and with lightning speed from her Lympha Press representative in North Carolina) she had a LymphaPants garment in addition to a LymphaJacket. 

"My numbers dropped dramatically and it's so easy to use, I travel with my Lympha Press," remarks Stephanie.  She admits to the challenges presented by lymphedema but agrees it is worth taking the time to move that lymph!

The importance of community and not taking the first diagnosis as "the" answer is also a key takeaway from this inspiring interview.

This interview was recorded in August 2021. You can watch the video recording of Stephanie's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

Kelly Bell has lymphedema throughout his body, and his excruciating journey to finally get diagnosed rendered him so depressed, he considered suicide. Be inspired by this retired Coast Guard veteran’s story of never giving up. He says, “I lost my life for 12 years but now, I am no longer a bystander. I am fully participating in life.”

One of the tools that have been life-changing for Kelly is the Lympha Press Optimal Plus. He shares a photo with 12 gallons of fluid, representing how much this pump removed from his body!

According to Kelly, “Every person with lymphedema wants their independence.” Thanks to his diet, his Lympha Press, and his amazing support system, Kelly’s life has never been better.

This interview was recorded in December 2020. You can watch the video recording of Kelly's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

For a decade, Alexa Ercolano has used her successful blog, www.TheLymphieLife.com, to educate and inspire her fellow lymphedema patients.  She wondered for years what was wrong with her leg and finally, at age 14, was diagnosed with primary lymphedema.

Her candor in sharing challenges with an eating disorder and alcohol abuse - unhealthy methods to cope with her condition - is meant to encourage others on their lymphedema journey. Alexa offers a message of self-acceptance and the importance of managing this chronic condition and says "my blog keeps me accountable.  I have to do what I am encouraging others to do." 

"A happy lymphie limb is a happy lymphie" is her motto and in this interview, you'll learn the stories behind her trademarks: The Lymphie Life and Stay Elevated. 

You can follow Alexa on Instagram @LymphieLife or by visiting her blog.

This interview was recorded in January 2021. You can watch the video recording of Alexa's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

Nine years after Angela Marquez survived cervical cancer, she received a lymphedema diagnosis. She hasn't let that stop her from being a fitness advocate or being a prominent voice to encourage the lymphedema community.

This interview was recorded in December 2020. You can watch the video recording of Angela's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

Marie McGowan brings a wealth of medical expertise to this interview. She’s a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, a Senior Therapist at Prisma Health in South Carolina, as well as a Physical Therapist.

Her unique empathy and passion to help lymphedema patients are, in part, because of her own lipedema diagnosis. This hope-filled conversation covers how to find the right therapist, being your own advocate, and making sure you listen to your body and seek out innovative treatments to help you manage your condition, whether it is lymphedema or lipedema.

A host of resources to help are contained in this interview as well as Marie’s contact information. Her parting words: “Give yourself grace.”

This interview was recorded in January 2021. You can watch the video recording of Marie's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

The first signs of lymphedema presented when Ayanna Sealey was 14 years old.

A dancer her entire life, this elite performer eventually faced eight bouts of cellulitis. At a critical juncture in 2011, she woke to a feverish infection; her limb red, hot, and hard. Would lymphedema steal her dream?

“I was chosen to dance,” she says — and indeed she did!

Though dancing in bare feet was no longer an option, she performed in The Lion King and diligently managed her condition with compression garments and elevation. Mostly, hers was a solitary lymphedema journey, until she saw Cam Ayala on TV with a T-shirt that said, “I have lymphedema. Google it.” Through Cam, she learned that an entire community was available to connect with; people who were young and active and successful at managing their condition using innovations she’d never heard of before!

Now, Ayanna is committed to lending her voice to uplift the community. Hers is a message of listening to your inner wisdom and being guided to your ultimate calling in life.

She says, “My feet have a story…” and you will want to hear it.

This interview was recorded in March 2021. You can watch the video recording of Ayanna's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

It was just a short time ago that Crystal was diagnosed with lipedema. Her journey to that point included a 100-pound weight loss, only to discover that taking in minimal calories and exercising hours each day proved fruitless.

Her @CFITRevolution mission encourages other women to “Make it happen!” She posts inspiring content showing how she uses exercise to manage her condition and motivates others to “Be healthy, fit, and strong.” A great discussion about the mental challenges associated with lipedema and creating the life you want is also part of this fascinating interview.

This interview was recorded in October 2020. You can watch the video recording of Crystal's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

In this powerful interview, Angela Jones encourages viewers to speak up and be their own advocates when it comes to their health.

A certified health coach and former registered nurse, Angela only recently was diagnosed with lipolymphedema. The news was a relief to her! She knew she was eating clean and taking care of her body, but her size and scale didn’t respond normally. Once weighing over 400 pounds, she had surgery and was prescribed a pump to manage her lymphedema, but it sat in her closet largely unused. Then she discovered the Lympha Press Optimal Plus.

Pain has reduced dramatically, a knee cuff disappeared, and she says it’s “the only tool to manage her condition.”

This interview was recorded in November 2020. You can watch the video recording of Angela's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

These inspiring lipedema interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. This pneumatic compression therapy device is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of lipedema in the United States. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

You might know her as The Lippy Butterfly on Facebook. Find out how Angelique Charles found her wings through a grueling journey to finally getting a proper diagnosis for lipolymphedema. Be inspired by Angelique's new approach to taking care of herself, planning healthy meals, and seeking to help others. You'll also be singing, "I get knocked down...but I get up again!"

This interview was recorded in July 2020. You can watch the video recording of Angelique's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

These inspiring lipedema interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. This pneumatic compression therapy device is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of lipedema in the United States. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

Bethany Davis was on a trip to Disney at age 11 when she first realized she couldn't feel her ankle bones. A primary lymphedema diagnosis followed along with a lifelong quest to manage this chronic condition.

From feeling shame about her condition to choosing NOT to manage it for a period, Bethany's candor is refreshing. Embracing a ketogenic diet was life-changing for Bethany. She lost over twelve pounds of fluid in her legs and in just three months a total of 30 pounds. She says "sugar was poisoning my lymphatic system."

She encourages viewers to fight for themselves and obtain the best medical supplies available to manage their lymphedema as well as to connect with one or more of the many online support groups that are available. Her story is an inspiration to anyone with a lymphedema diagnosis.

This interview was recorded in January 2021. You can watch the video recording of Bethany's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

"Extra is my ordinary."

Today, Elise Sasso sweeps you up with her effervescence, creativity, and joy in life.

Creativity and artistry were the keys to emerging from a dark place because of her lipedema and lymphedema. 

Be inspired by her "medical roller coaster" story.  At one point she was 410 pounds, faced bouts of cellulitis, and couldn't even look at herself in the mirror. Once finally diagnosed, she discovered tools - like her Lympha Press - to manage her condition effectively. She says, "It's easy to use, easy to clean, and the relief is GREAT."

Elise urges those with lipolymphedema to "channel their energy" into something positive and to know that they don't have to stay in a dark place.

Follow Elise on Instagram @beautyb_2019 or visit her website, www.BeautyIsTheBeastInc.com.

This interview was recorded in May 2021. You can watch the video recording of Elise's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

These inspiring lipedema interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. This pneumatic compression therapy device is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of lipedema in the United States. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

It can be the most stressful time of the year, but the women of the Lipedema Patient Roundtable are facing the seasonal challenges with healthy doses of fun. A Secret Santa exchange, wishes for the New Year, candid conversations about managing lipedema, and an inspiring vocal performance by The Lippy Butterfly, Angelique Charles, make this Roundtable especially uplifting.

A special thank-you to our panelists:

Siouxie Boshoff (@Lipedema.Living) Angelique Charles (@thelippybutterfly) Pattie Cornute (@LipedemaFitness) Cara Cruz (@palegingerpear) Kasi Grosvenor (@thrivingwithlipedema) Cheryl Scoledge (@LipedemaDiva)

You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Patient Roundtables are held every third Wednesday of the month and brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. The Optimal Plus was specifically designed for lipedema patients, who report results that include reduced pain and increased mobility. Lipolymphedema patients benefit from the movement of lymph that Optimal Plus therapy provides, and often experience reduction in size. Find out more by visiting www.lymphapress.com.

It's the holiday season, and this festive episode features frank talk about how to handle the challenges of lymphedema in what may not always be the "most wonderful time of the year." Special guest Kathleen Lisson, CMT, CLT, joins our regular panelists for a candid and heartwarming edition of this monthly Roundtable.

A heartfelt thank-you to our group of panelists:

Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (@karenashforth_cltlana) Cam Ayala, Lymphedema Patient, Lympha Press Compression Therapy Consultant (@CamronAyala) Kelly Bell, Lymphedema Patient and Advocate (@Veteran_Fighting_Lymphedema) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient (@lymphielife) Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy) Mary Kastelberg, Lymphedema Patient, Lympha Press Compression Therapy Consultant (@LiveLoveLymphie) Kathleen Lisson, CMT, CLT (@kathleenlisson) Betty Westbrook, CLT (@LymphedemaPodcast)

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

Lympha Press is proud to offer these monthly Lymphedema Patient Roundtables and to be a support to the lymphedema community. The Roundtables are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 8 PM EST. Sign up to attend any of our live webinars at https://linktr.ee/LymphaPress.

The unique challenges of being a child diagnosed with lymphedema are candidly shared by Mary Kastelberg. She discusses her six surgeries, how she effectively manages her condition, the social connections she finds so helpful, and how her passion for helping those with lymphedema intersected with her current profession.

This interview was recorded in December 2020. You can watch the video recording of Mary's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

Lipedema presents many challenges for women and there's no "one-size-fits-all" approach to successfully facing this chronic condition. Be inspired by Kathryn Max's journey, which is a story of embracing herself with compassion and love, expressing her message through her art, and sharing light to uplift the community of Lipedema Ladies. Follow her amazing Instagram page @fat_mystic_art.

This interview was recorded in June 2020 and does not reflect Kathryn's recent name change. You can watch the video recording of Kathryn's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

These inspiring lipedema interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. This pneumatic compression therapy device is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of lipedema in the United States. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

A gymnastics accident at age 15 left Alex Robinson with a fractured fibula...and a lymphedema diagnosis. Told she'd "just have to live with it" and given no tools to manage the condition, she continued being active in both gymnastics and dance.

These "bare feet" sports made it impossible to hide her lymphedema. High school students were often cruel, making fun of her different-sized limbs. Undaunted, she continued to compete, winning a scholarship at the University of Maryland.

Floor exercises were especially brutal on her body, but the combination of dance and tumbling made it her favorite form of gymnastics.

In her sophomore year, a torn ACL could have shattered her dreams.

Though lymphedema made recovery a long journey, by her senior year, she was back competing! And, finally, she found the lymphedema community. A wealth of knowledge and resources she never knew existed were opened up to her. At the time of this interview, she was preparing for surgery with Dr. Wei Chen of the Cleveland Clinic. About lymphedema, Alex says, "Just be willing to fight!" - and she plans on winning.

This interview was recorded in May 2021. You can watch the video recording of Alex's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

The November Lymphedema Patient Roundtable was pumped with interesting topics, covering everything from pain management and vibration plates to vulnerability and self-acceptance.

There was also conversation around compression garments as panelists answered questions about the differences between off-the-shelf versus custom and flat-knit versus circular knit, and our medical professionals weighed in on wearing compression while pumping.

One newly diagnosed attendee asked how the panelists processed all the new (and sometimes overwhelming) information at the beginning of their lymphedema journeys. Panelists Angela Jones and Alexa Ercolano answered with insight from their own experiences, and Mary Kastelberg shared an inspiring encounter she had with a patient earlier that day.

A big thank-you to our panelists this month:

Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (@karenashforth_cltlana) Cam Ayala, Lymphedema Patient, Lympha Press Compression Therapy Consultant (@CamronAyala) Kelly Bell, Lymphedema Patient and Advocate (@Veteran_Fighting_Lymphedema) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient (@lymphielife) Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy) Mary Kastelberg, Lymphedema Patient, Lympha Press Compression Therapy Consultant (@LiveLoveLymphie) Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982) Amanda Sobey, Lymphedema Patient, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist (@am.sobey) Nasreen Starner, CLT

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

Lympha Press is proud to offer these monthly Lymphedema Patient Roundtables and to be a support to the lymphedema community. The Roundtables are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 8 PM EST. Sign up to attend any of our live webinars at https://linktr.ee/LymphaPress.

"Thank you for being a friend..." The Lipedema Patient Roundtable was a cornucopia of warmth and gratitude this month in celebration of Friendsgiving. We pulled up some extra chairs to the virtual table as our panelists each brought a special friend along to talk about life, lipedema, and friendship.

Is it safe to have your blood pressure taken if you have lipedema in your arms? Does anyone else struggle with skin tags? And what's the story with red light therapy for lipedema? The Roundtablers chimed in on these questions and more before ending the evening in an attitude of gratitude, with panelists and attendees giving thanks and words of encouragement.

Attendee Carol Nelson summed up the evening best when she shared how grateful she is for these monthly Roundtables: "Blessed are all the weird creepers, the lovely lippies, the gentle goddesses," she wrote. "All your kind caring is so very appreciated by me."

We appreciate you, too! And a special thank-you to the women who gathered around our virtual table:

Siouxie Boshoff (@Lipedema.Living) and friend Kasi Grosvenor (@thrivingwithlipedema) Angelique Charles (@thelippybutterfly) and friend Angela Jones (@2018gethealthy) Pattie Cornute (@LipedemaFitness) and friend Marcia Witt (@notabrady) Cara Cruz (@palegingerpear) and friend Staci O'Shea (@lippyaware) Linda Anne Kahn (@lindaannekahn) Cheryl Scoledge (@LipedemaDiva) and friend Kelly Maynard ...and host Brenda Viola's friend, Kristi Currie

You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press. The Lipedema Patient Roundtables are held every third Wednesday of the month and brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. The Optimal Plus was specifically designed for lipedema patients, who report results that include reduced pain and increased mobility. Lipo-lymphedema patients benefit from the movement of lymph that Optimal Plus therapy provides, and often experience reduction in size. Find out more by visiting www.lymphapress.com.

The Lipedema Foundation is a groundbreaking organization devoted to the lipedema community in meaningful ways. Chief Science Officer Guy Eakin talks about the Foundation's history, mission, and registry, which is key to the organization's goal of funding research that can lead to a cure.

Quality of life, genetic studies, imaging, and diagnostic tools are some of the topics of focus for The Lipedema Foundation. In 2021 alone, sixteen new research projects have been funded and since its' inception, over $7 million in funding has been granted by the Foundation. Find out more at www.lipedema.org.

This interview was recorded in October 2021. You can watch the video recording of Guy's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

These inspiring lipedema interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. This pneumatic compression therapy device is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of lipedema in the United States. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

From clinical questions about wound care to candid conversation around mental health, the October Lymphedema Patient Roundtable was full of valuable inspiration and insight.

Speaking of inspiration, the panel was joined by special guest Veronica Seneriz, a lymphedema patient and founder of the blog and online community Lymphie Strong. Panelist Kelly Bell was one of the first members of Lymphie Strong when it began years ago, and there wasn't a dry eye on the Zoom call as he shared just how much the group had saved his life.

The conversation continued with questions and comments from attendees. One person asked if lymphedema can be reversed or just controlled, which spurred a fascinating discussion around the nuanced idea of a "cure." Another wanted to know more about managing your lymphedema while traveling internationally.

To close off the hour, panelists shared their number one tip for managing their lymphedema, and Veronica ended the night with a much-needed reminder: "You are braver and you are stronger than you ever think."

An emphatic thank-you to all of our panelists:

Cam Ayala, Lymphedema Patient, Lympha Press Compression Therapy Consultant (@CamronAyala) Kelly Bell, Lymphedema Patient and Advocate (@Veteran_Fighting_Lymphedema) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient (@lymphielife) Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy) Mary Kastelberg, Lymphedema Patient, Lympha Press Compression Therapy Consultant (@LiveLoveLymphie) Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982) Veronica Seneriz, Lymphedema Patient and Founder of Lymphie Strong (@lymphiestrong) Amanda Sobey, Lymphedema Patient, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist (@lymphiequeen) Nasreen Starner, CLT Betty Westbrook, Certified Lymphedema Therapist (@LymphedemaPodcast)

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Patient Roundtables are brought to you each month on the 2nd Tuesday at 8 PM EST by Lympha Press. Sign up to attend any of our live webinars at https://linktr.ee/LymphaPress.

A bout of ulcerative colitis in 2018 started a downward spiral for Morgan McCoy's health. In 2019, her colon perforated and an infection led to the amputation of her left leg, forcing her to drop out of the University of Oklahoma during her senior year. Then, a lymphedema diagnosis evidenced by 30 pounds of fluid.

You'd never know any of this by the smile on Morgan's face. Her credo? "I could pout and be sad or depressed, or I can get up and just keep going. It's a choice." Her choices led to her recent graduation with a degree in chemical engineering, and she's headed back to school for her MBA.

Be inspired by Morgan's story, and learn how she uses the revolutionary Optimal Plus by Lympha Press to manage her condition.

This interview was recorded in June 2021. You can watch the video recording of Morgan's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

Wisdom, heart, and encouragement are packed into this latest hour of the Lipedema Patient Roundtable brought to you by Lympha Press!

Dr. Karen Herbst reveals why not everything that looks like lipedema IS lipedema. Dr. Jaime Schwartz talks about fibrosis and surgery; Linda Anne Kahn offers aromatherapy tips, and CurvyGirlBeth (Beth Rylaarsdam) shares how she came to a place of self-acceptance and self-love.

Love is definitely in the air, as all of the panelists bring their insights to embracing who they are, how they stopped hiding, and how what used to terrify them became the springboards to empowerment.

Special thanks to our regular panel of inspiring lipedema patients:

Cara Cruz (@PaleGingerPear) Cheryl Scoledge (@LipedemaDiva) Angelique Charles (@TheLippyButterfly) Pattie Cornute (@LipedemaFitness) Siouxie Boshoff (@Lipedema.Living) Dr. Lindy McHutchison (@CarolinaVeinCenter)

You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press. Lympha Press proudly sponsors these monthly Roundtables, held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, because we truly care about the lipedema community. Find out more about the revolutionary Optimal Plus, which is indicated by the FDA for the treatment of lipedema.

A must-listen episode for lymphedema patients with excellent conversation around exercise, elevation, the COVID vaccine, nerve pain, "pity parties" and much more.

Our panel of experts includes:

Cam Ayala, Primary Lymphedema Patient, Lympha Press Compression Therapy Consultant (@CamronAyala) Kelly Bell, @Veteran_Fighting_Lymphedema Mary Kastelberg, Primary Lymphedema Patient, Lympha Press Compression Therapy Consultant (@LiveLoveLymphie) Catherine Rosenberg, Lymphedema Patient (@crosenberg1982) Jeanette Zucker, Executive Director, National Lymphedema Network (@the_NLN) Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach Nasreen Starner, OTR/L

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Patient Roundtables are brought to you each month on the 2nd Tuesday at 8 PM EST by Lympha Press. Sign up to attend any of our live webinars at https://linktr.ee/LymphaPress.

When returning from the playground at age five, Amy Beaith's parents noticed her legs were swollen. She estimates it took about 30 doctor's visits before finally being diagnosed with primary lymphedema.

She's used Lympha Press to manage her condition for decades and loves the way it helps reduce pain and swelling. She says, "It's so comfortable it feels like a hug."

Amy is proactive about her condition. She's had successful surgeries and performs self-manual lymph drainage. She even created a skincare line, plantiful.ca, birthed from her own skin being prone to infection.

A strong, resilient woman who didn't let her condition keep her from being a competitive swimmer or successful entrepreneur, Amy credits working on her inner self as a key to living well. "Fall in love with taking care of yourself" is one of her mottos.

This interview was recorded in March 2021. You can watch the video recording of Amy's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

It's our special Fitness episode with Coach Bob Cornute (the encouraging voice behind @LipedemaFitness). Your questions about strength training, resolutions, stretching, and much more are answered, along with our regular discussions about lipedema-related matters.

Be encouraged that "you can be healthy at any size" and discover the latest tips offered by our amazing lipedema leaders:

@PaleGingerPear (Cara Cruz) @LipedemaFitness (Pattie Cornute) @TheLippyButterfly (Angelique Charles) @CarolinaVeinCenter (Dr. Lindy McHutchison) @LipedemaDiva (Cheryl Scoledge)

Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

These monthly Lipedema Patient Roundtables are brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. This revolutionary pneumatic compression device is indicated by the FDA for the treatment of lipedema. Find out more by e-mailing bviola@medsolsupplier.com.

How did she go from avoiding having her photo taken to attracting close to 90,000 followers on Instagram? Be inspired by Cara Cruz's lipedema story and find out more by following @PaleGingerPear or visiting her website at www.palegingerpear.com. Cara is also using the Lympha Press Optimal Plus to manage her lipedema.

This interview was recorded in June 2020. You can watch the video recording of Cara's interview on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

These inspiring lipedema interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. This pneumatic compression therapy device is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of lipedema in the United States. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

Our monthly Roundtable discussion included questions and answers about exercise, diet, neuropathy, fibrosis, and how to not give up when feeling overwhelmed about managing lymphedema.

NLN Executive Director Jeannette Zucker (@the_nln) joined as a special guest as did Compression Therapy Consultant Deb Springer, Certified Lymphedema Therapist Nasreen Starner, and Lymphedema Patient Catherine Rosenberg (@CRosenberg1982).

Heartfelt thanks to our regular panelists:

Cam Ayala (@CamronAyala) Mary Kastelberg (@LiveLoveLymphie) Kelly Bell (@Veteran_Fighting_Lymphedema) Angela Jones Betty Westbrook (@LymphedemaPodcast)

Thanks for listening to the Lymphedema Patient Roundtable podcast! This Roundtable was originally recorded in March 2021. You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

Lympha Press, the global leader in pneumatic compression for nearly 40 years, sponsors these monthly Lymphedema Patient Roundtables on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 8 PM EST.

At one point, he weighed nearly 700 pounds. Now, his videos have made over 60 million impressions as he inspires others through The Obesity Revolution. Sean Mulroney's story is also about lymphedema, the struggle to be diagnosed, and how he found the Lympha Press LymphaPod.  He calls it a game-changer.

Sean views obesity as "the last socially acceptable prejudice."  He found many doctors to be dismissive of his condition and went through bouts of cellulitis and a dark season.  His family brought him through - and trainer Brandon? Well, together, they are impacting millions of lives for good.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression for nearly 40 years.  And our new #1 fan is Sean Mulroney!

This interview was recorded in March 2021. You can watch the video recording of Sean's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

Does lipedema affect fertility? How about the ability to sweat? And why does lipedema light up on airport scanners? These are just some of the questions that popped up during the September Lipedema Patient Roundtable for our panel of patients and medical professionals.

The hour seemed to fly by as conversation continued on topics like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, eczema, hypermobility, and food sensitivities. Cara Cruz and Dr. Lindy McHutchison discussed the nuances between "disorder," "disease," and "condition," and Angelique Charles reminded everyone on the importance of taking time to breathe.

In a reflective closure to the evening, Linda Anne Kahn and host Brenda Viola shared beautiful passages on forgiveness and healing: "When you take care of yourself, you take care of everyone at the same time."

Lots of love and gratitude to our panelists:

Siouxie Boshoff (@Lipedema.Living) Angelique Charles (@thelippybutterfly) Pattie Cornute (@LipedemaFitness) Cara Cruz (@palegingerpear) Dr. Karen Herbst (@drkarenherbst) Linda Anne Kahn (@lindaannekahn) Dr. Lindy McHutchison (@carolinaveincenter) Cheryl Scoledge (@LipedemaDiva)

Thanks for listening to the Lipedema Patient Roundtable podcast! You can watch the video recording of this Roundtable on the Lipedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

The Lipedema Patient Roundtables are brought to you by Lympha Press, makers of the Optimal Plus. The Optimal Plus was specifically designed for lipedema patients who report results that include reduced pain and increased mobility. Lipolymphedema patients benefit from the movement of lymph that Optimal Plus therapy provides and often experience reduction in size and, in some cases, the elimination of fat pads. Find out more by visiting www.lymphapress.com.

Diagnosed with lymphedema as a baby, Blanche Pepitone had her first surgery at 18 months old.

Her parents and siblings raised her to live life fully, regardless of her condition, and that has been Blanche's lifelong credo: "You've got to decide how much living you want to do and do what it takes to live that life."

Managing a little-known condition without the benefit of Google or social groups could have been a lonely road for this lymphedema pioneer. Her story includes nine surgeries and finally, a remarkable introduction to manual lymph drainage. "In three days I lost 20 pounds." She had one of the first pumps on the market — a one-chamber unit! — and marvels at how her Lympha Press (both upper and lower extremity garments) move her lymph effectively.

COVID and quarantining interrupted her ambitious workout routine, which led to obtaining her Lympha Press. Now it's an important part of her daily life so she can "live with and not live for lymphedema." Blanche later discovered she also has lipedema, and the Optimal Plus is indicated by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.

This interview was recorded in May 2021. You can watch the video recording of Blanche's interview on the Lymphedema Channel on YouTube, or on Instagram IGTV at @lympha_press.

The Lymphedema Channel interviews are brought to you by Lympha Press, global leaders in pneumatic compression therapy for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit lymphapress.com.

It's Fall, y'all, and lymphedema patients in the Northern Hemisphere are rejoicing at the transition to cooler weather! From compliance to clothes to circulatory changes, panelists at the September Lymphedema Patient Roundtable shared the different ways the Fall season can affect life with lymphedema.

Speaking of transitions, many are returning to in-person work after a year or more of working from home. Lymphedema patients Catherine Rosenberg and Amanda Sobey talked about some of the ways this has impacted their lymphedema, and offered tips on how to successfully adjust your treatment routine to your new schedule. Attendees contributed to the conversation, too, with one asking our favorite question: "What is a Lympha Press supposed to do?"

Finally, with the Roundtable on the eve of Cam Ayala's birthday, everyone got a chance to celebrate Cam and get a little silly predicting what his birthday wishes may be!

As always, a heartfelt thank-you to our panelists:

Cam Ayala, Lymphedema Patient, Lympha Press Compression Therapy Consultant (@CamronAyala) Kelly Bell, Lymphedema Patient and Advocate (@Veteran_Fighting_Lymphedema) Alexa Ercolano, Lymphedema Patient (@lymphielife) Angela Jones, Lipolymphedema Patient and Health Coach (@2018gethealthy) Mary Kastelberg, Lymphedema Patient, Lympha Press Compression Therapy Consultant (