Breaking Down Barriers: Conversations on Lipedema with Dr. Francois"

Breaking Down Barriers: Conversations on Lipedema with Dr. Francois"

Lipedema, Vascular Health, and Women’s Advocacy with Dr. Czestochowa FrancoisHost Cindy welcomes Dr. Czestochowa Francois, an emergency and vascular medicine physician, to discuss her path into lymphatic and venous medicine and her personal connection to lipedema through a family member. The conversation highlights how lipedema is often underdiagnosed or misattributed to obesity, aging, menopause, or diagnoses like fibromyalgia, and stresses the importance of clinicians learning alongside patients rather than dismissing them. They discuss comorbidities and evolving medical knowledge, the challenges of accessing care and creating documentation “paper trails” for treatment, and the expense of managing lipedema. Cindy shares frustrations navigating BHRT and feeling unheard, while Dr. Francois emphasizes whole-body interconnected systems, the need for supportive provider relationships, and patient self-advocacy. She closes with a message that symptoms are real, stress can worsen conditions, and community support and kindness to one’s body matter.00:00 Welcome to the Podcast01:39 Meet Dr Francois02:56 Personal Link to Lipedema03:54 Comorbidities and New Frontiers06:25 Gaslighting and Finding Care08:05 Triggers and Misdiagnosis11:32 Women’s Health Funding Gap14:01 BHRT and Screening Dilemmas20:38 Choosing the Right Provider25:56 Why Vascular Medicine30:56 Seeing More Lipedema Patients31:25 Training Through Experience32:09 Building a Care Village32:52 Access Gaps and CLT34:06 Community and Research Push36:06 Paper Trails for Coverage38:04 Clinical Diagnosis Basics38:28 Whole Body Systems43:40 Kindness After Pregnancy48:23 Women Supporting Women50:32 Listening for Hidden Symptoms53:45 Finding the Right Doctor55:49 Where to Find Care56:51 Physician Message to Women58:45 Episode Wrap and Next Steps Follow us on Social media!!! Kristy's Contact information: IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sunrisehealingaz?igsh=bnNleGpubHhhdDFr&utm_source=qr]⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/] FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠ [http://www.dellalunawellness.com] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://sunrisehealingaz.com/]Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 Cindy contact information ⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921] IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/withcindyhowell/] Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠] Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161 Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠⁠⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠⁠⁠ [https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/] Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://l.bttr.to/6cATB]⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠ [https://l.bttr.to/6cATB%E2%81%A0] https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/] This episode is proudly sponsored by Lipoelastic Compression Don’t forget to check out Lipoelastic and use code STLpodcast for 10% off your next order. ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic_usa/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic_usa/] ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic/]

Beyond the Diagnosis: Dr. Nicole Kramer’s Story

Dr. Nicole Kramer on 33 Years of Misdiagnosis, Medical Gaslighting, and Finding Answers with LipedemaHosts Cindy andKristy welcome Dr. Nicole Kramer, a clinical psychologist and “fellow lippy lady” diagnosed with stage 3 lipedema at 43 after decades of misdiagnosis and dismissal, despite being seen at major medical centers. She shares early signs in childhood, progression during hormonal shifts and stress, and how a community hospital lymphedema clinic director finally identified her textbook lipedema, later confirmed by Dr. Herbst. The conversation covers medical uncertainty, obesity stigma, systemic pressures that reward physician certainty, and how the lack of U.S. ICD-11 adoption and billing codes contributes to poor recognition and insurance barriers. Dr. Kramer discusses treating the experience as trauma, the importance of advocacy and community, and her lipedema reduction surgeries with Dr. Volshteyn (legs and arms, with another upcoming), pursued largely due to declining mobility. She also shares her Substack, Beyond Zebras, focused on navigating misunderstood conditions.00:00 Welcome to the Podcast00:55 Sponsor Message01:42 Meet Dr Nicole Kramer03:23 Her Lipedema Journey06:57 Dismissed by Experts08:59 Accident and Rehab10:53 Finally Diagnosed13:58 Why Doctors Miss It16:10 ICD Codes and Coverage18:16 Beyond Zebras Framework21:50 Seeing Lipedema Everywhere23:48 Medical Gaslighting Impact25:59 Doctor Culture and Certainty28:00 Doctors Under Pressure30:30 Sick Care Reality Check31:22 Diagnosis Doubt and Gaslighting33:21 Trauma and Coping Tools38:16 Lipedema Surgery Journey40:35 Insurance and Access Barriers43:13 Mobility and Legal Advocacy45:18 Teaching Providers and Power Dynamics49:19 Hormones and Women's Health Gaps51:18 Where to Connect Next52:28 Final Episode Wrap Follow us on Social media!!! Kristy's Contact information: IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sunrisehealingaz?igsh=bnNleGpubHhhdDFr&utm_source=qr]⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/] FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠ [http://www.dellalunawellness.com] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://sunrisehealingaz.com/]Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 Cindy contact information ⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921] IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/withcindyhowell/] Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠] Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161 Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠⁠⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠⁠⁠ [https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/] Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://l.bttr.to/6cATB]⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠ [https://l.bttr.to/6cATB%E2%81%A0] https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/ This episode is proudly sponsored by Lipoelastic Compression Don’t forget to check out Lipoelastic and use code STLpodcast for 10% off your next order. ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic_usa/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic_usa/] ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic/] Dr Kramer's main outlet is on Substack: https://beyondzebras.substack.com/ [https://beyondzebras.substack.com/] https://www.instagram.com/drnicolekramer/ [https://www.instagram.com/drnicolekramer/]

Lisa Duerre on Workplace Advocacy, and Navigating Lipedema Care

Hosts Cindy and Kristy, welcome guest Lisa Duerre, a CEO of  RLD Group a leadership alignment consulting firm, and lipedema advocate. Lisa shares being late-diagnosed in 2022 after losing mobility and using a scooter, learning about lipedema from her stepmom’s research, and rebuilding her health through conservative therapies, including swimming and wheelchair assistance during airport travel. She discusses advocating through storytelling rather than directly labeling others, the benefits and risks of social media, and frustrations with limited access to CLT/CDT/MLD care, long waitlists, and out-of-pocket costs. Lisa recounts a planned Germany surgery canceled due to anesthesia safety concerns tied to BMI and cardio capacity, prompting weight loss and a reassessment of surgery. She emphasizes small actions, community support, requesting help, workplace accommodations, anti-fat bias resources (NAAFA, Aubrey Gordon), and notes research citing a high correlation between lipedema and ADHD.00:00 Welcome to the Show01:39 Meet Lisa Duerre03:09 Late Diagnosis and Mobility05:00 Stepmom Sparks Discovery06:40 How to Tell Others10:57 Social Media and Scams14:02 Surgery Plans Canceled17:34 Getting Diagnosed Locally20:43 Finding MLD and CDT Care24:43 Small Steps and Resilience27:57 Asking Family for Help32:04 Knee Pain Misdiagnosis33:24 Caregiver Perspective Shift34:58 Advocating Travel Needs37:24 Accessibility In Seating41:14 Airline Policies And Bias43:09 Anti Fat Bias Resources45:34 Community And Burnout47:39 Finding Gifts In Diagnosis50:51 ADHD Link And Superpower54:36 Closing And Where To Find Lisa56:18 Episode Wrap Up Follow us on Social media!!! Kristy's Contact information: IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sunrisehealingaz?igsh=bnNleGpubHhhdDFr&utm_source=qr]⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/] FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠ [http://www.dellalunawellness.com] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://sunrisehealingaz.com/]Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 Cindy contact information ⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921] IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/withcindyhowell/] Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠] Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161 Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠⁠⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠⁠⁠ [https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/] Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://l.bttr.to/6cATB]⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠ [https://l.bttr.to/6cATB%E2%81%A0] https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/] This episode is proudly sponsored by Lipoelastic Compression Don’t forget to check out Lipoelastic and use code STLpodcast for 10% off your next order. ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic_usa/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic_usa/] ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaduerre/ [https://bixel1.net/v1/t/c/9785483c-70b6-37a6-af28-e1fa7f4bd452/gm%3A09d8f837-70c8-4c50-9f98-524df069e865/Multiple%20Recipients/?https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Flisaduerre%2F=] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@realtalkwithlisa [https://bixel1.net/v1/t/c/9785483c-70b6-37a6-af28-e1fa7f4bd452/gm%3A09d8f837-70c8-4c50-9f98-524df069e865/Multiple%20Recipients/?https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%40realtalkwithlisa=] * Speaking Page: https://www.lisaduerre.com/lipedema-advocacy/ [https://bixel1.net/v1/t/c/9785483c-70b6-37a6-af28-e1fa7f4bd452/gm%3A09d8f837-70c8-4c50-9f98-524df069e865/Multiple%20Recipients/?https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lisaduerre.com%2Flipedema-advocacy%2F=] * RLD Group: https://rldgroupllc.com/ [https://bixel1.net/v1/t/c/9785483c-70b6-37a6-af28-e1fa7f4bd452/gm%3A09d8f837-70c8-4c50-9f98-524df069e865/Multiple%20Recipients/?https%3A%2F%2Frldgroupllc.com%2F=] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa.duerre/ [https://bixel1.net/v1/t/c/9785483c-70b6-37a6-af28-e1fa7f4bd452/gm%3A09d8f837-70c8-4c50-9f98-524df069e865/Multiple%20Recipients/?https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Flisa.duerre%2F=] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.duerre [https://bixel1.net/v1/t/c/9785483c-70b6-37a6-af28-e1fa7f4bd452/gm%3A09d8f837-70c8-4c50-9f98-524df069e865/Multiple%20Recipients/?https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flisa.duerre=]

Carmen from Monarch continuing education: insights into lymphatic health

Understanding the Lymphatic System, MLD, and Early Lipedema Support with Carmen of Monarch Continuing EducationHosts Cindy and Kristy welcome Carmen, director and owner of Monarch Continuing Education, who shares her background in physical therapy and massage therapy and how discovering manual lymph drainage (MLD) led her to become a certified lymphedema therapist and eventually create accredited training programs to expand access to care, especially in rural areas. Carmen explains why lymphatic education isn’t mainstream, gives a simple overview of the lymphatic system’s role in moving and filtering interstitial fluid, and discusses signs of lymphatic issues and early lipedema indicators. She recommends practical ways to support lymphatic health, emphasizing movement, reducing toxins, and tracking habits and symptoms. Carmen clarifies why MLD is light yet effective, its role in maintenance, and shares a multigenerational lipedema case highlighting early intervention benefits. She also provides resources at monarchce.com.00:00 Welcome to the Show00:55 Sponsor Message01:42 Meet Carmen02:02 From Clinician to Educator06:04 Why Lymphatics Are Overlooked10:47 Lymphatic System Explained15:03 Signs of Lymphatic Trouble18:10 Simple At Home Support20:53 Tracking Habits and Symptoms25:34 Manual Lymph Drainage Basics29:42 MLD for Wellness and Fitness34:37 Three Generation Lipedema Story39:59 Resources and Where to Find Carmen41:07 Conference Talk and Progress42:20 Final Thoughts and Goodbye Follow us on Social media!!! Kristy's Contact information: IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sunrisehealingaz?igsh=bnNleGpubHhhdDFr&utm_source=qr]⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/] FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠ [http://www.dellalunawellness.com] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://sunrisehealingaz.com/]Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 Cindy contact information ⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921] IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_withcindyhowell/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/withcindyhowell/] Cindy Howell RN, CLT, MPHC Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.withcindyhowell.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Lipedema advocate: 860-550-1161 Top 5 Foods to Avoid for Managing Lipedema! Link:⁠⁠⁠ https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/⁠⁠⁠ [https://withcindyhowell.com/checklist/] Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://l.bttr.to/6cATB]⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠ [https://l.bttr.to/6cATB%E2%81%A0] Podcast IG:https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/] This episode is proudly sponsored by Lipoelastic Compression Don’t forget to check out Lipoelastic and use code STLpodcast for 10% off your next order. ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic_usa/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic_usa/] ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic/⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/lipoelastic/] Monarch Continuing Education: https://www.monarchce.com/ [https://www.monarchce.com/] Email: carmen@monarchce.com [carmen@monarchce.com] https://www.facebook.com/MonarchCE/ [https://www.facebook.com/MonarchCE/]

Exploring Innovations in Healthcare with Dr. Grace Villaver

Cindy and Kristy welcome Dr. Grace Villaver from Levelupptdoc.com * 7:45 — Lipedema fat is metabolically different and causes inflammation, muscle inhibition, and joint damage beyond just added weight. Even small amounts of joint swelling can significantly reduce muscle recruitment. * 8:54 — Lipedema fat is metabolically distinct and creates a different kind of inflammation in the body. * 16:24 — Custom compression garments are more effective and improve compliance — especially for patients with asymmetrical body shapes or sensitivity. * 31:59 — Surgery is a valid option for many women — but vetting surgeons and having realistic expectations (including the possibility of deeper nodules becoming more visible post-surgery) is critical. * 43:15 — CDT (Complete Decongestive Therapy) is the gold standard for lipedema management and includes MLD, compression, exercise prescription, and skincare. * 44:52 — Your body is not failing you — it has been failed by a system that wasn't built to understand it. Connect with Dr. Grace Villaver: * Website: levelupptdoc.com [ levelupptdoc.com] * Email: drgrace@levelupptdoc.com * Location: Leesburg, Northern Virginia * https://www.instagram.com/levelup.therapy/ [https://www.instagram.com/levelup.therapy/] Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by Lipoelastic — compression garments designed specifically for patient comfort and support. Use code STLpodcast for 10% off your order. Link in show notes.