Lina Meimann’s experience with lipedema

Zwei Frauen begegnen sich auf einer sonnigen Strasse in einer Stadt. Eine Frau mit blondem Zopf, grünem Kleid und weisser Strickjacke breitet die Arme freudig aus und lächelt der anderen Frau entgegen. Im Hintergrund sind bunte Baugerüste und Gebäude zu sehen.

Edema

“The condition doesn’t govern your life, but you do.”

Lina Meimann, influencer and qualified sports and health coach from Ibbenbüren, answers our questions about her lipedema diagnosis. Find out how she deals with her condition and which tips she wants to share with others who are affected.

Editor: Lina, what came first: exercise or lipedema?

Lina Meimann: Exercise actually came first for me. I used to be overweight during puberty, but managed to lose quite a bit of weight, by exercising for example. But every year, I regained it, and then I was diagnosed with lipedema.

Editor: Were there times when lipedema held you back? If yes: what helped you the most?

Lina Meimann: When I was diagnosed in March 2020, I felt like plunging into an abyss because I was told in quite a brutal way. I had to make peace with that. A consultant at a medical supply retailer helped me back on my feet. She took me by the hand and explained everything in detail. She spent considerable time with me. After that, I found a lot of pages on social media relating to “lipedema” as well as ways of talking to others who are affected. That really helped me, too.

Editor: Did it take you long to find a medical supply retailer?

Lina Meimann: The store was actually right next to my physician’s practice, in the same building. I went there immediately and luckily felt like I was in good hands.

Lina was lucky to find a medical supply retailer straight away that suited her. If you’re still searching, we want to help you. ↓

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Frau mit geflochtenem Haar steht entspannt in einer Hafenumgebung. Sie trägt eine mintgrüne Jacke über einem orangefarbenen Oberteil. Im Hintergrund sind Boote und Masten zu sehen, die eine ruhige und maritime Atmosphäre schaffen.

Editor: Lina, how do you deal with preconceptions? In your job as a fitness instructor in particular, I imagine you hear all sorts of things.

Lina Meimann: Initially, I felt really down when being confronted with these preconceptions about my weight and my job because I didn’t know how to respond. But now, I’m no longer bothered by comments, and if someone questions my expertise at the gym or makes fun of my weight, I eliminate these preconceptions with my know-how and openly address the condition.

Editor: Does your lipedema affect your legs only or other body parts as well?

Lina Meimann: My arms were also seriously affected, which is why I had liposuction a year ago. In theory, I need another correction because not everything could be removed, but even now, I experience a much better quality of life. I felt much more restricted in my arms than in my legs. It started with brushing and washing my hair, then problems occurred when I was teaching classes or during my internship at a physiotherapy practice. I can now teach classes without being in pain, which is a great deal of quality of life for me.

Editor: Do you still wear compression garments on your arms or do you not bother at all now?

Lina Meimann: If it feels like the compression products will benefit me, I’ll still wear them. Then I notice immediately that I still need them. I wear them at least once a week.

Zwei Frauen entspannen auf einer Schaukel mit ausgestreckten Beinen. Die Frau links trägt blaue Kompressionsstrümpfe und Sportschuhe in Blau, während die Frau rechts beige Kompressionsstrümpfe und farbenfrohe Sneakers trägt.

Editor: Have you ever considered having surgery on your legs as well?

Lina Meimann: I would probably do it if I had the money. But at the moment, it’s not something I’m thinking about. I can run, pursue my exercises, teach classes, and everything without pain. That’s why I don’t feel it’s necessary right now.

Editor: Have you made peace with your body?

Lina Meimann: Absolutely. Of course, you always want to change something and that’s ok. But my body will always be my body, and it does a lot for me every day. Comparing myself to others isn’t helpful. I am who I am. I feel fine and I can achieve a lot of things. I’m also trying to embrace positive beliefs.

Zwei Frauen stoßen mit farbenfrohen Getränkeflaschen an, während sie lächelnd durch eine urbane Umgebung spazieren. Im Hintergrund ist eine bunte Wand mit grafischen Mustern zu sehen, die eine lebendige Atmosphäre schafft.

Editor: Where should those affected go to find more information?

Lina Meimann: Definitely social media, Instagram for example. There are all sorts of people who discuss various aspects of their lipedema. Some self-help groups are also represented there. They’re quite handy for people who don’t use social media much. Medical supply retailers also often have good connections. The majority will be online but anyone who does a bit of searching, no matter where, will find answers.

Do you want to find out more about Lina and her love of exercise? Then have a look at the other part of her interview. ↓

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