'You opened my eyes': Birmingham MP supports our special lipoedema investigation

We've been looking into the life-changing condition

Published 14th Jun 2019

Lipoedema is a chronic condition which affects millions of women across the world.

But treatment isn't funded on the NHS because it's classed as cosmetic.

It means those living in constant pain have to find thousands of pounds for their liposuction surgery.

We've been investigating the condition as part of our A Life With Lipoedema investigation after speaking to 20-year-old Clodagh from Birmingham who's living with it.

Clodagh can't get treatment on the NHS and is trying to raise £60,000 for liposuction.

We've also heard from many other women, from across the country, who are also living in pain with this condition and who can't get treatment.

We spoke to Edgbaston MP Preet Giil who's mum and sister have lipoedema.

Here's what she has to say about the condition and a lack of NHS funding:

"I was quite interested to hear the number of women that have come forward but also the diverse range of symptoms women are facing.

"My mother also has it, she's always said the doctors have said "it's just fatty deposits and nothing to worry about.

"I've had a conversation with my sister, who also has it, she was told by her GP that this is something she'd have to go get cosmetic surgery for.

"I knew very little (about the condition), we still don't know why people get it.

"My mum gets a lot of swelling in her legs, she regularly talks about pain in her knees, pain in her legs.

"Sometimes restricted mobility.

"My sister's talked about how she can't bend down to the floor, it's quite painful for her.

"I think there needs to be a lot more research taken in this area.

"For me probably more prevalent after pregnancy, something that I've never had ever before.

"It does kind of worry you, but when the internet tells you it's nothing to worry about, I'm reluctant to go and discuss it with my GP.

"There is a lack of understanding out there in the community.

"The fact that so many women have come forward to talk about this issue, just tells you how much there is left to do.

"Sometimes these things don't get the recognition they deserve because people think "well the NHS is under a lot of pressure".