Holly Hedd, Communications Director for Lipedema Canada is undergoing her first of three lipedema reduction surgeries abroad due to the inability to access it here in Canada. She us sharing her experience in real-time to give you a peek inside the process.
Sleepless
It’s 1am and I am meant to get up at 4 to get ready to go to the hospital for my first lipedema surgery. Clearly sleep is not an option tonight.
I chose to go to Greece for the procedure, having consulted with three surgeons and researched many more. The expertise, procedure, care, and patient support all led me here. Given that any lipedema patient requiring mega-liposuction (high volume lipedema reduction surgery) to manage this condition has no possibility of equitable surgery in Canada, it leaves us with no alternative but to go abroad to the experts. I am in the “fortunate” position of having a partner who has re-mortgaged his home to provide the many thousands I need, which we will sell come spring and combine households. This is what is so unfair, unfortunate, and infuriating for those living with lipedema in this country, and what I hope to change as part of Lipedema Canada. But I digress…
Not off to a Smooth Start
The trip did not start on the smoothest note, I have to admit, (which is not completely abnormal for me given my luck but was nonetheless nerve-wracking). In short, some months back I had misplaced my passport and called to ask about the process of replacing it. Apparently, during the call it was declared lost, clearly at the exact same time I lost my mind, since I have no recollection of such. I happily found it later, and proceeded on my merry way to check-in at the Montreal airport, only to be told it was no good. I believe in that moment I may have left my body entirely. What happened next can only be equated to a scene from a horrid comedy: with one hour to deadline, a call with a thickly accented passport agent who spoke at the pace of a word every 3 secs, a mad rush in taxis to a pharmacy for a new photo, and utter disbelief when I was told I was in the wrong office to get one that day. After many calls, much money, and more arrangements, I secured a new one through the emergency weekend service. I then had to change all flights, hotels, arrangements, despite the dollars and devastation. But, I made it here just in time to collapse in sleep and go to pre-op this morning.
In Greece for Surgery
I met with the anaesthesiologist today at the appointment and he was lovely. I, on the other hand, felt like a deer in headlights. There seemed to be no thoughts in my head as I was fear-stricken. He actually touched my arm at one point and said “I can see the fear in your eyes’. At least I didn’t cry until I was safely back here in my Airbnb bed. The coming morning may be altogether different.Â
I visited the beautiful Interbalkan Medical Center for the appointment. It is modern and clean. There is a water feature at the entrance and a wall of certificates showing certifications and awards, which was reassuring. The nurses and staff spoke English well, and were friendly, helpful, and efficient.Â
I also met Dr. Siafliakis, my surgeon, later at the Esea Clinic. He was generous with his time, discussing everything in as much detail as I needed. He did an ultrasound on various parts of my body and determined that lipedema is throughout. This was difficult to hear, yet a relief to have confirmation of what I have known myself for so long as I have watched my body so rapidly change. I no longer recognize myself in the mirror. I can feel painful nodules in my arms and abdomen, in addition to my legs and back. His knowledge and expertise was also reassuring. The clinic was outstanding, as were his staff, Taxiarchoula and Nikoletta. Both have been extremely helpful in the months prior, answering my mountain of questions. Both seemed caring today, trying hard to put me at ease. Pictures were taken, instructions given, and medications provided for recovery.Â
Preparing for Surgery
I spent the day with my best friend and surgery support, Traci, who accompanied me everywhere. She has known me for 47 years and today she saw first hand how challenging it is for me to walk around now, stand for any period, and especially to go up stairs. My legs are burning from the inside as I lay here even now. I am so grateful to have her here with me for support. Getting down to your skivvies in front of someone who has been there through bloody knees in childhood and broken hearts as an adult makes it a bit more bearable. There is no judgment. Â
On a positive note, I wore my new compression (Bauerfeind Curaflow) during my travel, which really did keep the swelling at a minimum. The fit on this pair is much better and includes the silicone band at the waist which greatly reduced slippage. I wore my old ones today walking around, which have the open toe, and they continuously slipped down my foot, so I think I will do closed toe from now on. Compression will be my second skin for the weeks ahead, 23 hours a day, which is not my most comforting thought. By the way, I discovered I am also not a fan of Crocs, which I got as a recommendation from the surgery list. In my opinion, they are ugly and uncomfortable. Every time I look down I think of an uglier version of 1970s clogs.
Before leaving home, in addition to extensive buying and packing from the list, I did my best to get my shit in order. No one wants to think about the scary part of surgery but making sure my loved ones are taken care of did make me personally feel better. Although, they didn’t want to hear me discuss it as it made them feel worse.
So, the morning is planned as such: 4am rise, shower, final packing for the hospital, and preparing my bed for my return. I have a waterproof ground mat, waterproof mattress cover, dark grey bedsheets, disposable bedsheets, and disposable puppy pads to set up. We leave for the hospital in a taxi around 5:20 to arrive at 5:45. Dr. Saavas has said he will give me something to relax me. I will most definitely take it. Surgery is scheduled for 7am and expected to finish around 11:30. Then there is time in recovery before heading to my room. He was frank that I will be in a great deal of pain, and it’s something I am nervous about, given my high tolerance to medication. He said they have to increase it at levels, which can take time to get to a point where it’s under control. I have to remember, it’s temporary. It will pass.
Given that there are just 2 hours left to start time, I am going to sign off. Wishing myself well for a great surgery.
Author: Holly Hedd
Holly Hedd is Lipedema Canada's Director of Communications.
