Stronger than Lipedema

Cindy Howell & Kristy Dellacroce
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Stronger Than Lipedema, the podcast dedicated to empowering women managing lipedema. Hosted by Cindy Howell and Kristy Dellacroce this show dives into all things health, wellness, and self-care to help you navigate life with these unique challenges. Each episode explores practical tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you reduce inflammation, boost your energy, and feel confident in your body. From understanding the science behind lipedema to uncovering the best strategies for nutrition, movement, and mindset.

  1. 4d ago

    Body Liberation, Lipedema, and Breaking Free from Diet Culture with Paula Atkinson

    Cindy welcomes Paula Dee Atkinson, a body liberation psychotherapist and yoga teacher specializing in body image, trauma, and eating disorders, who has worked with many clients diagnosed with lipedema. Paula discusses fatphobia, diet culture, and “thin worship” as systems tied to power and money, describing her George Washington University course “Weight and Society,” which she transformed into a social justice class exploring health definitions and the history of fat liberation. They talk about the difficulty and validation of diagnosis, the impact of social media and curating feeds, connections between stress, trauma, and chronic illness, rejecting “emotional eating” as a shame-based concept, and focusing on how foods make the body feel. Paula’s closing advice is to remember your body is on your side and not to abandon it.00:00 Welcome to the Podcast01:42 Meet Paula Atkinson04:12 Fatphobia and Power05:58 Weight and Society Course08:06 Who Took the Class11:24 Lipedema Clients and Diagnosis17:10 What Body Image Means21:17 Diet Culture and Control24:37 Social Media as a Tool28:05 Stress Trauma Connection29:39 Sick Care Reality Check31:46 Better Doctors Today33:31 Surgery And Aesthetics35:09 Body Autonomy Freedom37:38 Diet Culture Scam43:29 Emotional Eating Myth46:44 Food Without Morality50:32 Befriend Your Body53:05 Episode Wrap Up Follow us on Social media!!! Kristy's Contact information: IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠ FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 Cindy contact information ⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_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/⁠⁠⁠ Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/ This episode is proudly sponsored by Carla Whorton, AGNP-BC, AAHP Carla treats Lipedema, hormones and weight optimization Website:CarlaWhortonagnp.com https://www.instagram.com/carlawhortonnp/ https://www.facebook.com/carla.whorton.np Paul Atkinson Insta: @pauladatkinson Website: https://www.pauladatkinson.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/pauladatkinson/ TikTok: @pauladatkinson5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WINWWY Episode of Surrounded: https://youtu.be/M7K87rGoGps?si=KPjMLmxc4KPfp0nJ

    Body Liberation, Lipedema, and Breaking Free from Diet Culture with Paula Atkinson

  2. Aug 9

    Fascia, Advocacy, and Block Therapy: Kelly Maynard’s Lipedema Journey

    Host Cindy welcomes Kelly Maynard of Wild Heart Wellness, who shares her long journey to recognizing lipedema after her fourth child at 43 and years of worsening pain that left her mostly bedridden, impacting her family and mental health. She describes learning about lipedema through a well-known community figure, challenges getting a formal diagnosis due to limited local providers, and the idea that diagnosis is most necessary for insurance coverage or surgery. The conversation emphasizes self-advocacy, frustrations with dismissive doctors, ordering labs independently, and questioning “normal” lab ranges. Kelly explains how fascia-focused approaches, especially block therapy using breathwork and sustained pressure to melt adhesions, helped reduce her pain, improve tissue texture, circulation, lymph flow, sweating, swelling, body shape, and overall functioning, and she shares where to find her online.00:00 Welcome to the Show01:41 Meet Kelly Maynard02:37 Painful Turning Point03:48 Searching for Answers05:33 Finding Lipedema Clues06:56 Do You Need Diagnosis11:11 Surgery Versus Conservative Care12:05 Hormones and Late Pregnancy14:43 Bedridden and Hopelessness19:36 Firing Bad Doctors28:55 Ordering Your Own Labs33:46 Advocating With Doctors35:51 Experts Money And Codes38:12 Homeschooling To Fascia38:34 Block Therapy Basics42:12 Detox Reactions Explained45:50 Adhesions And Tissue Change48:38 Pain Circulation Sweating Wins50:09 Weight Inflammation And Shape52:56 Body Image And Shame01:01:05 Daughter Spots Symptoms01:04:43 Where To Find Her Follow us on Social media!!! Kristy's Contact information: IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠ FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 Cindy contact information ⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_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/⁠⁠⁠ Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/ This episode is proudly sponsored by Carla Whorton, AGNP-BC, AAHP Carla treats Lipedema, hormones and weight optimization Website:CarlaWhortonagnp.com https://www.instagram.com/carlawhortonnp/ https://www.facebook.com/carla.whorton.np Guest Kelly MaynardLearn More: https://www.wildheart.health/ Have Questions? wildheartwellnesskelly@gmail.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildheartlipedema/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wildheartwellnessgirl/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wildheartwellnessgirl Block Therapy Sampler Program: https://kd167.isrefer.com/go/sampler/KellyMaynard/  Block Therapy Starter Kit: https://kd167.isrefer.com/go/starterprogram/KellyMaynard/Fascia Freebie: https://kd167.isrefer.com/go/5stepscontrolpain/KellyMaynard/

    Fascia, Advocacy, and Block Therapy: Kelly Maynard’s Lipedema Journey

  3. Aug 2

    Part 2 with Wendy Moore on Connective Truth: Reaching Young Women With Lipedema Awareness

    Connective Truth: Expanding Lipedema Awareness and Access for Young WomenHost Cindy welcomes back guest Wendy Moore of the new nonprofit Connective Truth, who shares that she had lipedema since childhood and went about 30 years without a diagnosis before self-diagnosing in 2024. Wendy explains her current focus on reaching young women especially those without access to social media, routine pediatric care, or resources by learning from caregivers, school nurses, and community leaders about what tools would help most. She discusses addressing bias and misinformation, exploring outreach beyond healthcare (including youth-focused programs like Dove/Nike’s Body Confidence Sport), and funding practical resources such as textbooks and potential short educational films through a family foundation. The conversation also covers barriers to screening and “next steps” for youth, the importance of broad health education, and how the ICD-10 code provides validation and may drive future progress. Wendy invites listeners to email ideas and needs to truth@moregood.org. 00:00 Welcome to the Show01:42 Meet Wendy Moore03:36 What Is Connective Truth04:43 Reaching Girls Offline08:16 Screening and Next Steps12:32 Beyond Healthcare Awareness15:51 Bias and Youth Advocacy17:04 Nonprofit Funding and Tools19:56 Underserved Communities Focus22:56 Early Education for Everyone27:51 How You Can Help33:11 ICD-10 Code Validation37:07 Final Thanks and Wrap Up Follow us on Social media!!! Kristy's Contact information: IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠ FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 Cindy contact information ⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_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/⁠⁠⁠ Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/stronger_than_lipedema_podcast/ This episode is proudly sponsored by Carla Whorton, AGNP, AAHP Website:CarlaWhortonagnp.com https://www.instagram.com/carlawhortonnp/ https://www.facebook.com/carla.whorton.np Learn more www.connectivetruth.org Follow us https://www.instagram.com/connectivetruth/)https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-truth/ Get in touch: Email: truth@mooregood.org FAQ https://connectivetruth.org/faq Introduce us to a school nurse:  www.connectivetruth.org/truth-seek Sign our open letters www.connectivetruth.org/you-can-handle-the-truth Disrupt bias with us www.connectivetruth.org/corrective-truth

    Part 2 with Wendy Moore on Connective Truth: Reaching Young Women With Lipedema Awareness

  4. Jul 26

    The Voice of Truth: Wendy Moore and Lipedema Awareness

    Wendy Moore on Connective Truth, Diagnosis Barriers, and Reaching Young Women With LipedemaHost Cindy and interview Wendy Moore, founder of the nonprofit Connective Truth, who has had lipedema since childhood but didn’t recognize it until her early 40s after seeing stories on social media. Wendy describes the identity shift and relief of finding community, the grief of “losing” 30 years to misdiagnosis and gaslighting, and her resolve to prevent young women from experiencing the same delays. She explains her background building low-overhead, direct-impact projects and how that led to focusing on access to reliable information amid misinformation and AI-driven marketing. The conversation covers ICD-10 lipedema codes arriving in October 2026, ongoing insurance and provider barriers, the need for pediatric and school-based screening, and the mental health impacts of identity formation and learned helplessness. Wendy shares her diagnosis path (clinical opinion at Lymphedema Alliance of NY, virtual diagnosis with Dr. Aria/Roxbury Institute, and a separate visit with Dr. Herbst), her 2024 Roxbury surgeries and recovery, and invites listeners to connectivetruth.org and @connectivetruth.00:00 Welcome to the Show01:42 Meet Wendy Moore02:34 Finding the Diagnosis03:37 Identity Shift and Community06:34 Gaslighting and Body Struggles09:31 Building Nonprofits with Impact12:38 Connective Truth Mission13:25 Social Media and Access15:40 ICD-10 Codes and Insurance21:01 Early Detection for Girls22:46 Schools and Underserved Access27:40 Citizen Science and Research Gaps29:49 Body Image and Wellness Myths33:05 Mental Health and Emotional Toll33:48 Identity and Helplessness36:01 Reaching Young Women39:06 Awareness Versus Access39:49 Self Diagnosis Journey41:57 Virtual Consult Questions44:50 Finding Local Care Paths46:11 Zoning and Licensing Barriers50:22 MLD Training Misconceptions51:50 Surgery Timeline and Recovery53:03 Insurance Coverage Reality56:30 Beyond Surgery Long Term Care01:00:40 Mental Health and Closing Follow us on Social media!!! Kristy's Contact information: IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠ FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 Cindy contact information ⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_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/⁠⁠⁠ Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠ 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/⁠⁠ Learn more about Wendy Moore here!Learn more www.connectivetruth.org Follow us @connectivetruth (Instagram, LinkedIn) Get in touch:  truth@mooregood.orgFAQ https://connectivetruth.org/faq Introduce us to a school nurse www.connectivetruth.org/truth-seekSign our open letters www.connectivetruth.org/you-can-handle-the-truth Disrupt bias with us www.connectivetruth.org/corrective-truth

    The Voice of Truth: Wendy Moore and Lipedema Awareness

  5. Jul 19

    Lipedema, MS, and Venous Insufficiency: Katie Tarr's Journey from PT to Patient Advocate

    Host Cindy interviews Katie Tarr, a retired physical therapist, mom from Wilmington, North Carolina, and content creator living with lipedema, multiple sclerosis, and chronic venous insufficiency. Katie shares noticing her tissue felt different in PT school, years of unexplained leg heaviness, a compartment syndrome diagnosis and fasciotomy, later an MS diagnosis, and persistent weight-loss resistance that led her to discover lipedema via ChatGPT, then confirm it through social media and specialists. The conversation covers lipedema removal surgery findings of severe fibrosis, venous ablation procedures and expectations, challenges distinguishing MS vs lipedema symptoms, and how an anti-inflammatory, holistic approach supports both conditions. Katie explains navigating diagnosis through specialists, MLD therapy, and finding providers willing to learn, and discusses building community support and practical advice like habit stacking and avoiding comparison.00:00 Welcome to the Show01:39 Meet Katie Tarr02:57 Noticing Something Different05:14 Diagnosis Journey08:01 Surgery and Fibrosis10:35 Vein Treatments Explained13:43 Results and Surgery Timing19:44 Choosing Surgeons and Care21:21 MS and Lipedema Overlap24:13 Getting Diagnosed Strategically25:01 Misdiagnosed for MLD Access25:59 Finding Providers Who Listen26:45 Virtual Consult Options30:20 Conservative Care First33:50 Insurance Appeals Strategy35:15 Clinician Becomes Patient37:21 Building Online Community41:59 Toxic Comparisons Online44:49 Habit Stacking Self Care48:17 Episode Wrap Up Follow us on Social media!!! Kristy's Contact information: IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠ FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 Cindy contact information ⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_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/⁠⁠⁠ Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠ 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/⁠⁠ katie@katietarr.com msha.ke/healwithkatietarr

    Lipedema, MS, and Venous Insufficiency: Katie Tarr's Journey from PT to Patient Advocate

  6. Jul 12

    Liposuction Expertise: Dr. Thomas Su's Approach

    Dr. Thomas Su on Awake 360° Lipedema Liposuction, Staging, Recovery, and Insurance ChallengesHosts Cindy and Kristy introduce Dr. Thomas Su of Art Lipo in Tampa. Dr. Su describes training in internal medicine, a fine arts background, and 20 years specializing in circumferential, high-definition arm and leg liposuction, evolving from cosmetic work to lipedema cases starting around 2017. He explains why he prefers awake, office-based procedures using local anesthetic and nitrous oxide, notes lipedema “staging” reflects size more than symptom severity, and outlines how larger cases may require multiple surgeries or hospital-based large-volume surgeons. He details his photo-based consult process with hand-drawn visual “renders,” typical recovery marked by swelling for months, a ~3-month minimum between blended leg procedures, two-week minimum compression (provided by his office), selective use of MLD for severe swelling, and ongoing insurance denial tactics despite pending coding changes.00:00 Show Introduction00:55 Sponsor Message01:42 Meet Dr Thomas Su03:49 Training And Credentials06:46 Circumferential Technique07:42 Stages And Case Limits13:42 Awake Office Surgery16:32 Why Lipedema Work20:50 Loose Skin Challenges22:26 Complete Removal Skills25:43 Consultation Process26:25 Visualizing New Shape28:44 Surgery Staging Strategy30:52 Insurance Coverage Reality37:44 Recovery and Swelling40:08 Timing Between Procedures42:10 Compression Guidelines47:28 MLD and Fibrosis Debate50:03 Advice and Farewell Follow us on Social media!!! Kristy's Contact information: IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠ FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 Cindy contact information ⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_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/⁠⁠⁠ Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠ 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/⁠⁠ https://artlipo.com/https://www.instagram.com/artlipo_lipedema_surgery/https://www.facebook.com/ArtLipoLipedemaSurgery/ https://www.tiktok.com/@artlipo_lipedema_surgery https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNh7wlWroshm5vVwbWNfExQ

    Liposuction Expertise: Dr. Thomas Su's Approach

  7. Jul 5

    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/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠ FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 Cindy contact information ⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_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/⁠⁠⁠ Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠ 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/⁠⁠

  8. Jun 28

    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/dellalunawellness/⁠⁠⁠ FB Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3pseJKUd/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website  Kristy Dellacroce, MS,OTR/L, MLD-C ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dellalunawellness.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lipedema Advocate 856-297-7437 Cindy contact information ⁠FB:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/withcindyhowell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Private FB Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/7021999704562921⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_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/⁠⁠⁠ Free surgery course:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://l.bttr.to/6cATB⁠⁠⁠ 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/⁠⁠ Dr Kramer's main outlet is on Substack: https://beyondzebras.substack.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drnicolekramer/

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Stronger Than Lipedema, the podcast dedicated to empowering women managing lipedema. Hosted by Cindy Howell and Kristy Dellacroce this show dives into all things health, wellness, and self-care to help you navigate life with these unique challenges. Each episode explores practical tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you reduce inflammation, boost your energy, and feel confident in your body. From understanding the science behind lipedema to uncovering the best strategies for nutrition, movement, and mindset.

Information

  • Creator
    Cindy Howell & Kristy Dellacroce
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    80
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cindy Howell & Kristy Dellacroce
  • Show Website
    Stronger than Lipedema

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