Stronger than Lipedema

Cindy Howell & Kristy Dellacroce

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

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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/⁠⁠

  4. 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/

  5. Jun 21

    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/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/⁠⁠ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaduerre/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@realtalkwithlisaSpeaking Page: https://www.lisaduerre.com/lipedema-advocacy/RLD Group: https://rldgroupllc.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa.duerre/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.duerre

  6. Jun 14

    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/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 Podcast IG: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/⁠⁠ Monarch Continuing Education: https://www.monarchce.com/ Email: carmen@monarchce.com https://www.facebook.com/MonarchCE/

  7. Jun 7

    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.comEmail: drgrace@levelupptdoc.comLocation: Leesburg, Northern Virginiahttps://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.

  8. May 31

    Kasi Grosvenor: Insights on Lipedema Awareness Month Lipedema Awareness Month’s focus on "lipedema literacy"

    Lipedema Literacy, Surgery Realities, and Trusted Resources with Kasi GrosvenorHosts Cindy and Kristy welcome back Kasi Grosvenor, a project manager at the Lipedema Foundation, to discuss her lipedema journey, the way pain and functional limitations can be normalized, and how functional capacity evaluations may reveal hidden impacts—especially when conducted by clinicians familiar with lipedema. Kasi shares that she was diagnosed about five years ago (stage 2–3), has used conservative therapies since diagnosis, and has undergone five removal-related procedures (including brachioplasty, abdominoplasty, and low-volume liposuction), emphasizing surgery as a reset—not a cure—requiring ongoing daily management. The conversation covers comorbidities (including mast cell activation syndrome, hereditary alpha-tryptasemia, hypermobility, perimenopause), the slow progress toward ICD coding, and Lipedema Awareness Month’s focus on “lipedema literacy,” urging patients to seek vetted resources like lipedema.org, provider directories, print brochures, and the Legato Library.00:00 Welcome to the Podcast00:55 Sponsor Message01:42 Meet Casey Grosvenor02:34 Kasi’s Diagnosis Story04:35 Normalizing Pain and Limits05:30 Functional Capacity Testing10:12 Finding the Right PT or OT14:43 Life After Five Surgeries17:32 What Areas Were Treated19:08 Regrowth and Fibrosis Tools23:14 Habit Stacking at Home26:08 Comorbidities and Connections30:10 Hypermobility and Early Signs31:34 Aging With EDS Challenges32:43 Grassroots Awareness Materials34:44 Billboards And Viral Moments36:27 ICD Codes And Policy Progress41:58 Patient And Foundation Perspective44:26 Awareness Month Literacy Push47:04 Elevator Pitch For Lipedema49:41 Obesity Bias In Healthcare52:49 Trusted Resources And Legato 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 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/⁠⁠ Lipedema Foundation Website: https://www.lipedema.orgAccess Lipedema Awareness Month Resources: https://www.lipedema.org/lipedema-awareness-month-2026Join the Lipedema Foundation Newsletter: https://lipedema.org/contact-us Educational Resources: https://www.lipedema.org/educational-resourcesFollow Lipedema Foundation on Social Media:  Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTubeExplore the Lipedema Research Library (LEGATO): https://www.lipedema.org/libraryAccess Treatments Resources: https://www.lipedema.org/treatmentsFind a Lipedema Provider: https://www.lipedema.org/provider-directory Kasi Grosvenor https://www.instagram.com/kasi.grosvenor/

See All (76)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 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
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cindy Howell & Kristy Dellacroce
  • Show Website
    Stronger than Lipedema

You Might Also Like