On the occasion of her second operation at the Clinique Étoile, this patient of Doctor Nicolas Zwillinger shares her experience of this pathology.
Could you please introduce yourself?
My name is Isabelle. I will be 58 at the end of August. I have just undergone a WAL liposuction.
You underwent lipoedema surgery today with Dr. Zwillinger. Could you tell us about your life with this condition affecting your legs?
This pathology followed me for a few years without being able to put a name to it. I had a first operation from my ankles to my knees at the end of March, and the second this very day, July 5, from the bottom of my knees to my thighs. Before this operation, I had great difficulty walking for too long. It became painful. My legs were always very, very heavy. I was always in pain even when I got dressed, and I suffered for a long time. Aesthetically, it wasn’t pretty, but before aesthetics, it was comfort that I didn’t have. I was really uncomfortable with these big legs.
When were you able to put down the word “lipoedema”?
I consulted doctors and other specialists who couldn’t tell me that it really was lipoedema. That’s when I met Dr. Zwillinger, who informed me that it really was lipoedema following various prescribed tests. I was so relieved to finally have a definitive answer to the big question I’d been asking myself. We then set the dates for the two operations.
You’ve just undergone general anaesthesia at Clinique Étoile. Tell us about your experience?
The first procedure was performed under spinal anesthesia, which went very well. Today, it was done under general anesthesia, at my express request. I was the one who asked Dr Gloulou, the anaesthetist, during our preoperative consultation. As I have a large herniated disc, I’ve always feared for my spine. Nevertheless, the operation went very well. On the other hand, frankly, spinal surgery is more comfortable than general anaesthesia. I was more tired today after being under general anaesthetic than I was after spinal surgery during the first operation.
How long after your operation were you able to resume a normal life?
After 15 days, I went back to work. I took care to rest and follow all the instructions given to me by Dr. Zwillinger and his assistants. I walked regularly to work on my legs and climbed a few small stairs to work on my muscles. Eventually, I was strong enough to start working.
At the end of the operation, you were able to see your legs. What were your first thoughts?
Honestly, surprisingly surprised and pleasantly surprised. Just before I went in for my first surgery, I had taken pictures of my legs, and I remember that I had big posts. To my surprise, even just after the operation, I could already see a difference. I saw that my ankles were smaller and my calves were much higher, and I was pleasantly surprised. My legs were more defined – something I never thought I’d see.
How did you feel when you left the operating theatre?
My thighs were very sore, but the nurse gave me some painkillers and it’s been much better since. I’m just relieved that the operation is over. As I said, I felt more tired after the operation, but I’m still full of energy. Tired but happy.
We would like to thank this lipedema patient for sharing her experience with us. We invite you to consult the other testimonials on our website.
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