Welcome to the Monroe Lymphedema & Lipedema Support Group Website!

We are the Monroe Lymphedema & Lipedema Support Group

Welcome to the Monroe Lymphedema Group website.  We are a group that meets every 2nd Wednesday at 1:30pm at L.I.F.E (Living Independence For Everyone) at 2307 N. Monroe Street, Monroe Michigan 48162, located at Mall and Monroe Street.

We discuss lymphedema & Lipedema and related issues, help each other learn to manage Lymphadema & Lipedema etc.

More About Our GroupContact Us

Why Join Us?

Great way to learn about or share information about lymphedema and lipedema care.

Learn About Treatment

Joining our group meeting you can learn more about lymphedema from our group leader Denise, who is a retired lympedema therapist, or our members sharing ideas that worked for them, doctors that helped them, treatments etc.

Share Your Information

Even if you don’t think you have anything worth sharing, you may.  Someone may have a similar situation that you went through, and not know  who to contact.  Maybe your doctor or treatment worked, refer them it may help others!

Learn From The Group

We are just every day people who meet to help each other, learn from each other.  You have to be your own advocate in your treatment, information helps you do that!

What is Lymphedema and Lipedema?

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a chronic condition where lymph fluid builds up under the skin and causes swelling, most often in the arms or legs

Signs and Symptoms

The condition usually develops slowly over time.

  • Swelling in part or all of an arm or leg, including fingers or toes.

  • A heavy, tight, or full feeling in the limb.

  • Reduced movement or joint stiffness.

  • Skin that thickens or hardens, called fibrosis.

 

Lipedema

Lipedema is a chronic, progressive medical condition that causes an abnormal, symmetrical buildup of fatty tissue, mostly in the lower body and sometimes the arms, while typically sparing the hands and feet

Key Signs and Symptoms

  • Disproportionate size: A noticeable difference where the lower body or limbs are much larger than the upper torso.

  • Pain and tenderness: Affected fat tissue is often tender, painful, or bruised easily from minor pressure.

  • Distinct texture: The fat can feel lumpy, nodular, or like small rice grains under the skin.

  • Diet resistance: The accumulated fat does not easily go away with standard diet or exercise.