30. MY UPDATE: The Lipedema Op: The Invisible Illness You Weren’t Supposed to Notice

If you’ve already heard MY UPDATE: What Happens When You Lose the Meds That Helped You Survive, you know Part 1 ended on the decision to have lipedema surgery after years of chronic pain, medical dismissal, and the sudden loss of ADHD medication. This is what happened next. In this follow-up episode, Jane takes you behind the curtain of the surgery itself — the reality of navigating a system that still sidelines women’s pain, the complications that no one warns you about, and the rare heart condition that made recovery far more complex than expected. From confronting family history to managing without ADHD meds during the most physically demanding season of her life, Jane shares the messy truth of advocating for your health when the system isn’t built for you. It’s raw, unfiltered, and painfully familiar for anyone who’s ever been left to fight for care they shouldn’t have to beg for. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: What surgery for lipedema is actually like — and what recovery demands of your body The rare heart finding that changed everything mid-recovery The emotional toll of being unsupported in hospital The overlap between lipedema, neurodivergence, and chronic illness How losing ADHD medication in the middle of recovery amplified every challenge Why women’s health advocacy has to start with telling the full, unvarnished story 💭 This episode is for you if: – You listened to Part 1 and want to know the full story– You’ve experienced surgery or medical treatment without adequate support– You’re living with invisible illness and fighting to be believed– You’ve faced the grief of losing tools that helped you function Listen to Part 1: What Happens When You Lose the Meds That Helped You Survive Check out IG posts here. 📚 Resources & References Related Episodes: Connection Between ADHD, EDS and POTS Listen here on Spotify Listen here on Apple Lipedema surgery information ADHD Mums blog post  — Photos, personal journey, and practical tips for navigating the lipedema surgery system. Check your symptoms – Lipedema Foundation — Clear, accessible checklist to help identify potential signs of lipedema and start informed conversations with health providers. 💓 SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia) Heart Foundation – Heart Arrhythmia & SVT — Evidence-based info on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for heart rhythm conditions including SVT. 🦓 Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)  Ehlers-Danlos Society Australia — Advocacy, support, and medical resources for people with EDS. Episode 41: ADHD + EDS and POTS – Spotify | Apple Podcast — How these conditions overlap, with expert and lived-experience insight. Episode 62: Burnout, Pain & Weird Symptoms? The ADHD Link No One Told Us About – Spotify | Apple Podcast — The hidden ADHD links to chronic pain, fatigue, and “mystery” symptoms. 🧬 RYR2 rare heart gene MedlinePlus – RYR2 Gene Information — Plain-language explanation of this rare genetic variant linked to heart rhythm issues. 💬 Community  ADHD Mums Facebook Group — A safe, neuro-affirming space to connect with other ADHD mums, share resources, and get support. JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format! FOLLOW FOR MORE: Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube LEAVE A REVIEW: Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together. COLLABS: For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at [email protected]. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here. 🧠 TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: lipedema surgery, invisible illness, women’s health gaslighting, rare heart conditions, SVT, RYR2 gene, ADHD medication access, stimulant withdrawal, chronic illness grief, hypermobility, ARFID, anorexia history, medical trauma, neurodivergent women’s health, hospital recovery, emotional regulation, executive dysfunction, parenting with chronic illness, survival mode, neuroaffirming support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.