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Michelle Jaqua
Michelle Jaqua

3.9K Followers

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Welcome! Thanks for Visiting My Home Page on Medium

Updated 3/27/23* Welcome to my page! I’ve been blogging for over five years on Medium. I’ve had quite a journey developing myself as a writer. I started by posting my journal writings about divorce and being in a marriage of domestic violence. Then I started including women’s issues and advocacy…

Women

6 min read

Hey, Welcome! Thanks for Visiting My Home Page on Medium
Hey, Welcome! Thanks for Visiting My Home Page on Medium
Women

6 min read


Published in

Lipedema and Me

·5 days ago

June is Lipedema Awareness Month — Let’s Raise Our Voices!

How we can spread the word and create change — Guess what? June is here, and it’s time to shine the spotlight on Lipedema Awareness Month. This is our moment to make some serious noise and spread the word about our condition far and wide. Throughout this month, I’ll be using this platform to share stories, knowledge, and experiences to…

Lipedema

4 min read

June is Lipedema Awareness Month — Let’s Raise Our Voices!
June is Lipedema Awareness Month — Let’s Raise Our Voices!
Lipedema

4 min read


Published in

Lipedema and Me

·May 17

Can You Self-Diagnose Your Lipedema?

In a way, Yes! I did it, and you can too. Here’s how. — This article may be controversial because the medical industry does not want you to diagnose yourself. That’s their job, not yours. However, I am part of that medical community and beg to differ. Too many women go around in circles for years, trying to find answers from doctors about what’s…

Lipedema

8 min read

Can You Self-Diagnose Your Lipedema?
Can You Self-Diagnose Your Lipedema?
Lipedema

8 min read


Published in

Lipedema and Me

·Apr 13

Becoming Aware That You’re Not Just Fat, Part 3: The Symptoms and Conditions Caused by Lipedema

Many women don’t even know they have this condition. — Since Lipedema is purely based on clinical diagnosis. There is no imaging, bloodwork, or other medical diagnostics (yet) that diagnose this disease. A physician will diagnose the signs and symptoms of this illness. The cause of Lipedema is unknown but seems to be connected to hormones and genetics. Lipedema presents…

Women

3 min read

Becoming Aware That You’re Not Just Fat, Part 3: The Symptoms and Conditions Caused by Lipedema
Becoming Aware That You’re Not Just Fat, Part 3: The Symptoms and Conditions Caused by Lipedema
Women

3 min read


Published in

Lipedema and Me

·Apr 12

Becoming Aware That You’re Not Just Fat, Part 2: Signs That Show You’re Prone to Lipedema

These identifiers made me realize I had Lipedema — When I was researching Lipedema, I didn’t know anything about the condition. I’d never heard of it as a nurse, and I’m familiar with many rare diseases. But I found out Lipedema isn’t so rare. In fact, it’s not rare at all (Well, it is rare in men). Lipedema can…

Women

3 min read

Becoming Aware That You’re Not Just Fat, Part 2: Signs That Show You’re Prone to Lipedema
Becoming Aware That You’re Not Just Fat, Part 2: Signs That Show You’re Prone to Lipedema
Women

3 min read


Published in

Lipedema and Me

·Mar 28

Becoming Aware That You’re Not Just Fat: The Physical Signs of Lipedema

Do you have Lipedema too? — I have been battling Lipedema for years, even though I didn’t know I had it. I didn’t even know it existed. My Lipedema journey began at puberty, but it remained latent until I started menopause. Like many women, I grew larger during this hormonal part of life; I developed a…

Lipedema

4 min read

Becoming Aware That You’re Not Just Fat: The Physical Signs of Lipedema
Becoming Aware That You’re Not Just Fat: The Physical Signs of Lipedema
Lipedema

4 min read


Published in

Lipedema and Me

·Mar 27

We Must Be Advocates for Ourselves

Navigating through the medical system is exhausting work. Keep going anyway. — I spent a couple of hours today doing the footwork of following up with my medical providers. It was exhausting and it took most of my energy out of me for the day. First thing this morning, I went to my physical therapy (PT) appointment. My PT is excellent, and…

Lipedema

4 min read

We Must Be Advocates for Ourselves
We Must Be Advocates for Ourselves
Lipedema

4 min read


Published in

Lipedema and Me

·Jan 3

My Lipedema Has Forced Me to Take Inventory of My Life

It’s a blessing in disguise — I’m the kind of person who’s used to doing it all. When I was younger, I paid my way through nursing school, had my first child while I was a junior in college, and kept going until I graduated. …

Lipedema

4 min read

My Lipedema Has Forced Me to Take Inventory of My Life
My Lipedema Has Forced Me to Take Inventory of My Life
Lipedema

4 min read


Published in

Lipedema and Me

·Jan 2

My 2023 is Going to Look a Lot Different Than Last Year

Or otherwise known as “F*** you, 2022” — I haven’t been writing or doing my passion project since my first surgery back in September. I needed to pay my bills, so I was working more than I should have been. My primary job as a case manager pays more than any article I write, and I need the…

Lipedema

3 min read

My 2023 is Going to Look a Lot Different Than Last Year
My 2023 is Going to Look a Lot Different Than Last Year
Lipedema

3 min read


Published in

The Virago

·Nov 28, 2022

2022 Has Left Me Legit Depressed

Who wouldn't be after the year I've had? — Yesterday, I couldn't pull myself out of the bathtub. I imagined calling the Fire Department to heave my weak, naked body out of the tub and onto the bathroom floor. I even visualized myself flopping around like a fish out of water. That insight gave me the inner strength to…

Depression

9 min read

2022 Has Left Me Legit Depressed
2022 Has Left Me Legit Depressed
Depression

9 min read

Michelle Jaqua

Michelle Jaqua

3.9K Followers

Advocate for Women / Owner of Lipedema and Me

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