As a PCOS princess I feel it’s my duty to show you one of my biggest insecurities - my thighs.
I’ve always dealt with cellulite, heaviness, and chaffing regardless of my size. The top part of my thighs were always so swollen!
*I want to be clear before I get into the details, the majority of this post is about how my thighs make me feel physically.*
But after losing 121lbs with PCOS, yes I have a thigh gap now. I never noticed it myself as someone who has always dealt with painful chaffing I never thought this was possible, but bc it’s been pointed out before here I felt I should acknowledge it before I dive into my thigh insecurities.
Full transparency time - my thighs bother me. I have loose skin there which means I still don’t feel comfortable as they add more heaviness and discomfort. I lost over 100lbs so loose skin is expected, and I don’t feel bad about that, I feel proud of my commitment to my PCOS routine!
It has also been only 19 months since the start of my weight loss journey, so I don’t expect perfection, but I will continue to find ways to feel better.
But recently, thanks to me using a firming cream and being mindful about how my legs and arms feel twice a day, I’ve discovered that I may have lipedema.
Lipedema is when you have painful nodules underneath the skin that I believe I have in my thighs, arms, and majority of my abdomen. It would explain why I have pain when these areas are pressed (or hugged by my kids 😢) bruises on my legs, elasticity in my calves, cankles my entire life, and heavy knees/elbows!
Using the firming cream helped me see massive improvement in my skin texture, but I definitely have nodules (feels like sensitive grains of rice under certain areas) underneath that won’t go away no matter how much weight I lose.
The second video here is my thighs before the cream and the last video is after. I see a big improvement between both (I have other videos where I’m not on the vibration plate & I still think this) considering I am pretty certain I have lipedema. It also turns out that PCOS & lipedema have a LOT of symptoms in common that I definitely have!
I have a doctors appointment next month to confirm and see what my options are. Wish me luck and let me know what your experiences are if you have lipedema.
In the meantime, here’s thighs that look like mine just in case they look like yours so you don’t feel alone like I always have.
Let me know if we’re thigh twins 👯♀️ ⬇️
Navigating body image can be incredibly challenging, especially when living with chronic conditions like PCOS and suspected lipedema. Many of us can relate to feeling self-conscious about our bodies, particularly areas like our thighs, which often bear the brunt of fat distribution changes, cellulite, and loose skin. It's a journey I deeply understand—the desire to feel comfortable in your own skin, even when your body doesn't always cooperate. For those of us with PCOS, weight fluctuations and stubborn areas can be a constant battle. And then there's the possibility of conditions like lipedema, which can add another layer of complexity, often manifesting as painful nodules, easy bruising, and disproportionate fat accumulation in the limbs, even at any size. These symptoms can be easily confused with regular weight gain or cellulite, making diagnosis a long and frustrating process. If you notice persistent pain when pressed, unusual bruising, or disproportionate heaviness in your legs or arms, it's definitely worth discussing with your doctor. After significant weight loss, like the incredible journey of shedding over 100lbs, a new set of body image challenges often emerges. Loose skin is a natural consequence of such a transformation, and it's important to remember that it's a testament to your hard work and dedication to health. While it can be another source of insecurity, learning to view it as part of your unique story can be empowering. I've found that focusing on nourishing my body from the inside out, staying hydrated, and engaging in light exercise can help with overall skin health and circulation, but true acceptance comes from within. Embracing and normalizing jiggly thighs at any size is a powerful step towards body positivity. It means acknowledging that bodies come in all shapes and forms, and that natural texture, movement, and softness are perfectly normal. We're often bombarded with unrealistic ideals, but connecting with others who share similar experiences can be incredibly validating. Whether it’s connecting through online communities or seeking local support groups, finding your ‘thigh twins’ or fellow PCOS warriors can provide comfort, practical tips for managing symptoms like chafing (think anti-chafing shorts or balms!), and a safe space to share your feelings. Remember, your worth isn't tied to the appearance of your thighs, but to the strength, resilience, and unique spirit within you. Let's continue to advocate for ourselves, seek answers, and build a community where every body is celebrated.
