Jacqueline Smith - Lipoedema Patient Advocate

Jacqueline Smith (Jax) became a friend of PhysioPod when they started to follow on her on Instagram and realised that this lovely lady had a story to tell that needed to be heard. Jax was misdiagnosed with ovarian cancer rather than Lipoedema. She underwent unnecessary surgery and chemotherapy. Lipoedema is a chronic, hereditary and genetic disorder of the adipose tissue (or body fat) which can be both disfiguring and painful, which affects approximately 1 in 11 females.

Jax writes from the heart, is warm and funny and is a leading light in the world for ladies with Lipoedema.

Since then, Mary has invited Jax to blog on other matters close to their readers hearts:

September 2023 Lipoedema Surgery with Dr Ghods

September 2022 - What A Beautiful Day For A Swim

In this new blog, Jax describes the day that she and her daughter Lucy realised their shared dreams of swimming in a relaxed, friendly and welcoming environment and reflects upon just what that has meant to her.

August 2022 - Food, Inflammation and Swelling in My Lipoedema

In this blog Jax talks about which foods and drinks cause her "swell hell" - a term she uses to describe a breakout in swelling because of something she has eaten or drunk during the course of her day. Jax also talks about the difficulties faced in ordinary social circumstances around her food choices, holidays, eating out, picnics, etc...

June 2022 - Autism and a 'Mostly' Positive Surgery-Related Experience

Jackie Smith reflects on her daughters recent surgical procedure

May 2022: Patient Review of 2022 NICE Guidance 'Liposuction for Chronic Lipoedema'

By Jaqueline Smith, diagnosed (privately) with Lipoedema in her knees, upper and inner thighs, hips, buttocks and arms.

Oct 2021: The Deep Oscillation Personal Recommended for Lipoedema Symptom Management and Keloid Scar Reduction

PhysioPod loaned Jacqueline a Deep Oscillation Personal after learning of her medical situation on Instagram, which was then featured on their website. After working with her to discover in detail the background to such a heartbreaking story, Mary and Julie felt that "Jax", as they had come to know her, actually really deserved a break and some practical help to get her back on her feet.

Sept 2021: Lipoedema and a Misdiagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

Jackie Smith was recently diagnosed with Lipoedema in her knees, upper and inner thighs, hips, buttocks and arms. This diagnosis has given her a better understanding of her body but it has been a very long time coming with some heartbreaking mistakes and misdiagnosis along the way...

Jackie Smith has Lipoedema in her knees, upper and inner thighs, hips, buttocks and arms.