Lymphoedema, Lipoedema, and Inflammation: The Hidden Impacts on Daily Life

Living with a chronic condition can feel like an unwelcome intrusion into everyday life, affecting not only routines but also relationships, and challenging both you and those around you to cope in new ways.

Chronic illness can often feel like a “third member” of a relationship (Lyons, 2023). Both you and your partner may face emotional struggles, such as anxiety or depression, as well as financial pressures from treatment and ongoing care.

Dealing with cancer is already difficult, but the aftermath of treatment—such as the development of lymphoedema—can add another layer of distress. The same applies to lipoedema, a condition characterised by abnormal deposits of inflamed fatty tissue, usually below the waist but sometimes affecting the arms as well. Lipoedema predominantly affects women, yet it can be inherited through the father’s side, even if he is not affected himself. Similarly, around 5–10% of cancers are hereditary, often linked to genetic mutations that occur in DNA during a person’s lifetime. It is important to understand that stress and chronic inflammation are also closely linked, and persistently high levels of inflammation can increase the risk of disease.

It is crucial to remember that no one is defined solely by a genetic predisposition. Lifestyle choices can significantly reduce risks, stress, and early detection plays a key role. With supportive relationships, reduced stress, and regular screenings, conditions such as lymphoedema, lipoedema, and even cancer can often be better managed—or in some cases, prevented or caught early.

Research consistently shows that strong, supportive relationships can improve both physical health and longevity. This makes openness and emotional support within a partnership not just comforting, but essential for managing chronic illness over time. Loving, understanding and supporting in a relationship makes life come to life.

The key message here is that we are not defined by labels, but by the steps we take each day to prevent setbacks, protect our wellbeing, and build strong, supportive relationships. By focusing on effort and connection rather than markers, we can reduce stress and create a healthier balance in life.

References

Faguntes, C. P., Bennett, J. M., Derry, H. M., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2011, November 5). Relationships and Inflammation across the Lifespan: Social Developmental Pathways to Disease. doi:10.1111/j.1751-9004.2011.00392.x

Faguntes, C. P., Bennett, J. M., Derry, H. M., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2011, November 5). Relationships and Inflammation across the Lifespan: Social Developmental Pathways to Disease. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-9004.2011.00392.x

Lyons, M. (2023, July 11). Chronic Illness and Relationships: Learning How to Cope. Retrieved September 17, 2025, from JL Counselling and Consulting: https://www.myriamelyons.ca/blog-post/chronic-illness-and-relationships

Morgan, S., Reid, I., Bendon, C., Ishaq , M., Shayan, R., Pope, B., . . . Karnezis, T. (2024, April 17). A Family-Based Study of Inherited Genetic Risk in Lipedema. doi: 10.1089/lrb.2023.0065

I am the author of this blog with the assistance of ChatGPT to proofread and polish.

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