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Betrayed by my body and dismissed by doctors — this is my story of facing an invisible epidemic affecting 250 million people worldwide. When I inexplicably gained 40 pounds despite maintaining my athlete's lifestyle, five different medical professionals told me to simply embrace the weight gain or suggested I had mental health issues. One even questioned my gender identity rather than investigating my physical symptoms.

The truth finally emerged when a small-town doctor took my concerns seriously and discovered dangerously high inflammation markers in my blood — a potential precursor to serious illness. My diagnosis? Lymphedema, a chronic condition affecting the lymphatic system that causes persistent swelling, fatigue, and potential complications when left untreated. Despite affecting more Americans than HIV, ALS, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis combined, lymphedema remains widely misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed.

This episode takes you through my personal journey from sponsored adventure athlete to struggling with mobility, the frustrating experience of medical gaslighting, and the natural approaches that helped me regain control of my health. I share the diagnostic indicators of lymphedema, treatment options including pneumatic compression devices like the FlexiTouch system, and how targeted exercise, lymphatic massage, and specific nutritional strategies helped put parts of my condition into remission. For anyone facing unexplained weight gain, persistent swelling, or dismissive healthcare experiences, this conversation offers validation, information, and hope. Your symptoms aren't in your head — and you're not alone in this fight.

Tag new normal big life on X, Formerly Twitter at NNBLBlog to connect with our community of wellness warriors. Have you experienced medical gaslighting? Share your story in the comments or message us about health topics you'd like covered in future episodes.

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Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.

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