1. Dercum’s Disease
I Am Rare
Dercum’s Disease is a rare disorder
in which luid and fatty deposits damage
nerves resulting in weakness and in-
tense pain throughout the body. Dercum’s
(Adiposis Dolorosa) is a disease that
affects the entire body, in many cases,
causing chronic fatigue, changes in the
immune system, obesity, irritable bowel,
and memory loss. These are only a few
from a long list of symptoms. This disorder
usually occurs in females between the
ages of 25-60, but can debut in all ages
as well as in younger people and amongst
males. It is about 20 times more frequent
in females than in males.
This is a disabling disease. The pain is
chronic and increases with the years. It can
exist in the entire fatty tissue layer but most
commonly affected are the knees, forearms,
trunk, and thighs. Severe asthenia (weak-
ness) has been emphasized as a feature
by some.
Other affected individuals experience
depression, lethargy, and confusion.
Lipomas, “fatty tumors” can be felt in
the fat, they are intensely painful. Short-
ness of breath and irregular heartbeat are
common most likely due to luid buildup in
these tissues.
The causes of the disease have been
poorly researched. The symptoms and
the lack of treatment are negatively affect-
ing the quality of life of those aflicted. The
disorder is not well known and many of the
patients are poorly treated. The treatment
of Dercum’s patients is inadequate!!
Since the disorder cannot be observed
externally it is impossible for others to com-
prehend the pain and discomfort each pa-
tient experiences. Most of the patients are
unable to work and perform daily tasks
due to the effects of the disease. For
years there has been a need for research,
knowledge, and awareness in order to
diagnose Dercum’s Disease patients.
Unfortunately, physicians are lacking the
necessary information, therefore, diagnoses
have been based primarily on the informa-
tion given by the patients. To date there are
no treatments and there is no cure.
For more information visit:
www. Lipomadoc.org
www.Fatdisorders.org
There may
be light at the
end of the tunnel
for Dercum’s
patients
FlyertoinformyouaboutafundraiserforthevictimsofDercumʼsDisease.
Donations/Checksmadepayableto:RIDercum’sDiseaseResearchFund.
RIDercum’sDiseaseResearchFundisfundingresearchbyTheVAMedicalAssociation
inTucson,AZ
Information
Der·cum’sdisease(dûrkmz)
adiposisdo·lo·ro·sa(dl-rs)
n.
Uncomfortableorpainfuldepositsofpendulous
orsymmetricalnodularmassesofadiposetissue
invariousregionsofthebody.
*In 1996, Barbara Lyons was diagnosed
with this dreadful disease and has
undergone over 37 major surgeries in the
last 15 years. After a recent increase
in the diagnosis of Dercumʼs, there
may be light at the end of the tunnel
for Dercumʼs patients. We have now
found hope in researcher Dr. Karen
Herbst of Tucson, AZ. She has
begun to research the causes and
possible cure for Dercumʼs.
Twenty
times
More frequent
in women