Article in Columbia Tribute

[matt]

Researchers are studying the use of interferon alfa-2b as a potential treatment, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, or NORD. Alternative treatments include acupuncture, hypnosis, biofeedback and cognitive behavior therapy, according to NORD.

Herbst, an endocrinologist, has produced an online documentary about the disease in which she explains the mechanics behind Dercum’s. In a healthy body, small amounts of fluid containing toxins continually leak from blood vessels and are easily flushed out of the body. In Dercum’s patients, too much fluid is released and settles between cells, creating inflammation. To clean up the toxic fluid, the body sends blood cells to the rescue and then produces fat to feed the cells. The fat, however, eventually builds up into solid growth.

“It’s like taking garbage to the street, but it never gets picked up by the garbage truck,” Herbst said.

Removing lipomas is rarely the answer because the process leaves behind inflammation, causing the body to over-respond with “a vicious cycle of the growth of fat,” Herbst said.

There are ways to manage the symptoms and to decrease fluid in the tissue, so for many, the prognosis is they will live as long as someone without Dercum’s. One key, however, is to avoid physical activity — overexertion is cited as a cause of the out-of-kilter fat growth — and stress.

Here's the link to the whole article: http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/per ... 0f31a.html

[victor]

wow what a relief, hopefully it works as anticipated. Thanks a lot for the link Matt.