My FAVA journey

At 50, I was told that all the previous diagnoses were wrong and the reason my leg pain is daily, constant and excruciating is because I have FAVA, Fibro-adipose vascular anomaly.

FAVA: the online community

Project FAVA led me to an international online community group for people with FAVA and their family members.

viva press

Jul 252 min read

Binder of medical assessments before FAVA diagnosis

FAVA: And then one day, I needed hiking poles just to walk

The FAVA diagnosis came in June 2026. It gave an explanation for the pain – which is half the battle, I guess. For 49-plus years, I lived with severe venous abnormalities without knowing I had them. Now, every move is dictated by them.

viva press

Jul 255 min read

FAVA: Walking Backwards

I’ve become a bit of a fanatic about retro walking. I recommend it to everyone. To people with FAVA. To people with sore veins, sore muscles, sore anything.

viva press

Jul 203 min read