Ep. 54 Margaret's Final Days. Wrapping up her tragic Fibromyalgia Journey

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Many people with fibromyalgia have tremendous frustration and disappointment in the medical system. The reasons include delay in diagnosis and little hope for improvement when it is finally diagnosed. Sadly, Margaret was never diagnosed. Only through a retrospective look at her life can the connections be made. Hopefully, her story will help physicians be more vigilant in recognizing their patients struggling with fibromyalgia. With better education and comprehensive management lives of those with fibromyalgia can improve.
This final episode shares the impact her book had during Europe in World War II, her tragic ending, and her faith and love of the Psalms.
As a doctor passionate about helping those struggling, I can't help wanting to reach back in time and sit down with Margaret in my clinic. I would have enjoyed spending hours and frequent follow-up visits discussing her struggles and working to lessen her mysterious pains, brain fog, and fatigue.  Her history gives insight into the limitations of medicine in the first half of the 20th century. Sadly, current sufferers with fibromyalgia will likely find that they will fit somewhere on the spectrum from never receiving a correct diagnosis and proper education and treatment to getting up-to-date education and comprehensive care. 

Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist with an interest in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it to even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the book "Conquering Your Fibromyalgia: Real Answers and Real Solutions for Real Pain. " It is also available on audiobook

Joy Lenz

Fibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start. 

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When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*