Ep. 125 Behind JFK's Legacy: A Deep Dive into His Chronic Health Challenges Part 2

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Living with fibromyalgia and related invisible illnesses is very challenging and too often stigmatized by the medical community. John F. Kennedy lived with many invisible illnesses that he and his close political supporters knew they needed to hide to protect is political prospects. John had severe irritable bowel and functional dyspepsia, both disorders of the gut-brain-interaction. He also had severe back pain, pelvic pain, chronic prostatitis, and migraines. He also struggled with severe fatigue and insomnia. These all fall under the umbrella of fibromyalgia and related illnesses. He also highly likely had comorbid ADHD that interfered with pain perception and contributed to fatigue.
Learn more about John's journey to help grow in compassion and understanding for yourself, your loved ones living with one of these invisible illnesses, and your patients. You will also gain an enlightened historical perspective.

Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.

Click here to connect with Joy Lenz.

Support the show

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.*