Ep. 40 "Gone with the Wind but not Forgotten." Life with fibromyalgia 100 years ago. Part 1

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Listen and learn about life with fibromyalgia 100 years ago through the words of a best-selling and imaginative author. The year is 1900. At the turn of the century, Margaret Mitchell was born in Atlanta. She went on to write the most famous novel of the time 36 years later. The book was transformed into a great film as well. Despite her success, she endured much physical and emotional anguish. Her story will resonate with a familiar and sad tone for those with fibromyalgia and related problems.
I will share her story and struggles. Her biography, written by Darden Asbury Pyron, gives a chronological in-depth look into her life. I have encouraged those struggling with chronic health issues like fibromyalgia to write down their story. As we walk through her journey, I will discuss her symptoms and physical findings, medical assessments, evaluations, and treatments. You will hear in her history how much has not changed, yet much has evolved in our understanding. I found out about Margaret Mitchell through research and the journal article discussing her case.
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, 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 getting 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,

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.*