Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Celebrating Four Years: Reflections, Fibromyalgia Insights, and Practical TipsIn this special fourth anniversary episode of the podcast, we reflect on four years of sharing expert interviews, insights, and listener stories. Join us as we celebrate this milestone with a scenic walk around Fowler Lake in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, discussing the importance of movement and environment for those living with chronic pain. The episode delves into the science and personal stories behind fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and other invisible illnesses, exploring common misconceptions and frequently asked questions. We also provide practical tips for managing fibromyalgia and chronic pain, discuss the overlaps with ADHD and autism, and highlight the journey of understanding these complex conditions. Whether you're listening or watching on YouTube, this episode offers a blend of personal reflection, medical education, and encouragement from our growing community.00:00 Welcome to Our Fourth Anniversary Celebration!00:22 Reflecting on Our Journey and Future Plans00:34 Practical Tips for Managing Chronic Pain01:00 The Importance of Movement and Environment01:11 Understanding Fibromyalgia and Invisible Illnesses01:20 Personal Stories and Medical Insights09:42 Exploring Nociplastic Pain Syndromes25:04 The Role of Environment in Managing Fibromyalgia27:58 Conclusion and Gratitude Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Navigating ADHD in a Complex World: A Deep Dive with Dr. Emily WoodIn the final episode of a three-part series, Dr. Emily Wood, a pediatric and adult psychiatrist with a focus on neurodivergent individuals, discusses pressing issues in ADHD care. Topics include the potential over-diagnosis and over-prescription of ADHD, the impact of stimulant shortages, and the repercussions of outdated policies and stigma. Dr. Wood highlights how modern societal pressures may amplify ADHD symptoms and advocates for medications as vital support rather than a last resort. The conversation spans the implications of legislation, stimulant classification, and the broader societal impact of untreated ADHD. The episode provides crucial insights for individuals with ADHD, their families, and healthcare professionals. Dr. Wood also shares her experiences and the importance of adapting treatment to meet current needs, emphasizing the significance of recognizing neurodiversity and providing comprehensive care.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:10 Are We Overdiagnosing ADHD?01:27 The Impact of Modern Life on ADHD02:36 Medication and Safety Concerns04:15 Stimulant Shortages and Policy Issues09:25 Reclassifying Stimulants: Pros and Cons15:16 Personal Stories and Broader Implications17:56 Final Thoughts and Future Directions23:57 Connecting with Dr. Emily Wood26:19 Conclusion  Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In part two of a three-part series, Dr. Emily Wood, a certified psychiatrist at SpectrumPsych, delves into the complexities of ADHD, autism, and their intersections with chronic pain syndromes. The episode covers the science behind stimulant medications, how they impact the brain, and their efficacy in treating core ADHD symptoms, improving emotional regulation, relationships, and long-term health outcomes. Dr. Wood also shares a compelling case study of a late-diagnosed autistic adult with ADHD. The conversation addresses public misconceptions about addiction, over-prescribing, and the erroneous links between vaccines and autism, while discussing the challenges posed by medication shortages.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:33 Understanding Stimulant Medications for ADHD06:14 Real-Life Impact of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment11:16 Addressing Myths and Misconceptions15:09 Genetics and Multifactorial Nature of Autism19:25 Concerns About Stimulant Addiction27:07 Comprehensive Treatment and Patient Stories33:11 Conclusion  Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In the first of a three-part interview, Dr. Emily Wood, a board-certified psychiatrist and PhD neuroscientist, discusses the complex links between neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism, and chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Wood, who heads Spectrum Psych LA, sheds light on why these conditions are often overlooked in high-masking individuals and women and explains the sensory processing differences that contribute to chronic pain. The conversation touches on the shortcomings in traditional psychiatric training and the importance of reevaluating medical education to better serve neurodivergent individuals. Dr. Wood also shares insights from her unique training path and discusses the broader implications of misdiagnosis and lack of understanding in the medical community.00:00 Introduction to Dr. Emily Wood and Her Unique Expertise01:11 Exploring Overlooked Neurodevelopmental Conditions in Women01:55 The Intersection of Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Chronic Pain02:52 Dr. Wood's Journey and Insights into Psychiatry06:27 Challenges in Medical Training and Diagnosis15:54 Implications of Misdiagnosis and the Importance of Listening26:11 Concluding Thoughts  Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, Dr. Tamara Rosier, author of 'You, Me, and Our ADHD Family,' shares valuable insights on managing life with ADHD. She discusses emotional regulation, self-awareness, and strategic support, highlighting the pitfalls of following every emotion. She also explores the complexities of romantic relationships involving ADHD, focusing on the importance of personal growth and setting boundaries. The episode concludes with a discussion on the benefits of ADHD coaching, emphasizing its forward-focused and practical problem-solving approach. Listeners are left with a message of hope and the importance of becoming a safe person for others.00:00 Introduction 00:29 The Scorpion and the Skunk Analogy01:21 Emotional Errors and Big Emotions06:02 Navigating Romantic Relationships with ADHD07:52 Misguided Empathy in Relationships09:15 Advice for Those in Challenging Relationships19:04 ADHD Coaching and Therapy25:43 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen 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.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this podcast episode, Dr. Tamara Rosier, a renowned ADHD coach and author, discusses her experiences and insights on managing ADHD within families.  She highlights the importance of understanding ADHD symptoms as neurological challenges rather than character flaws. Dr. Rosier shares personal anecdotes illustrating the impact of ADHD on her upbringing and family dynamics, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding. She introduces the 'window of tolerance' concept to help manage emotional regulation, discusses the significance of building healthy familial relationships despite executive function challenges, and underscores the transformative role of medication in widening the window of tolerance. This episode provides valuable strategies for fostering better relationships in ADHD-affected families.Checkout the first of a 3 part interview I did with her 2 years ago.00:00 Introduction to Dr. Tamara Rosier01:31 Personal Stories and Family Dynamics03:44 Challenges and Compassion in ADHD Families06:16 Parenting with ADHD: Real-Life Examples10:48 The Window of Tolerance Explained25:21 Medication and Managing ADHD25:53 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen 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.* ...

Dr. Joel Young, a physician specializing in mental health, dives deep into the intricate connections between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and ADHD. He highlights the overlapping symptoms such as non-restorative sleep and fatigue, emphasizing the struggles patients encounter during diagnoses. Young discusses the sociocultural implications, the importance of systematic approaches in treatment, and the challenges faced by those with overlapping conditions like autism. Practical advice for managing these intertwined disorders is also shared, aiming to empower both patients and healthcare providers.

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, Dr. Michael, a pediatrician and author of 'Conquering Your Fibromyalgia,' discusses the connections between ADHD, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia with Dr. Joel Young, a psychiatrist and head of the Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine. The conversation delves into their shared experiences and research on treating these overlapping conditions, highlighting findings from clinical trials on LDX (Vyvanse) and Sorial (Armodafinil) as treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome. They explore the prevalence of ADHD in patients with chronic fatigue and discuss the limitations of traditional neuropsychological testing in diagnosing ADHD. Dr. Young shares insights on the effectiveness of targeted interventions and presents his clinic's innovative diagnostic tool, Mind Metrics, which aids in identifying psychiatric disorders in patients.00:00 Introduction and Background01:17 Guest Introduction: Dr. Joel Young02:02 Dr. Young's Journey and ADHD Focus04:03 Exploring ADHD and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome07:00 Clinical Trials and Findings09:47 Patient Experiences and Qualitative Insights10:11 Ongoing Research and Future Directions17:05 Challenges in Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome24:16 Discussion on Neuropsychological Testing Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen 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.* ...

Explore groundbreaking findings on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) revealed through functional MRI technology, highlighting hypoactive brain regions. Delve into immune system insights, particularly the phenomenon of immune exhaustion and potential connections to persistent infections. The conversation advocates for interdisciplinary approaches in understanding these invisible illnesses. Additional topics include gut microbiome influences on health, the challenges of holistic treatment, and where cancer research can guide future therapies.

Dive into groundbreaking research on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) that reveals new diagnostic standards and biological abnormalities. Discover how the Hingston Criteria may change clinical trials and the crucial role of the autonomic nervous system. Hear about 'effort preference' and its implications for muscle strength and cognitive effort in patients. Explore insights on chronic stress and its complex relationship with health, along with previews of future findings from functional MRIs in CFS research.