Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, we kick off a series on chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), often overlapping with fibromyalgia. The discussion features Dr. Avira Nath, a leading expert on neurologic infections and intramural clinical director at the NIH. Dr. Nath provides insights from his extensive research on ME/CFS, which includes a comprehensive study involving metabolic, neurologic, and cognitive tests. Delving into the relationships between post-viral syndromes, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia, Dr. Nath explains the intensive process of selecting pure patient samples for accurate study results and debunks common misconceptions. The episode also covers the criteria for diagnosing ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, highlighted by personal accounts from those living with these conditions, and explores the controversial topic of whether they represent the same or different illnesses.00:00 Introduction to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia02:18 Meet Dr. Avira Nath: Journey into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome04:38 The NIH Study: Unveiling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome07:14 In-Depth Testing and Patient Selection09:44 Diagnostic Criteria: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome vs. Fibromyalgia13:24 Symptom Comparison and Overlaps25:34 Patient Experiences and Definitions of Fatigue29:00 Conclusion and Next Steps Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start.  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, Heather addresses the misconceptions surrounding ADHD, particularly the notion that intelligent and successful individuals can't have ADHD. She emphasizes that ADHD can often be the underlying cause of various misdiagnosed conditions like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Heather discusses her evolved therapeutic approach, which involves providing more active coaching and grounding clients to prevent them from feeling like they're spinning without direction. She highlights the importance of self-trust, proactive self-care, and healthier dopamine sources for managing ADHD. The conversation also touches on the role of psychoeducation in relationships, the impact of chronic pain, and the benefits of finding the right type of therapy for ADHD. Heather concludes by encouraging listeners to examine and challenge the stories they tell themselves and to seek therapists who truly understand the ADHD brain.00:00 Addressing Misconceptions About ADHD01:35 The Role of a Therapist in ADHD Treatment02:48 Navigating Therapy for ADHD06:00 The Impact of ADHD on Relationships09:06 Understanding Dopamine and ADHD14:03 Personal Journey and Coping Strategies19:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start.  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, Heather DeAngelis, an APSARD member and ADHD specialist, joins the host to discuss her unexpected journey into the field of ADHD therapy. Heather shares her experiences and insights into managing ADHD and its related conditions, including binge eating disorder. The conversation delves into the importance of Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its applications, particularly for those with chronic pain syndromes and other challenges. Heather emphasizes the necessity of understanding one's brain and behavioral therapies beyond conventional methods. The episode concludes with an acknowledgment of the complex relationship between physical and emotional pain, and the significance of an integrated approach to treatment.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:50 Heather's Journey into ADHD Specialization02:00 Understanding ADHD and Co-occurring Conditions03:35 Binge Eating Disorder and ADHD08:47 Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)27:59 Emotional Regulation and ADHD29:42 Integrative Approach to Mental and Physical Health35:03 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start.  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 This episode deviates from the norm to feature excerpts from a heartfelt interview with Chuck Carroll, host of the Exam Room podcast, as shared on the Fit Vegan podcast. Chuck, known as the weight loss champion, opens up about his life beyond losing over 200 pounds and adopting a plant-based diet. He discusses his battles with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and gut-brain interaction disorders, exploring how these conditions are often misunderstood and overlooked, particularly in men. The conversation delves into Chuck’s personal struggles with addiction, severe binge eating, and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanied his journey towards better health. He provides insights into how stress and emotional turmoil exacerbated his condition, despite his diligent adherence to a healthy diet. This episode is particularly timely during fibromyalgia awareness month and aims to shed light on the intricate relationship between diet, mental health, and chronic illness.00:00 Introduction: Challenging Beliefs About Chronic Pain and Weight00:06 Meet Chuck Carroll: The Weight Loss Champion's Hidden Struggles02:39 Chuck's Early Life and Struggles with Food Addiction04:41 The Turning Point: Considering Gastric Surgery08:53 Life After Surgery: The Battle with Food Cravings09:29 Exploring a Plant-Based Diet for Recovery14:13 The Onset of Chronic Illnesses16:19 Navigating the Medical Maze: Searching for Answers17:27 The Role of Stress and Emotional Turmoil21:22 Living with Chronic Pain: Daily Struggles and Coping Mechanisms23:23 The Importance of Holistic and Compassionate Care32:24 Facing Public Scrutiny and Misunderstanding38:01 Finding Hope and Moving Forward38:46 Conclusion: A Message of Resilience and Support Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start.  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 second part of the interview with Laura Valero, a nurse practitioner living with fibromyalgia, the discussion focuses on practical guidance for new practitioners. Laura shares her experiences navigating the biomedical approach to fibromyalgia treatment at a new practice. The importance of using diagnostic tools like the widespread pain index and symptom severity score, and the necessity of patient education and empathy was emphasized. Highlighting the need for a holistic, lifestyle medicine approach, Laura also discusses her personal journey, the impact of ADHD on fibromyalgia, and the lack of training and understanding among clinicians. The interview underscores the value of patient-centered care in managing chronic conditions.00:00 Introduction to the Interview with Laura Valero00:20 Guidance for New Practitioners00:51 Challenges in Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and Treatment01:37 Using Diagnostic Tools Effectively02:58 Patient Interaction and Care03:24 Understanding and Managing Fibromyalgia Pain05:59 The Importance of Patient History08:23 Environmental and Lifestyle Factors12:17 The Role of Education in Fibromyalgia Treatment17:45 ADHD and Fibromyalgia Connection22:54 Functional Medicine vs. Lifestyle Medicine26:20 Impact of Menopause on Fibromyalgia27:46 Benefits of Adderall for Fibromyalgia30:55 Advice for Clinicians and Patients32:35 Conclusion and Contact Information Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start.  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, the conversation delves into the unique journey and insights of Laura Valero, a nurse practitioner living with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Laura shares her path from military intelligence officer to healthcare provider, detailing her late-life transition into medicine sparked by extensive exposure to lifestyle medicine and personal health challenges. The dialogue highlights significant knowledge and training gaps in diagnosing and managing fibromyalgia, migraines, ADHD, and related conditions. Laura discusses the transformative impact of adopting a whole food plant-based diet, obtaining ADHD diagnosis and medication, and extensive experience in primary care. Key themes include the importance of integrative medical education, the role of lifestyle changes in managing chronic conditions, and the necessity for empathetic and comprehensive patient care.00:00 Introduction and Missed Connections00:06 Discovering the Podcast and Book00:57 Guest Introduction: Laura Valero01:50 Laura's Background and Career Journey05:05 Transition to Plant-Based Lifestyle06:41 Health Challenges and Diagnoses07:22 Impact of ADHD Diagnosis08:37 Helping Patients with Fibromyalgia21:07 Challenges in Primary Care33:43 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start.  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 This episode continues the series on the connection between hormones and chronic pain syndromes, with a focus on the relationship between fibromyalgia and menopause. It discusses whether screening for fibromyalgia should be considered for patients experiencing unexplained chronic fatigue around menopause, reviews various studies on hormone therapy and its impact on fibromyalgia symptoms, and examines the role of food, particularly a plant-based diet, in managing hot flashes. Key findings from these studies highlight mixed results on hormone therapy's effectiveness in alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms, but underscore the importance of sleep and diet in managing both menopause and fibromyalgia-related issues.00:00 Introduction to Hormones and Chronic Pain00:12 Fibromyalgia and Menopause: An Intriguing Connection01:31 Screening for Fibromyalgia in Menopausal Women03:48 Hormone Therapy and Fibromyalgia: Research Insights08:09 Detailed Study on Hormone Therapy and Fibromyalgia12:22 Impact of Hormone Therapy on Sleep and Quality of Life22:21 The Role of Diet in Managing Hot Flashes27:14 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start.  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 Impact of Menstrual Cycle and Menopause on Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain and introduction to a proposed new syndrome, the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause.This episode delves into the connection between hormones, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions like migraines and endometriosis, emphasizing the significant impact of a woman's menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and menopause on chronic pain. Various studies and polls on symptom severity during different menstrual phases and post-menopause are discussed. The crucial role of estrogen in maintaining musculoskeletal health is elaborated, along with the negative consequences of estrogen decline, such as increased inflammation, bone loss, muscle weakness, and osteoarthritis. The episode also covers the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in alleviating these issues, touching on the historical trends and evolving practices in HRT usage. A comprehensive approach to managing menopause-related symptoms, including nutrition, exercise, and personalized medical advice, is encouraged. The episode concludes by highlighting upcoming discussions on studies involving hormone therapy for fibromyalgia patients.00:00 Introduction to Fibromyalgia and Hormones00:20 Impact of Menstrual Cycle on Chronic Pain01:16 Fibromyalgia and Menopause01:27 Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause02:36 Estrogen's Role in Musculoskeletal Health06:39 Managing Sarcopenia and Muscle Loss08:41 Osteoporosis and Bone Health13:58 Hormone Replacement Therapy Trends17:15 Hormone Therapy Risks and Benefits26:06 Hormone Therapy and Mental Health28:32 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start.  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 This episode dives into the complex relationship between migraines and hormonal changes, particularly focusing on estrogen. The discussion covers the prevalence of migraines, the distinction between migraines with and without aura, and the significant impact of reproductive hormones on migraine patterns, especially in women. Key topics include the discovery of the estrogen threshold, the influence of estrogen on neurotransmitter systems like serotonin and glutamate, and the potential of hormone-based treatments. The episode also examines the role of the trigeminal vascular system, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and the impact of oral contraceptives on migraine frequency and intensity. Practical strategies for managing menstrual migraines and the importance of using headache diaries for accurate diagnosis are highlighted.00:00 Introduction to Migraines00:20 Types of Migraines and Auras00:42 Sex Differences in Migraine Prevalence00:59 Hormonal Influence on Migraines01:53 Estrogen's Role in Menstrual Migraines02:05 Historical Breakthroughs in Migraine Research02:35 Estrogen Threshold and Migraine Triggers04:10 Estrogen's Impact on Brain Function07:29 Neurotransmitters and Migraine Pathways11:15 Oxytocin and Migraine Prevention13:20 Trigeminal Vascular System and Migraines16:46 Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Inflammation20:38 Oral Contraceptives and Migraine Management24:59 The Importance of Headache Diaries26:45 Conclusion and Future Research Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start.  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.* ...

Discover the intriguing link between hormones and chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and migraines. The discussion focuses on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and how estrogen and progesterone influence pain perception. Key studies reveal the effects of menstrual cycles on symptoms. Explore genetic and neurobiological factors contributing to PMDD, along with treatment options including SSRIs and lifestyle changes. Additionally, the podcast examines the connection between ADHD in women and mood disorders, highlighting tailored strategies for management.