Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This week discusses heart disease, the number one killer of men and women. In addition to having a strong interest in fibromyalgia and related problems, he also has a strong interest in preventing and treating this serious condition. In this week's episode, you hear about his journey. Nearly all heart disease, the accumulation of plaque in the heart's arteries, is preventable. Still, most, including those with fibromyalgia, are unaware of this silent, lurking disease.  Last week we heard Martin Keogh, author of Naked Realities, share his journey into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which started with a heart attack. A large study showed a 65% greater risk of heart disease in those with fibromyalgia. Early identification and treatment with appropriate medications and lifestyle have proven to reverse heart disease. You will learn more about advanced lipid testing and others that can identify if you are at risk.Dr. Lenz also discusses a study about the concern many with fibromyalgia have about using statins and the worsening of their fibromyalgia symptoms.Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and 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 with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a ques International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. 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 Martin shares more poems and his journey of living with an invisible illness known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In this week's episode he shares what is called the Missing Neighbor Exhibit. "It's this whole idea of the millions missing and the people who aren't seen, because they're just too ill to go out. So it's our missing neighbor. "The Missing NeighborConnect with Martin Keogh through the following links:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083998309919Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/the_missing_neighbor/Naked Realities: Living with an Invisible Chronic Illness: USA Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Naked-Realities-Invisible-Chronic-Illness-ebook/dp/B0BHQZCZQP/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1678723599&sr=8-1Naked Realities: Living with an Invisible Chronic Illness: Canada Amazon:https://www.amazon.ca/Naked-Realities-Invisible-Chronic-Illness-ebook/dp/B0BHQZCZQP/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1678723634&sr=8-1Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and 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 audi International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. 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 two-part series we get to hear from the author of Naked Realities, Martin Keogh. The compilation of poems takes a no-holds-barred look at chronic illness. There is no sugar coating within those pages. Those of us living with any of the complex illnesses, such as ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, or long covid, are grouped under the moniker, ‘the millions missing.’ We have grown to become a considerable throng of people whose disability makes it challenging to be seen and heard.If you are one of us, these reflections are for you.This book delves into five themes:* Living with chronic disease* Living with symptoms* Living with people* Living with loss* Living with curiosityAn iconic painting from one of history’s celebrated artists accompanies each poetic reflection. The writings speak to the realities and hardships of living with a disability, while the paintings, through their beauty, celebrate the restorative acts of resting and sleep. These reflections arose to help remind us that each breath breathed is a breath of life and possibility. May this book help you grapple with what has come crashing into your world and give you language to communicate your experience with others. Let’s together explore the naked realities of living day-to-day with a long-haul condition.I wish you the best in your health marathon.––The Missing NeighborConnect with Martin through the following links:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083998309919Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/the_missing_neighbor/Naked Realities: Living with an Invisible Chronic Illness: USA Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Naked-Realities-Invisible-Chronic-Illness-ebook/dp/B0BHQZCZQP/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1678723599&sr=8-1Naked Realities: Living with an Inv International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. 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 We continue the conversation with Dr. Bruce Campbell discussing narrative medicine as a useful but often neglected tool for doctors and patients to help them feel better and live healthier with fibromyalgia and other chronic health conditions. Every patient has a story that goes beyond the symptoms they bring into the doctor's office.Those stories illuminate how a person became ill, the tipping point that compelled them to seek help, and the barriers to getting better. Stories can offer the depth that promotes and nourishes empathy, prompting a provider to switch from asking, "How can I treat this disease?" to "How can I help my patient?" This reframing can improve patient care. This week you will hear the first of a two-part series on narrative medicine in a conversation with Dr. Bruce Campbell. Dr. Lenz encourages you to write down your story.Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and 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 with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, hundreds of others will likely have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com  to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia.  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 week's episode, we discuss narrative medicine as a useful but often neglected tool for doctors and patients to help them feel better and live healthier with fibromyalgia. Every patient has a story that goes beyond the symptoms they bring into the doctor's office.Those stories illuminate how a person became ill, the tipping point that compelled them to seek help, and the barriers to getting better. Stories can offer the depth that promotes and nourishes empathy, prompting a provider to switch from asking, "How can I treat this disease?" to "How can I help my patient?" This reframing can improve patient care. This week you will hear the first of a two-part series on narrative medicine in a conversation with Dr. Bruce Campbell.Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and 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 with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, hundreds of others will likely have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com  to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia.  International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. 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 We have been conversing with Tamra Rosier in this last of the three-part series. She is an author and ADHD coach and has worked with clients for a long time, helping them live better with their ADHD. This is relevant to the conversation about fibromyalgia because many with fibromyalgia also have ADHD and may be unaware of the role it plays in their struggles.We talked last week about the different grids and how to understand the challenges that someone with ADHD faces looking at Yellow, Blue,  green, and red areas. For many, the red areas will be emotionally exhausting and challenging. This week, we will continue the conversation as we will talk about chronic fatigue. Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and 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 with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, hundreds of others likely have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com  to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition or individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a startin International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. 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 week is part 2 of the multi-episode series of the interview with Tammara Rosier,  author, and ADHD coach, discussing ADHD, a condition prevalent in 25-75% of those living with fibromyalgia and related problems.People with ADHD see the world through their emotions. Our brains are wired to detect even mild levels of stimulation. It doesn’t matter if it is positive or negative stimulation; something gets our attention, and we respond. We experience negative emotional stimulation when the electric bill we avoided paying is overdue. We experience positive emotional stimulation when we look forward to going golfing with friends. Some tasks, though, have no emotional stimulation.The grid is a useful tool to help frame the challenges many living with fibromyalgia face.Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and 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 with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, hundreds of others likely have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com  to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has do International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. 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 week we will start with a multi-episode series of the interview with Tammara Rosier, an author, and ADHD coach, discussing ADHD, a condition prevalent in 25-75% of those living with fibromyalgia and related problems. The insights she shares with her clients and her book are valuable for those trying to live better with fibromyalgia and brain fog. We learn about the grid she uses with her clients to help them understand their challenges. Adults with ADHD have a peculiar relationship with time, often investing it frivolously or ineffectively. Many of us feel anxiety, guilt, or self-loathing when we think about how we use our days, resulting in more wasted energy and time. Routine tasks, like laundry and paying the bills, frustrate us. When we look at those who don’t have ADHD, we wonder, Why are ordinary tasks so difficult for us to accomplish?We see our world in predictable ways. We divide our tasks into two categories—fun and not fun. The ADHD brain searches the horizon for the interesting, shiny, curious, remarkable, and exciting, and we call it all “fun.” We are captivated by fun—it affects our levels of drive, motivation, and happiness.Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and 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 with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questi International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. 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 We continue the conversation with Dr. Heather Martarella, a pain psychologist. This week we discuss thought patterns that are barriers to getting relief from chronic pain. These include negativity and catastrophic thinking patterns. These are also known as pain-related cognitive distortions. We also discuss shifting from a place of acceptance to one of hope. She also shares challenges and opportunities to make the biopsychosocial spiritual model more frequently incorporated into pain management.Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and 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 with Dr. Lenz as the narrator. If you have questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future podcast, email Dr. Lenz at doctormichaellenz@gmail.com. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, hundreds of others likely have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com  to learn more through blogs Dr. Lenz has done on fibromyalgia. Remember, this podcast is meant for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should NOT be interpreted as medical advice for any medical condition or individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listeners are strongly urged to seek medical attention and guidance regardin International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. 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 Today and next week, we will take a deep dive into how we understand and think about chronic pain. And to do that, we have a special guest. Dr. Heather Martarella is an expert on helping clients reclaim their lives and find relief from chronic pain and insomnia/sleep issues. She also provides treatment for those coping with chronic illness, most recently including Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome. Dr. Martarella became passionate about specializing in treating chronic pain after experiencing her own physical injury in 2012, which left her with chronic pain for years and significantly changed her lifestyle. Years after her injury, she was able to begin recovering and now manages the occasional pain flare-up well and enjoys a good quality of life, and is committed to helping others find relief, too. These clients’ physical situations often manifest into anxiety, depression, insomnia, relationship conflicts, fatigue, irritability, or overwhelm. Life as you knew it may have stopped, but there is hope, and Dr. Martarella can help you find it again. Dr. Martarella uses many evidence-based therapy modalities and will develop the best combination for each client based on their needs and goals. She provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) for those suffering from sleep difficulties to help clients improve their sleep. For those with a trauma history, whether from childhood, medical, or other traumas, she may provide EMDR or Trauma-Informed CBT, to help clients heal from trauma. Dr. Martarella encourages clients to pay attention to their body's responses and incorporates biofeedback treatment when appropriate. Dr. Martarella also emphasizes self-compassion for clients who are often hard on themselves.Dr. Martarella earned a Master's and then a Doctoral degree (PsyD in 2005); she has been providing psychological treatment since 2000. She recognizes the unique toll that physical pain or chronic illness causes and helps clients reclaim their life after these setbacks. She offers compassionate, empat International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. 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.* ...