Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Understanding and Managing Fibromyalgia: Strategies for a Better Quality of LifeIn this episode, Dr. Michael Lenz discusses Fibromyalgia Awareness Day and explores the 'pain recipe' concept as a framework for understanding and managing fibromyalgia. He addresses common myths about the condition, emphasizing its reality as a medical issue that affects the brain and central nervous system's processing of pain signals. The episode provides insights into symptoms, triggers, diagnosis criteria, and management strategies, including medication, exercise, and holistic approaches. Dr. Lenz highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to treatment and shares personal stories from individuals with fibromyalgia to illustrate the diverse factors that can influence symptom flare-ups and relief. The discussion extends to the broader challenges of navigating the healthcare system for those with fibromyalgia and related conditions. Dr. Lenz, who is also the author of 'Conquering Your Fibromyalgia' and host of the related podcast, aims to offer research-backed, comprehensive care advice to those dealing with this complex and often misunderstood condition.00:00 Welcome to Fibromyalgia Awareness Day Special00:10 Understanding Fibromyalgia: Myths, Management, and Misconceptions02:30 Meet Your Host: Dr. Michael Lenz04:37 Exploring the Pain Recipe: Insights from the Fibromyalgia Community05:49 Personal Stories: Managing Fibromyalgia Symptoms15:27 Comprehensive Care and the Future of Fibromyalgia Management22:02 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.Click here to connect with Joy Lenz. 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 Fibromyalgia with fibromyalgia coach Georgie Coghlan: A Journey of Self-Discovery and HealingThis is the first episode in a 3 part in-depth interview with Georgie Coghlan, a holistic fibromyalgia coach who shares her personal journey from being diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2003 to finding ways to manage and improve her symptoms outside mainstream medicine. The discussion encompasses her early symptoms, struggles with the healthcare system, and eventual path to recovery by addressing not just the physical but also psychological and environmental aspects of the condition.  Insights on a holistic bio-psycho-social-spiritual-environmental approach towards treating chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive care model are discussed. The episode also covers the significant impact of lifestyle choices and the environment on health and the complexity of diagnosing and treating overlapping conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. 00:00 Meet Georgie Coghlan: A Journey from Fibromyalgia Patient to Holistic Coach00:36 Understanding Fibromyalgia: A Holistic Medical Perspective02:19 Georgie's Personal Battle with Fibromyalgia and the Quest for Healing03:34 Exploring the Biopsychosocial Model for Fibromyalgia Treatment08:23 Georgie's Early Symptoms and Misdiagnosis Journey18:09 Lifestyle Factors and Their Impact on Fibromyalgia22:29 The Psychological Toll of Chronic Pain and the Path to Recovery28:48 Summary and Key Takeaways from Georgie's StoryTo contact Georgie go to the www.befriendingthebody.com Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.Click here to connect with Joy Lenz. 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 Listener Feedback and Understanding Abdominal Migraines00:00 Welcome 01:02 Introducing the Podcast: A Holistic Approach to Fibromyalgia02:46 Listener Feedback: Stories of Hope and Healing12:24 Exploring Abdominal Migraines and abdominal pain in autistic individuals17:29 Diet, Gut Health, and Autism: Insights and Treatment Options27:20 Pain Recipes and Closing Thoughts Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.Click here to connect with Joy Lenz. 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 last episode of the series with Laura Hogan and Sarah Meuler, both specialized physical therapists, they discuss the significance of patients sharing their personal stories encompassing childhood, strengths, and traumas. They underline the therapeutic value of building trust through listening to patients' narratives, especially for those living with chronic invisible illnesses such as POTS, fibromyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. 00:00 Welcome to the Interview Series on Chronic Invisible Illnesses00:27 The Power of Patient Stories in Physical Therapy02:11 Building a Therapeutic Alliance and Addressing Emotional Aspects of Chronic Pain05:34 Understanding the Complexity of Chronic Pain Management07:51 The Importance of a Comprehensive Approach in Physical Therapy11:56 Prevention and Family Involvement in Managing Chronic Conditions24:00 Closing Thoughts and the Future of Physical Therapy Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.Click here to connect with Joy Lenz. 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 is part 2  of the conversation  with physical therapists Lauren Hogan and Sarah Mueler, discussing the lack of updated physical therapy care for patients with chronic invisible illnesses.  The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding one's condition for better management, debunking the 'no pain, no gain' philosophy, and the role of self-monitoring and journaling in recognizing the body's responses to different activities. Special attention is given to empowering patients to take control of their healthcare, the challenges and strategies for managing conditions like POTS and fibromyalgia, and the overall goal of re-establishing a sense of control for those dealing with invisible health conditions.00:00 Introduction to Chronic Invisible Illnesses and Physical Therapy Insights01:03 Understanding Pain and Gaining Control02:25 Empowering Patients in Their Healthcare Journey04:27 The Role of Journaling and Activity Monitoring in Managing Chronic Conditions16:16 Navigating the Challenges of POTS and Autonomic Conditions20:09 The Power of Listening and Personalized Care in Physical Therapy25:09 Concluding Thoughts and Key Takeaways Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.Click here to connect with Joy Lenz. 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, hosted by Dr. Michael Lenz, guests Dr. Sarah Mueler and Lauren Hogan, both doctors of physical therapy, share their insights on managing chronic pain and related conditions like Fibromyalgia, POTS, Ehlers Danlos, and Chronic Fatigue syndrome. They discuss the multidimensional approach required for managing such conditions, detailing their personal journeys into physical therapy, the generalized training physical therapists receive, and the importance of specialized knowledge in chronic pain syndromes. They emphasize the role of the central nervous system in pain perception and the strategies they use for treating patients with nociplastic, centralized, or chronic overlapping pain syndromes, including the significance of patient education on pain understanding,  highlighting the impact of education on reducing pain, and fear associated with chronic conditions.00:00 Welcome to the Podcast: Unveiling the Power of Physical Therapy01:28 Introducing Our Special Guests: Trailblazers in Physical Therapy01:50 The Personal Journeys into Physical Therapy: Dr. Sarah Mueler and Lauren Hogan03:41 Understanding the Scope of Physical Therapy: From Generalists to Specialists04:43 Navigating the Complexities of Chronic Pain Syndromes in Physical Therapy08:15 The Long Game: Tailoring Physical Therapy for Chronic Conditions10:17 Decoding Pain: The Challenge of Diagnosing and Treating Nociplastic Pain21:29 Empowering Patients: Strategies for Managing Nociplastic Pain25:29 Wrapping Up Part One: The Importance of Understanding Pain Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.Click here to connect with Joy Lenz. 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 Understanding ADHD in Adults and Its Comprehensive ManagementThis episode features the second part of an interview with ADHD experts Mindy and Jeffrey Katz. The discussion revolves around the prevalence and impact of ADHD not only in children but also in adults, emphasizing its significant role in the lives of those with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. Various aspects such as the underdiagnosis of ADHD, the challenges posed by electronic medical records for healthcare professionals with ADHD, and the coping mechanisms for managing ADHD are explored. The episode also delves into the advancements in ADHD research, the issue of medication shortages, the importance of accurate diagnosis, and the concept of neurodiversity. It ends on the note of encouraging better education and awareness about ADHD among healthcare providers and the general public.00:00 Introduction to ADHD in Adults00:19 Understanding the Podcast and Its Host01:14 The Impact of ADHD on Chronic Pain Patients03:33 The Challenges of ADHD Diagnosis in Adults04:17 The Role of ADHD in Medical Professionals' Lives05:24 The Connection Between ADHD and Obesity06:17 The Struggles of Adults with ADHD14:25 The Impact of ADHD Diagnosis on Adults18:55 The Evolution of ADHD Understanding and Treatment33:56 The Importance of ADHD Screening and Diagnosis39:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.Click here to connect with Joy Lenz. 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 Understanding ADHD: Insights from Experts Mindy and Dr. Jeffrey KatzThe podcast episode features husband and wife duo, Mindy and Dr. Jeffrey Katz, who are experts in the field of ADHD. Mindy Katz, a life coach with a master's in social work, specializes in helping adults with ADHD using a variety of therapeutic approaches, including positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapies. Dr. Jeffrey Katz is a psychologist focusing on ADHD, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems across all ages. The couple shared their backgrounds, insights into ADHD's impact on behavior and health, and the importance of understanding and acceptance in managing ADHD. They also discussed their experiences with the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD) and CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), highlighting these organizations' roles in advancing research, education, and understanding of ADHD. The episode emphasized the challenges individuals with ADHD face, such as executive function issues, prioritization difficulties, and the need for motivational structures. The discussion aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of ADHD, shedding light on its complexities and the importance of targeted support and advocacy.00:00 Introduction to the Session00:27 Introducing the Special Guests: Mindy and Dr. Jeffrey Katz01:53 Understanding ADHD and Related Disorders02:44 The Importance of Conferences and Resources03:04 Welcoming Jeffrey and Mindy to the Podcast03:12  Background05:12 The Journey of Mindy and Jeffrey into the World of ADHD08:08 Understanding the American Professional Society for ADHD08:22 The Role of Chad in ADHD Advocacy15:17 The Challenges of ADHD and the Importance of Early Diagnosis22:40 The Impact of ADHD on Adults25:25 Understanding Executive Functions in ADHD27:37 The Strug Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.Click here to connect with Joy Lenz. 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 Important insights from research are illuminating secrets of Chronic Pain in Children.This episode looks at research into the complexities of chronic pain among children. Dr. Lenz discusses the growing understanding that chronic pain often arises from how the central nervous system interprets  sensory inputs. The episode highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of chronic pain in altering its lifelong course. Also, it emphasizes that neuroimaging studies have found specific correlations in the brain with chronic pain, but more research is needed. 00:00 Introduction to Chronic Pain in Young People01:00 Meet Your Host, Dr. Michael Lenz01:44 The Struggles of Chronic Pain Patients02:55 The Prevalence of Chronic Pain in Children03:22 The Role of Pediatricians in Chronic Pain Management03:51 Understanding Nociplastic Pain05:10 The Importance of Early Identification and Treatment05:56 The Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study09:58 The Role of Genetics in Chronic Pain12:40 The Future of Chronic Pain Treatment13:18 Understanding the Risk Factors for Chronic Pain13:46 Is there a Role of Functional MRI in Chronic Pain Diagnosis19:09 The Impact of Sex Differences on Chronic Pain20:39 Conclusion: The Future of Chronic Pain Research22:15 Final Thoughts  Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.Click here to connect with Joy Lenz. 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 Understanding Long-Covid under the Fibromyalgia and related conditions framework, also known as nociplastic pain conditions.In this episode of the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast, host Dr. Michael Lenz explores the possible connections between Long-Covid and Fibromyalgia. He reviews two articles(A and B) providing different perspectives on the issue, focusing on the similarities in symptoms and the overlap with other chronic pain conditions. Dr. Lenz explains the term Long-Covid, detailing the range of persistent symptoms experienced by patients post-COVID-19 infection and how they mirror those of Fibromyalgia. He discusses studies attempting to understand and define Long-Covid but the lack of evidence supporting those such as persistence of  a viral infection.  It has been proposed to rename it to Fibromyalgia-like post-Covid syndrome. In a second opinion piece, the parallels between Fibromyalgia and Long-Covid based on past research are discussed. They propose that Long-Covid and Fibromyalgia should be viewed as a network of interrelated disorders with a shared pathogenic mechanism and encourage an evidenced based multifaceted approach already in existence from our understanding of fibromyalgia type illness. Dr. Lenz emphasizes the need for understanding and giving evidence based answers and solutions to those suffering.00:04 Introduction to the Podcast and Host01:11 Understanding Long COVID and Fibromyalgia05:13 Exploring the Symptoms of Long COVID06:37 The Overlap of Long COVID and Fibromyalgia Symptoms06:43 The History and Naming of Fibromyalgia12:08 The Biological Footprint of Long COVID?27:19 The Role of Psychological Factors in Nociplastic Conditions33:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.Click here to connect with Joy Lenz. 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.* ...