Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Are you ready to join us on a journey of discovery, resilience, and empathy? We have the honor of welcoming Lynn Larson who shares her lived experience of over 20 years with fibromyalgia, a condition that was diagnosed when she was 30. She bravely delves into her struggles from her early years to the point of diagnosis, underscoring the vital role that balance, moderation, and shared stories play in managing the condition. Expect a heartwarming journey that shines a light on the importance of community building and shared narratives in lessening the sense of isolation that often accompanies chronic conditions.As we navigate through Lynn's life, we delve into the day-to-day realities of living with fibromyalgia. The trials of self-diagnosis, the significance of self-care and the interconnectedness of symptoms form part of our discussion. Lynn provides a candid look into her tactics for managing coexisting illnesses, including the Tola Point System for self-massage and the necessity of a consistent sleep schedule. We further dive into the complexities of autism, particularly in women, and highlight the diverse ways it can manifest, from picky eating and routine sensitivity to compulsive tendencies and hypersensitivity.Finally, we circle back to fibromyalgia and discuss how Lynn has harnessed wisdom and coping strategies to live better. With her tips for self-care and seeking support, she illuminates the path for those battling the condition. We ensure that our listeners leave with a sense of connection and a deeper understanding of fibromyalgia and autism. So, tune in, learn, and find solace in shared experiences. 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 Embark with us on a deep exploration into the world of neurodivergence, with our guide, Dr. Matt. Promising a journey of discovery, understanding, and empowerment. We dissect the challenges neurodivergent individuals face daily, discussing how they often become targets for bullying and exploitation. Dr. Matt brings his insights to the table with a patient story displaying how childhood trauma related to neurodivergence can linger. We emphasize the dire importance of educating children about consent and managing unsafe situations. We further delve into the aftermath of trauma, particularly focusing on survivors of sexual assault or molestation. Dr. Matt links the connection between mental and physical health in the healing process and emphasizes the role of diagnosis in leading individuals to the right resources and communities. We shed light on the concept of neurodivergency, particularly concerning autism, and navigate the challenge of achieving balance between labeling and understanding. As we bring this enlightening conversation to an end, we inspect neurodivergence's impact on gifted individuals. Sharing personal experiences with stimming behaviors linked to neurodivergence, we underline the difficulties of locating knowledgeable and affirming healthcare providers. Dr. Matt imparts invaluable insights into ableism in mental health treatment, specifically touching on ABA therapy for autistic individuals. Join us as we underline the importance of understanding, accommodating different brains and needs, and prioritizing equity in offering support. Tune in, absorb, and comprehend the critical journey of neurodivergence awareness with us. 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.* ...

Renowned psychologist and founder of the Neurodiversity Collective, Dr. Matt Zakresky, discusses trauma in neurodivergent individuals, debunking myths about resilience and highlighting the importance of support systems. The podcast explores the connection between neurodivergence and trauma, emphasizing the impact on the brain's perception. It also delves into the importance of building resilience and discusses the unique challenges faced by individuals growing up in adverse environments.

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions What does resilience look like when you're living with chronic pain? Our special guest for this episode, Christin Veasley, can certainly give you an idea. Having battled chronic pain for over three decades, Kristen carries a wealth of insights on the physical and emotional toll it takes and the challenges faced while navigating the healthcare system. Despite the odds, she discovered a creative outlet that brought solace - photography - and co-founded the Chronic Pain Research Alliance, proving that joy can be found even in the most challenging circumstancesThe second part of this episode is a candid conversation about the unseen effects of chronic pain on daily life and the concept of 'masking.' We dive into the constant decision-making, trade-offs, and careful balancing acts necessary for those battling this condition. We wrap up with a shift in gears, talking about photography. A journey that started as a creative outlet for Christin might also inspire some of you to pick up a camera. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned shooter, we offer tips and recommendations on starting in photography, selecting the right gear, and more. Listen in, as this episode is a blend of inspiration, empathy, and creativity, especially for those grappling with chronic 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 Ready for a journey into the unseen layers of JFK's life? Prepare yourself to rediscover the 35th President of the United States, not just as a charismatic leader but as a man grappling with chronic pain likely brought on by ADHD. His vibrant public image often overshadowed this personal battle. We'll unravel the evidence suggesting ADHD as a significant aspect of JFK's health struggles, shedding light on his symptoms like inattention, lack of diligence, and poor planning abilities that potentially contributed to his painful physical condition and even his tragic end.Stimulating discussion doesn't stop at JFK, as we also illuminate the story of his sister, Rosemary Kennedy, and her fight with autism and ADHD. We'll explore how ADHD is potentially linked to chronic pain, how revolutionary ADHD treatments can alleviate pain symptoms, supported by compelling studies showing patients responding positively to these treatments. We delve into how Rosemary's tragic experience with a frontal lobotomy could have been an ill-informed attempt to manage her symptoms, further accentuating the importance of appropriate treatments. Brace yourself for an engrossing discourse that blends biography, medical history, and scientific advancements, offering you fresh perspectives and insights. 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 Living with fibromyalgia and related invisible illnesses is very challenging and too often stigmatized by the medical community. John F. Kennedy lived with many invisible illnesses that he and his close political supporters knew they needed to hide to protect is political prospects. John had severe irritable bowel and functional dyspepsia, both disorders of the gut-brain-interaction. He also had severe back pain, pelvic pain, chronic prostatitis, and migraines. He also struggled with severe fatigue and insomnia. These all fall under the umbrella of fibromyalgia and related illnesses. He also highly likely had comorbid ADHD that interfered with pain perception and contributed to fatigue.Learn more about John's journey to help grow in compassion and understanding for yourself, your loved ones living with one of these invisible illnesses, and your patients. You will also gain an enlightened historical perspective. 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 month is the 60th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination. What do the hidden health maladies of one of America's most beloved presidents, John F. Kennedy, have to teach us about the complexities of chronic illness? This episode peels back the layers of JFK's lifelong battle with pain and fatigue as we journey into the world of fibromyalgia, ADHD, and invisible illnesses. With a special focus on JFK's family's attempts to conceal his health struggles, we dig into a narrative that echoes the experiences of countless individuals dealing with chronic conditions often unrecognized by the medical community. Tune in for an enlightening discussion about the evolution of diagnosing and treating fibromyalgia since JFK's time, emphasizing the biopsychosocial model in managing chronic pain. We also pay tribute to the University of Tokyo Pain Clinic physicians for their dedication to this cause, as exemplified by their investigation into the cold case of Margaret Mitchell.The discussion continues as we explore the often overlooked aspects of ADHD, dissecting an interest-based nervous system, emotional hyperarousal, and rejection sensitivity. Dr. Satoshi Kasahara and his team offer an insightful analysis of JFK's life, further illuminating the underlying connections between his chronic pain, fatigue, and likely ADHD. This episode is a captivating historical exploration and a resource designed to assist those living with similar conditions in managing their health and improving their lives. So join us, as we shine a light on the intricate nexus of JFK's health struggles, illuminating the challenges and breakthroughs in our understanding of chronic illnesses and ADHD. Let JFK's story inspire and empower your own journey towards better health. 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 Have you ever wondered how podcasts could be a lifeline for those with invisible illnesses? Come and be part of an enriching dialogue with our esteemed guests, Professor Melanie Finney and the brains behind a startling study, Kate Pederson. Kate was inspired to do the study because her sister is living with POTS, one of the invisible illnesses that falls under the umbrella of fibromyalgia. We'll unravel the layers of isolation experienced by the invisible illness community and the surprising solace they find in podcasts. According to Kate's study, a staggering 97% felt less isolated, and an alarming number expressed a lack of empathy from their healthcare providers. As we move forward, we discuss fibromyalgia, an invisible illness with its unique set of challenges, and the pivotal role podcasts play here. The majority, 94%, found the information shared by podcast hosts invaluable, and three-quarters could trust the host they tuned into. We also tackle the conundrum of making podcasts more interactive, considering it's often a one-way communication. But, we also celebrate the power of storytelling and the platform podcasts offer for these unsung heroes to share their narratives. Join us as we shed light on these invisible battles being fought every day. 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 Do you know what cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance of commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction all have in common? They're all strategies Dr. Afton Hassett suggests in her book "Chronic Pain Reset" for managing chronic pain that we'll be dissecting in today's episode. Dr. Hassett's evidence-based approaches to chronic pain management are not just practical. Still, they also encourage the development of a personalized plan by trying out a different skill each day for 30 days. The goal is to build a repertoire of five to ten skills that work for you, leading to a better quality of life. The conversation doesn't stop there, though. Our discussion turns into pediatric chronic pain and neuroimaging studies. We explore how understanding chronic pain can increase compassion and prevent burnout for pediatricians and family practice doctors. Before we wrap up, we probe the different treatments for chronic pain - from medication and physical therapy to innovative self-management programs like Pain Guide. We'll even touch on the implications of ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, hypersensitivity, and trauma related to chronic pain. This episode is packed with information on a topic that affects so many, and we hope to provide insights and strategies that can lead to a better understanding and management of chronic pain.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 Solut 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 Are you constantly battling with chronic pain and wish to understand its mysteries? Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Ashton Hassett, who will illuminate this complex interaction between the mind and pain. Dr Hassett, a renowned psychologist specializing in chronic pain, will take us through her journey in this field, discussing her groundbreaking work and the book she authored. People with chronic pain too often hear, “It’s all in your head.” Dr. Hassett explains how the brain really works and how some people have heightened brain activity related to pain. Her mission is to empower individuals with chronic pain with evidence-based strategies, bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and those who can immensely benefit from them. As we navigate through the labyrinth of pain, Dr. Hassett enlightens us on the potential influence of genetics and past traumas on chronic pain. Ever wondered about the power of storytelling for those diagnosed with pain? We'll be discussing that, too. The focus then shifts to a condition that many find hard to understand - fibromyalgia. Here, Dr. Hassett provides practical tools to enhance the quality of life for those with this condition. Whether you're a chronic pain warrior, a loved one seeking understanding, or a medical professional wanting to deepen your knowledge, this conversation will indeed offer invaluable insights. Take this journey with us and shape your pain story into one of resilience and hope.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 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.* ...