Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast

<p><em>When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. In the exam room, time is limited. But the need for understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia is vast. That’s why I created this space: to offer deeper education, validation, and hope.</em></p><p><em>If you’ve been told that fibromyalgia "isn’t real'" or that it’s "all in your head," I want you to know: I see you. I believe you. And you're not alone. This podcast is here to affirm what you’ve lived through and to explain the science behind what you’re experiencing.</em></p><p><em>Whether you're living with fibromyalgia, supporting someone who is, or a healthcare professional seeking to better serve your patients, I hope you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insight drawn from my 28+ years as a medical doctor, pediatrician, internist, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist.</em></p><p><em>Together, let’s bring compassion and clarity to a condition that’s too often misunderstood—and help make the invisible, visible. You can learn more at www.conqueringyourfibromyalgia.com.</em></p>

Ep 221 Why Opioids fall short for Fibromyalgia

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Checkout the video here. Opioids and Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Risks and Alternatives In this episode of the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast, the host delves into the complex and often controversial topic of using opioids for treating fibromyalgia. The discussion is anchored around a comprehensive review from the Mayo Proceedings and explores why opioids, despite being widely prescribed, are not effective for fibromyalgia patients and may e...

09-24
22:13

Ep 220 Chronic Pain Insights: Bridging the Gap in Patient-Provider Communication

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Building Trust and Effective Communication in Chronic Pain Care with Michelle Makos In part two of this enlightening conversation, Michelle Makos shares practical strategies for building trust and effective communication between patients and clinicians, emphasizing the importance of validating patients' experiences. Michelle discusses the innovative peer method that is helping transform pain care, reflecting on the complexities in the patient-provider...

09-17
34:17

Ep. 219 From Chronic Pain to Patient Advocate with Michelle Marikos

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Navigating Chronic Pain: Insights and Support with Michelle Marikos: Part 1 In this episode, we transition from clinical perspectives on fibromyalgia to the lived experiences of chronic pain sufferers. Special guest Michelle Marikos shares her profound journey through chronic pain, surgeries, and the challenging world of opioid treatment. Highlighting the importance of peer support and clear communication, Michelle discusses her work with the PEER met...

09-10
36:07

Ep. 218 Practical Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain in Children: Insights with Dr. William Frye Part 2

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Practical Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain in Children: Insights with Dr. William Frye In this episode, Dr. William Frye delves into practical strategies for families and clinicians to help children manage chronic pain. Building on the challenges discussed in part one, he emphasizes the importance of non-pharmacological and multidisciplinary approaches, including sleep, nutrition, and healthy routines, alongside mental health. Dr. Frye highlights ...

09-03
28:18

Ep. 217 Understanding Pediatric Chronic Pain with Dr. William Frye Part 1

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, we explore the complexities of pediatric chronic pain with Dr. William Frye, a pediatric psychologist at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. Dr. Frye discusses the extended journeys families often undertake before reaching specialized care, the prevalence and challenges of polypharmacy, and the significant role non-pharmacological and multidisciplinary approaches play in managing pediatric chronic pain. The episode also delves into ...

08-27
30:40

Ep 216 Celebrating Four Years: Reflections, Fibromyalgia Insights, and Practical Tips

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Celebrating Four Years: Reflections, Fibromyalgia Insights, and Practical Tips In this special fourth anniversary episode of the podcast, we reflect on four years of sharing expert interviews, insights, and listener stories. Join us as we celebrate this milestone with a scenic walk around Fowler Lake in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, discussing the importance of movement and environment for those living with chronic pain. The episode delves into the science a...

08-20
32:15

Ep 215 Managing ADHD: Controversies, Medication, and Societal Impact. What you need to know

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Navigating ADHD in a Complex World: A Deep Dive with Dr. Emily Wood In the final episode of a three-part series, Dr. Emily Wood, a pediatric and adult psychiatrist with a focus on neurodivergent individuals, discusses pressing issues in ADHD care. Topics include the potential over-diagnosis and over-prescription of ADHD, the impact of stimulant shortages, and the repercussions of outdated policies and stigma. Dr. Wood highlights how modern societal pr...

08-13
29:58

Ep 214 From Misconceptions to Clarity: A Conversation on ADHD and Autism Part 2

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In part two of a three-part series, Dr. Emily Wood, a certified psychiatrist at SpectrumPsych, delves into the complexities of ADHD, autism, and their intersections with chronic pain syndromes. The episode covers the science behind stimulant medications, how they impact the brain, and their efficacy in treating core ADHD symptoms, improving emotional regulation, relationships, and long-term health outcomes. Dr. Wood also shares a compelling case study ...

08-06
37:19

Ep 213 Unlocking Overlaps: Dr. Emily Wood on Neurodivergence and Chronic Pain Part 1

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In the first of a three-part interview, Dr. Emily Wood, a board-certified psychiatrist and PhD neuroscientist, discusses the complex links between neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism, and chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Wood, who heads Spectrum Psych LA, sheds light on why these conditions are often overlooked in high-masking individuals and women and explains the sensory processing differenc...

07-30
30:20

Ep 212 Navigating ADHD in Relationships: Insights from Dr. Tamara Rosier Part 2

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, Dr. Tamara Rosier, author of 'You, Me, and Our ADHD Family,' shares valuable insights on managing life with ADHD. She discusses emotional regulation, self-awareness, and strategic support, highlighting the pitfalls of following every emotion. She also explores the complexities of romantic relationships involving ADHD, focusing on the importance of personal growth and setting boundaries. The episode concludes with a discussion on the be...

07-23
30:22

Ep 211 ADHD and Relationships with Dr. Tamara Rosier Part 1

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this podcast episode, Dr. Tamara Rosier, a renowned ADHD coach and author, discusses her experiences and insights on managing ADHD within families. She highlights the importance of understanding ADHD symptoms as neurological challenges rather than character flaws. Dr. Rosier shares personal anecdotes illustrating the impact of ADHD on her upbringing and family dynamics, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding. She introduces the ...

07-16
30:49

Ep 210 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Understanding the Overlap with ADHD. Dr. Joel Young Part 2

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This episode delves into the intersections of ADHD, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and Fibromyalgia (FM), drawing on clinical observations and research findings. It explores how ADHD traits can overlap with symptoms of CFS and FM, particularly focusing on non-restorative sleep and exertional fatigue. The discussion highlights the struggles patients face, the importance of a systematic diagnostic approach, and the need for better education and understa...

07-09
30:56

Ep 209 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: new research and Clinical Insights with Dr. Joel Young Part 1

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, Dr. Michael, a pediatrician and author of 'Conquering Your Fibromyalgia,' discusses the connections between ADHD, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia with Dr. Joel Young, a psychiatrist and head of the Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine. The conversation delves into their shared experiences and research on treating these overlapping conditions, highlighting findings from clinical trials on LDX (Vyvanse) and Sorial (Armodaf...

07-02
31:49

Ep 208 Exploring CFS: NIH Study Sheds Light on Neurological and Immune Dynamics Part 3

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This detailed podcast episode delves into the findings of a study on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) using functional MRI and immune system analysis. The speaker explains the technology behind functional MRI and what it revealed about brain activity, specifically in the parietal temporal junction, which showed hypoactivity in CFS patients. The discussion extends to immune abnormalities, highlighting immune cell exhaustion, and hypothesizing links to per...

06-25
33:37

Ep 207 NIH CFS Study: Advancements in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Part 2

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, we delve into the ongoing research and new findings related to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). The discussion covers the development of standardized diagnostic criteria known as the Hingston Criteria, as well as the discovery of biological abnormalities in CFS patients. Key areas of focus include the autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability, and muscle strength. The episode also touches on the concept of 'effort preferenc...

06-18
44:45

Ep 206 The Science behind Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Dr Nath Part 1

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. Avindrah 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 syndro...

06-11
31:39

Ep 205 What If the Problem Isn’t What You Think? with Heather Deangelis Part 2

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 the...

06-04
28:53

Ep 204 Insights into Binge Eating Disorder with Heather DeAngelis Part 1

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....

05-28
36:04

Ep 204 Beyond Weight Loss: Chuck Carroll's Battle with Chronic Pain and Invisible Illness

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 misunders...

05-21
43:36

Ep 203 Bridging the gaps in Fibromyalgia Care Part 2

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. Highlight...

05-14
38:17

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