Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast

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 Illnesses
00:27 The Power of Patient Stories in Physical Therapy
02:11 Building a Therapeutic Alliance and Addressing Emotional Aspects of Chronic Pain
05:34 Understanding the Complexity of Chronic Pain Management
07:51 The Importance of a Comprehensive Approach in Physical Therapy
11:56 Prevention and Family Involvement in Managing Chronic Conditions
24:00 Closing Thoughts and the Future of Physical Therapy

Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.

Click here to connect with Joy Lenz.

Support the show

When 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 look at the impact sleep deprivation has on emotional eating and weight gain, which can worsen underlying conditions more common in those with fibromyalgia, like sleep apnea. We also look at the impact of ADHD and PTSD, which involve our emotions, on our ability to get good restorative sleep.
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 [email protected]. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others 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 regarding symptoms and health concerns.
Links to a study discussed in this episode

Support the show

When 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

Like many with fibromyalgia, you may wonder, "why don't I sleep well? Why am I exhausted even after sleeping for 7-9 hours? Why do I get "sore" from sleeping? Why is sleeping painful? I'll finally get some awful pain to subside; I drift off into bliss eventually.... But then, when I wake up from sleep, I'm wincing from horrible pain before my eyes are even open. How am I in more pain than when I went to sleep?"
In this week's episode, we will consider these questions and others, such as which comes first, poor sleep leading to pain or pain leading to poor sleep?
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 [email protected]. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others 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 regarding symptoms and health concerns.

Support the show

When 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

During this week's episode, we continue to time travel 100 years back in time to hear the very interesting case of Margaret's second husband John Marsh. We also hear about the long-lasting impact the abuse from her first husband had on Margaret's life.
Her biography, written by Darden Asbury Pyron, gives a chronological in-depth look into her life. I have encouraged those struggling with chronic health issues like fibromyalgia to write down their story. As we walk through her journey, I will discuss her symptoms and physical findings, medical assessments, evaluations, and treatments. You will hear in her history how much has not changed, yet much has evolved in our understanding. I found out about Margaret Mitchell through research and the journal article discussing her case.
As a doctor passionate about helping those struggling, I can't help wanting to reach back in time and sit down with Margaret in my clinic. I would have enjoyed spending hours and frequent follow-up visits discussing her struggles and working to lessen her mysterious pains, fog, and fatigue. Her history gives insight into the limitations of medicine in the first half of the 20th century. Sadly, current sufferers with fibromyalgia will likely find that they will fit somewhere on the spectrum from never receiving a correct diagnosis and getting proper education and treatment to getting up-to-date education and comprehensive care.
Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist with an interest in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it to 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 show

When 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

You have heard of fibromyalgia described as the invisible disease, but you may have never heard of it called the "nothing" disease. However, many of you suffering or have a loved one enduring it may have felt it.
Dr. Lenz discusses how fibromyalgia can make you feel like nothing after multiple trips to doctors have essentially nothing really wrong with you. Of course, there is something big going on. You can read the blog for this episode.
Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist with an interest in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with to even reversing 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 [email protected]. You can also share a recording of your question. If you have a question, it is likely that hundreds of others have the same question. You can also go to Conquerinyourfibromyalgia.com to read some blogs that 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 and any individual. It is also not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. The content presented is provided as a starting point in your research and a helpful guide when discussing your individual circumstances with your trusted medical providers. All listeners are strongly urged to seek medical attention and guidance regarding any symptoms and health concerns.

Support the show

When 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.*