Understanding and Managing Fibromyalgia: Strategies for a Better Quality of Life

In 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 Special
00:10 Understanding Fibromyalgia: Myths, Management, and Misconceptions
02:30 Meet Your Host: Dr. Michael Lenz
04:37 Exploring the Pain Recipe: Insights from the Fibromyalgia Community
05:49 Personal Stories: Managing Fibromyalgia Symptoms
15:27 Comprehensive Care and the Future of Fibromyalgia Management
22:02 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

The fibromyalgia starter pack categorizes the episodes in a way that is more accessible for those new to fibromyalgia.

Support the Show.

A Fibromyalgia Starter Pack, which is a great companion to the book Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, is now available. Dr. Michael Lenz practices general pediatrics and internal medicine primary care, seeing patients from infants through adults. In addition, he also will see patients with fibromyalgia and related problems and patients interested in lifestyle medicine and clinical lipidology. To learn more, go to ConquringYourFibromyalgia.com. Remember that while Dr. Lenz is a medical doctor, he is not your doctor. All of your signs and symptoms should be discussed with your own physician. He aims to weave the best of conventional medicine with lifestyle medicine to help people with chronic health conditions live their best lives possible. Dr. Lenz hopes that the podcast, book, blog, and website serve as a trusted resource and starting point on your journey of learning to live better with fibromyalgia and related illnesses.

Navigating Fibromyalgia with fibromyalgia coach Georgie Coghlan: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing

This 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 Coach
00:36 Understanding Fibromyalgia: A Holistic Medical Perspective
02:19 Georgie's Personal Battle with Fibromyalgia and the Quest for Healing
03:34 Exploring the Biopsychosocial Model for Fibromyalgia Treatment
08:23 Georgie's Early Symptoms and Misdiagnosis Journey
18:09 Lifestyle Factors and Their Impact on Fibromyalgia
22:29 The Psychological Toll of Chronic Pain and the Path to Recovery
28:48 Summary and Key Takeaways from Georgie's Story

To contact Georgie go to the www.befriendingthebody.com

The fibromyalgia starter pack categorizes the episodes in a way that is more accessible for those new to fibromyalgia.

Support the Show.

A Fibromyalgia Starter Pack, which is a great companion to the book Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, is now available. Dr. Michael Lenz practices general pediatrics and internal medicine primary care, seeing patients from infants through adults. In addition, he also will see patients with fibromyalgia and related problems and patients interested in lifestyle medicine and clinical lipidology. To learn more, go to ConquringYourFibromyalgia.com. Remember that while Dr. Lenz is a medical doctor, he is not your doctor. All of your signs and symptoms should be discussed with your own physician. He aims to weave the best of conventional medicine with lifestyle medicine to help people with chronic health conditions live their best lives possible. Dr. Lenz hopes that the podcast, book, blog, and website serve as a trusted resource and starting point on your journey of learning to live better with fibromyalgia and related illnesses.

Listener Feedback and Understanding Abdominal Migraines

00:00 Welcome
01:02 Introducing the Podcast: A Holistic Approach to Fibromyalgia
02:46 Listener Feedback: Stories of Hope and Healing
12:24 Exploring Abdominal Migraines and abdominal pain in autistic individuals
17:29 Diet, Gut Health, and Autism: Insights and Treatment Options
27:20 Pain Recipes and Closing Thoughts

Support the Show.

A Fibromyalgia Starter Pack, which is a great companion to the book Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, is now available. Dr. Michael Lenz practices general pediatrics and internal medicine primary care, seeing patients from infants through adults. In addition, he also will see patients with fibromyalgia and related problems and patients interested in lifestyle medicine and clinical lipidology. To learn more, go to ConquringYourFibromyalgia.com. Remember that while Dr. Lenz is a medical doctor, he is not your doctor. All of your signs and symptoms should be discussed with your own physician. He aims to weave the best of conventional medicine with lifestyle medicine to help people with chronic health conditions live their best lives possible. Dr. Lenz hopes that the podcast, book, blog, and website serve as a trusted resource and starting point on your journey of learning to live better with fibromyalgia and related illnesses.