Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast

Dr. Michael Lenz MD

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. 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. 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. 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.

  1. May 28

    April: A World Through Neurodiversity

    Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Autism Acceptance Month Series: Beyond Awareness to Sensory Truth, Masking, and Invisible Illness The script introduces an April autism acceptance month video series aimed at moving beyond awareness to genuine acceptance by explaining the lived experience of autism, especially profound sensory differences, masking, routines as safety, and meltdowns as overwhelm rather than tantrums. It frames autism as a different way of being human in a world built for one “type of brain,” and highlights links between autism, ADHD, and chronic invisible illnesses. The series features guides including Dr. Megan Anna Neff (burnout, unmasking, self-care), Dr. Barry Prizant (autistic behaviors as coping strategies), Dr. Jennifer Frazier (bullying’s brain impacts and healing), and memoirist Leland Vitter (resilience and family support). Weekly topics include neurodiversity, harms of functioning labels, late diagnosis, masking, burnout, sensory self-care, bullying and gaslighting, advocacy, and revisiting the highly sensitive person concept with 2026 understanding. 00:00 Sensory Overload Walkthrough 00:23 Autism Acceptance Mission 00:48 Beyond Social Struggles 01:25 Masking Routines Meltdowns 01:59 Meet the Expert Guides 02:27 Dr Prizant Uniquely Human 02:53 Bullying Brain Science 03:17 Leland Vitter Story 03:39 Week by Week Roadmap 03:54 Late Diagnosis Unmasking 04:07 Self Care and Sensory Tools 04:16 Systems Solutions Advocacy 04:35 HSP and High Masking 04:56 More Than a Series 05:11 Join the Comments 05:20 Changing the Lens 05:59 Closing and Next Episode Click here for the YouTube Channel  Support the show When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—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. 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 29+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...

    8 min

  2. May 27

    POTS Guidelines: Missing the Bigger Picture

    Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions 2026 POTS Guidelines: What They Update—and the Biggest Blind Spots (Hypermobility, Neurodivergence, and Root Causes) The script reviews the new 2026 POTS Guidelines, noting improvements such as formalized diagnostic criteria, recognition of symptoms beyond tachycardia (GI issues, chronic pain, cognitive dysfunction), and first-line nonpharmacological strategies (fluids/sodium, compression) with a tiered medication approach before graded exercise. It argues the guidelines still miss key drivers for many patients by treating POTS too much as a standalone cardiac issue and failing to emphasize hypermobility/EDS as a common underlying structural cause, including not mandating routine hypermobility screening. It also highlights a major omission: the well-documented triad linking POTS, hypermobility, and neurodivergence (ADHD/autism), arguing that screening and support for neurodivergence can improve brain fog, stress/burnout, and even pain, and that ignoring this skews treatment toward cardiac drugs. The video further situates POTS within overlapping syndromes like fibromyalgia and ME/CFS and cites a 2026 case-control study connecting chronic pain/fatigue with higher odds of likely autism/ADHD, mediated by joint hypermobility, urging a more holistic diagnostic and treatment approach. 00:00 Why Guidelines Miss You 01:09 What 2026 Adds 02:23 The Missing Why 02:53 Hypermobility Blind Spot 05:03 Neurodivergence Omission 07:25 Treatment Algorithm Flaws 09:42 Bigger Syndrome Constellation 11:50 Key Takeaways Recap 12:53 Advocate and Share 13:36 Final Thoughts Click here for the YouTube Channel  Support the show When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—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. 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 29+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...

    16 min

  3. May 25

    The Cholesterol Revolution: New Preventive Rules

    Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions The 2026 Cholesterol Revolution: PREVENT Scores, Hidden Risk Markers, and CAC Scans The script explains how 2026 ACC/AHA guideline changes aim to make heart attacks more preventable by shifting from short-term “10-year risk” thinking to “lower for longer,” precision prevention, and primordial prevention starting earlier in life. It critiques the older Pooled Cohort Equations for underestimating risk in younger people and introduces the PREVENT equation, which adds 30-year risk plus kidney, metabolic, and social factors. It highlights lipoprotein(a) as a largely genetic once-in-a-lifetime test and hs-CRP as an inflammation marker, and emphasizes coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring as a tiebreaker for statin decisions (0, 1–99, ≥100). Cases illustrate these tools, including tighter LDL goals (70 for high risk, 55 for very high risk/secondary prevention) and expanded therapies (statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, bempedoic acid) alongside whole-food plant-based diet, exercise, and smoking cessation, with a 30-day action plan. 00:00 Heart Disease Wake Up 01:24 Why Old Risk Scores Failed 02:18 A Personal Time Bomb 03:29 Three Big Guideline Shifts 05:53 Prevent Score Explained 07:56 Hidden Risks Lp(a) hsCRP 10:52 Calcium Score Reality Check 13:52 Real Patient Stories 17:06 Modern Meds And Myths 19:58 Chronic Pain Connection 21:45 Doctor Checklist And Challenge 24:25 Choose Your Future Click here for the YouTube Channel  Click here for the YouTube channel Support the show When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—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. 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 29+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...

    27 min

  4. May 17

    Rethinking Mind Mody Medicine for Neurodivergent Individuals

    Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this enlightening video, we explore the concept of "tension myositis syndrome," a condition where the brain generates chronic pain, challenging traditional biomedical views. We examine Dr. Sarno's groundbreaking work and how he explained the "mindbody syndrome" through a neurodevelopmental lens. Learn how understanding the intricate connection between the brain and pain and the role of emotions and pain can help manage conditions like nociplastic pain, offering strategies for healing and regulation. Imagine Sarah, living with chronic widespread pain for over a decade, her muscles and joints constantly aching, waking up exhausted. This video introduces the concept of "tension myositis syndrome" (TMS), explaining it as a condition where the brain generates pain, challenging traditional biomedical approaches. We explore Dr. John Sarno's work and suggest a "nociplastic pain" lens, including strategies for managing "sensory overload" and regulating "neurodiversity" systems, offering new perspectives on "chronic pain" within the framework of "mindbody syndrome." Imagine Sarah, living with chronic widespread pain for over a decade, her muscles and joints constantly aching, waking up exhausted. This video introduces the concept of "tension myositis syndrome" (TMS), explaining it as a condition where the brain generates pain, challenging traditional biomedical approaches. We explore Dr. John Sarno's work and suggest a "nociplastic pain" lens, including strategies for managing "sensory overload" and regulating "neurodiversity" systems, offering new perspectives on "chronic pain" within the framework of "mindbody syndrome." Click here for the YouTube Channel  Support the show When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—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. 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 29+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...

    13 min

  5. May 16

    Why this OB GYN left medicine to become an ADHD coach

    Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Navigating ADHD and Chronic Pain: Dr. Kerry Shea's Journey from OB GYN to ADHD Coach In this episode, we welcome Dr. Kerry Shea, an OB GYN who transitioned to working as an ADHD coach. Dr. Shea shares her personal experience living with ADHD and chronic pain, including a diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia, and her struggles with various other invisible illnesses like endometriosis. Carrie explains how these challenges impacted her career in medicine and her eventual shift to coaching. She also touches upon the importance of understanding neurodivergence, the impact of chronic pain, and the necessity of a holistic approach to health and wellness. By sharing her story, Dr. Shea aims to validate the experiences of many who face similar issues and provide insight into coping strategies and the importance of seeking support. 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kerry Shea 01:23 Carrie's Background and ADHD Diagnosis 02:51 Medical Career and Chronic Pain Journey 03:36 Struggles with Trigeminal Neuralgia and Work Environment 05:40 Navigating the Medical System as a Patient 07:16 Transition to ADHD Coaching 07:45 Early Life and ADHD Awareness 11:21 Chronic Pain and Neurodivergence 16:57 Impact of ADHD on Medical Career 28:34 Decision to Go on Disability 37:11 The Challenges of Medical Specialties 37:45 Physical Demands of OB-GYN 38:12 Advice for Pre-Med and Med Students 38:45 Chronic Pain and Early Symptoms 39:38 Restless Leg Syndrome and ADHD 42:41 Managing Restless Leg Syndrome 48:05 Neurodivergence and Chronic Pain 50:42 The Importance of Good Sleep 58:55 Physician Burnout and Neurodivergence 01:07:49 ADHD Coaching and Support 01:11:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Click here for the YouTube Channel  Click here for the YouTube channel International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Joy Lenz Fibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start.  Support the show When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—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. 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 29+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...

    1h 19m

  6. May 15

    A Girl's Chronic Pain Reversal Story

    Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions 00:00 A Mysterious Case 00:59 Years of Unexplained Pain 02:19 The Hidden Connection 03:08 The Breakthrough Diagnosis 04:03 Understanding the Science 04:52 Sensory Processing Differences 06:13 ADHD and Pain Regulation 07:24 Amplifying Factors 08:36 Diagnostic Overshadowing 09:52 The Treatment Breakthrough 10:40 Miraculous Results 11:40 Multidisciplinary Approaches 12:07 Community and Support 12:43 Important Disclaimer 13:07 Final Thoughts Click here for the YouTube Channel  Support the show When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—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. 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 29+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...

    17 min

  7. May 14

    Why Your Doctor is Measuring Your Fibromyalgia Wrong

    Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Beyond the Pain Scale: Using WPI/SSS and FIQR to Measure Fibromyalgia Severity and Treatment Progress The script explains that fibromyalgia care often relies too heavily on a 1–10 pain scale, overlooking fatigue, unrefreshed sleep, brain fog, and daily function, which leaves patients feeling unheard and clinicians without clear data. It describes how the American College of Rheumatology shifted from the 1990 tender point exam to revised criteria (2010, refined in 2011 and 2016) using two quick questionnaires: the Fibromyalgia Survey Criteria—Widespread Pain Index (19 pain regions) plus Symptom Severity Score (fatigue, unrefreshed sleep, cognitive symptoms, plus headaches/abdominal pain/depression), combined as the PSD—and the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), a 21-item measure of function, overall impact, and symptoms scored 0–100. Examples show how these tools provide baselines, track change, guide treatment adjustments, and capture clinically meaningful improvement beyond pain alone. 00:00 Beyond the Pain Scale 01:04 Why Fibro Gets Missed 03:36 Old Criteria to New Tools 04:30 Two Key Questionnaires 05:45 Widespread Pain Index 07:49 Symptom Severity Score 09:35 Diagnosis and Tracking Baseline 10:50 Advocating at Appointments 11:22 FIQR Daily Function 12:59 FIQR Impact and Symptoms 15:51 Meaningful Improvement Benchmarks 16:16 Using Both Tools Together 19:05 Tracking Life Factors Over Time 20:35 Wrap Up and Next Steps Click here for the YouTube Channel  Support the show When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—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. 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 29+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...

    24 min

  8. May 13

    Fibromyalgia or Sjogren's? (How to Tell the Difference)

    Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Sjogren’s vs Fibromyalgia: Key Differences in Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment The script explains why Sjogren’s disease and fibromyalgia are often confused due to overlapping pain and fatigue, noting studies suggesting over 30% overlap, and stresses that accurate diagnosis guides appropriate treatment. Fibromyalgia is described as a central nervous system disorder driven by central sensitization, causing chronic widespread pain for at least three months, profound unrefreshing sleep fatigue, and “fibro fog,” with normal inflammatory and autoimmune labs. Sjogren’s is presented as a systemic autoimmune disease targeting tear and salivary glands, causing measurable dry eyes and dry mouth (sicca), increased dental problems, and possible joint/muscle pain and organ involvement. The script contrasts diagnostic approaches (WPI/symptom severity vs antibodies, Schirmer’s test, salivary flow, and minor salivary gland biopsy) and treatments (exercise/CBT/sleep and neurotransmitter meds vs dryness management, pilocarpine/cevimeline, hydroxychloroquine, and immunosuppressants). 00:00 Invisible Pain Explained 00:49 Why Diagnosis Matters 02:41 Fibromyalgia Basics 03:22 Fibro Symptoms Checklist 04:57 What Fibro Is Not 05:25 Sjogren's Core Signs 07:05 Systemic Sjogren's Pain 08:04 Sjogren's vs Fibro 09:42 Testing and Lab Clues 10:36 How Doctors Diagnose 12:57 Treatment Roadmaps 14:52 Key Takeaways and Advocacy 16:12 Final Encouragement Click here for the YouTube Channel  Support the show When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—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. 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 29+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...

    19 min
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4.8
out of 5
71 Ratings

About

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. 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. 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. 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.

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