Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast
The podcast and book were started with my patients in mind. Due to time restrictions, I recognized the need for more education on fibromyalgia and related illnesses. If you have not checked out the book, the podcast is meant to supplement what was covered there. Many people worldwide will never be able to see me as their doctor, and I hope this podcast offers valuable insights, information, and wisdom from a medical doctor using a multifaceted evidence-based approach from the perspective of a pediatrician, internist, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist. If you are a doctor or another health care professional caring for those with invisible illnesses, I hope these serve you well. Many people have either been told or read that fibromyalgia isn't real or that it is just all in their heads. This misunderstanding, unfortunately, causes harm and is a disservice to those suffering. If you are one of the estimated more than 10 million people in the United States who are suffering from fibromyalgia, then you know it is real. If you don't have fibromyalgia, you will, at a minimum, gain a deeper understanding of what you or your loved one is experiencing. If you have fibromyalgia, you will feel validated for what you have endured. I have over 27 years of experience as a doctor and am continuing to learn about medical problems, including invisible illnesses like fibromyalgia and related problems. You can learn more by visiting www.conqueringyourfibromyalgia.com.
Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast
Ep 161 "You Look Perfectly Healthy to Me." Psychologist Laurie Dos Santos Part 2
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions
In this episode, Dr. Michael Lenz, a seasoned pediatrician and internist, resumes his conversation with clinical psychologist Dr. Laurie Dos Santos. They delve into the complexities of supporting individuals with chronic medical conditions such as POTS, Dysautonomia, and fibromyalgia. Dr. Dos Santos discusses her approach to group and individual therapy, the importance of validating patients' experiences, and the impact of these conditions on adolescents and their families. The episode highlights a significant study, "You Look Perfectly Healthy to Me" on the quality of life for youth with POTS, stressing the need for more research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocacy. Dis Santos shares her insights on understanding the biopsychosocial framework of symptoms and offers hope and practical advice for those living with chronic illnesses.
00:00 Welcome Back to the Conversation with Dr. Lori Dosantos
00:23 Introduction to the Host and the Podcast's Mission
00:48 Resuming the Conversation: Group Therapy and State Reciprocity
03:09 Deep Dive into POTS: Understanding Through Research and Patient Stories
10:14 Collaborative Care: The Power of Interdisciplinary Teams
13:31 The Genetic and Familial Connections of Chronic Conditions
24:54 The Role of Therapy in Managing Chronic Illness
26:24 Closing Thoughts and How to Reach Out for Support
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.
