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 1In 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 method, which supports both patients and healthcare providers. Her story underlines the interconnectedness of chronic pain with family and community, advocating for empathy and effective communication in managing pain. This conversation offers vital insights for both patients and providers, emphasizing that while a cure may not be immediate, there are ways to live a meaningful life alongside chronic pain.00:00 Introduction to Michelle's Journey00:49 Meet Michelle Marikos02:42 Michelle's Early Life and Injury04:02 The Struggle with Chronic Pain10:05 Discovering ADHD and Its Impact15:03 The Role of Family in Chronic Pain17:28 The PEER Method and Provider Training19:35 Expectations and Misunderstandings in Chronic Pain28:14 Reflections on Medical Training and Communication31:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen 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.* ...
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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 FryeIn 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 the significance of tracking headaches, establishing functional goals, and reducing catastrophizing thoughts through psychoeducation. Additionally, he shares success stories and offers hopeful perspectives for families navigating chronic pain management.00:00 Introduction and Recap of Part One00:21 Practical Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain00:57 Non-Pharmacological Approaches04:52 Importance of Sleep and Healthy Routines07:02 Tracking and Understanding Headaches11:49 Focus on Functionality Over Pain Reduction17:03 Psychoeducation and Pain Catastrophizing19:51 Success Stories and Final Thoughts Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen 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.* ...
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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 the importance of mental health, comprehensive patient assessment, and individualized treatment strategies. Dr. Frye emphasizes the need for holistic care, citing high rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation among patients, and sheds light on the unique challenges neurodiverse individuals face. Stay tuned for part two, where practical strategies for managing chronic pain will be discussed.00:00 Introduction to Dr. William Frye01:27 Dr. Frye's Background and Journey into Pain Psychology02:24 Overview of the Headache Study03:33 Key Findings and Surprising Results05:41 Challenges in the Healthcare Journey08:05 Balancing Medication and Non-Medication Treatments14:47 Mental Health's Role in Chronic Headaches20:16 Unique Challenges for Neurodevelopmental Conditions24:11 Benefits of Multidisciplinary Care26:19 Conclusion and Preview of Part Two Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen 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.* ...
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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 TipsIn 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 and personal stories behind fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and other invisible illnesses, exploring common misconceptions and frequently asked questions. We also provide practical tips for managing fibromyalgia and chronic pain, discuss the overlaps with ADHD and autism, and highlight the journey of understanding these complex conditions. Whether you're listening or watching on YouTube, this episode offers a blend of personal reflection, medical education, and encouragement from our growing community.00:00 Welcome to Our Fourth Anniversary Celebration!00:22 Reflecting on Our Journey and Future Plans00:34 Practical Tips for Managing Chronic Pain01:00 The Importance of Movement and Environment01:11 Understanding Fibromyalgia and Invisible Illnesses01:20 Personal Stories and Medical Insights09:42 Exploring Nociplastic Pain Syndromes25:04 The Role of Environment in Managing Fibromyalgia27:58 Conclusion and Gratitude Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen 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.* ...
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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 WoodIn 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 pressures may amplify ADHD symptoms and advocates for medications as vital support rather than a last resort. The conversation spans the implications of legislation, stimulant classification, and the broader societal impact of untreated ADHD. The episode provides crucial insights for individuals with ADHD, their families, and healthcare professionals. Dr. Wood also shares her experiences and the importance of adapting treatment to meet current needs, emphasizing the significance of recognizing neurodiversity and providing comprehensive care.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:10 Are We Overdiagnosing ADHD?01:27 The Impact of Modern Life on ADHD02:36 Medication and Safety Concerns04:15 Stimulant Shortages and Policy Issues09:25 Reclassifying Stimulants: Pros and Cons15:16 Personal Stories and Broader Implications17:56 Final Thoughts and Future Directions23:57 Connecting with Dr. Emily Wood26:19 Conclusion Click here for the YouTube channel Support the showWhen 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.* ...
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.
Ireland