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Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions When Fibromyalgia Masks Autism and ADHD: Diagnostic Overshadowing and Neuroplastic Pain The script argues that fibromyalgia’s pain, fatigue, and brain fog can act as “diagnostic overshadowing,” masking underlying undiagnosed autism and/or ADHD. Referencing Dr. Megan Anna Neff’s video on how autism can hide ADHD, the narrator (a physician) connects neurodivergent traits to central sensitization and nociplastic pain, suggesting a nervous system “born” with high sensory volume that overheats from lifelong adaptation to a neurotypical world. Examples include autistic rigidity and routines masking ADHD while fueling hypervigilance; combined ADHD task paralysis and autistic inertia contributing to “fibro fog”; special interests functioning as regulating deep focus but driving boom-bust cycles and stress on reentry; and layered masking that ends in collapse framed as flares. The script concludes that recognizing autism/ADHD improves self-understanding and guides lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms. 00:00 Fibro as Medical Mystery 00:35 Diagnostic Overshadowing 01:08 Neurodivergence Behind Pain 01:44 Autism Hiding ADHD 02:30 Central Sensitization Link 03:05 Rigidity Mask Explained 04:45 Hypervigilance and Stress 05:15 Task Paralysis and Inertia 07:06 Special Interests Solar System 08:39 Defensive Deep Focus Cycle 10:08 The Grand Masking Trap 11:50 Self Understanding as Treatment 12:23 Closing 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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions 2025 Pediatric Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) Guidelines: A Brain–Gut, Migraine-Based Action Plan The script explains updated 2025 guidelines for pediatric cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), framing CVS as a disorder of gut–brain interaction and a “migraine equivalent,” with up to 82% of affected children having personal or family migraine history, shifting treatment focus to the central nervous system. It highlights links to nociplastic pain/central sensitization and higher rates of neurodivergence (ADHD, autism), supporting a holistic biopsychosocial approach and trigger management, especially consistent sleep. Key terminology (abortive vs prophylactic therapy, strong vs conditional recommendations) is clarified. The only strong recommendation is early abortive anti-migraine therapy (triptans like sumatriptan or high-dose NSAIDs like ibuprofen) during prodrome; conditional options include aprepitant, ondansetron, and early IV rehydration. Prevention starts with lifestyle and supplements (riboflavin, CoQ10), then escalates to propranolol, cyproheptadine, or amitriptyline; topiramate is generally avoided unless others fail. The guidelines address catamenial and “calendar time” CVS, distinguish CVS from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome via six months of cannabis cessation, and emphasize creating a written green/yellow/red CVS action plan for home, school, and emergency care. 00:00 Lost in the Fog 01:56 CVS as Brain Gut Disorder 04:19 Migraine Link Explained 06:13 Nociplastic Pain and Sensitization 08:48 Neurodivergence Connection 10:50 Guideline Terms Decoded 13:26 Abortive Rescue Plan 17:18 Preventing Future Episodes 22:05 Special Subtypes and CHS 24:08 Action Plan Zones 26:04 Holistic Approach and Wrap Up 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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Dr. Megan Anna Neff on Late-Identified Autism, Autistic Burnout, and Self-Care Clinical psychologist Dr. Megan Anna Neff discusses how discovering her child was autistic near the end of her doctorate led her to research autism in girls, recognize her own autism, and create Neurodivergent Insights to translate peer-reviewed research into visuals. She and the host describe gaps in clinical training, frequent missed or misdiagnosed autism and ADHD in adults, limited access to adult assessment, and the value and risks of formal diagnosis. Neff explains autistic burnout as nervous-system burnout marked by chronic exhaustion, increased sensory sensitivity and meltdowns, and loss of skills, and notes masking, life transitions, and alexithymia as contributors while cautioning to rule out medical causes. They address overlaps with chronic pain, suicidality risk, and poor response to CBT when neurotype is unsupported. Neff outlines her book "Self-Care for Autistic People" (sensory, physical, emotional, mental, social, and professional self-care) and shares where to find her work and community. 00:00 Meet Dr Megan Neff 01:32 The Zigzag Into Autism 04:16 Health Psychology Roots 05:14 Training Gaps In Adults 08:32 Self Diagnosis And Screening 13:01 What Is Autistic Burnout 17:07 Misdiagnosis And Function 21:38 Burnout Versus Medical Causes 24:30 Triggers And Risk Factors 27:21 Why Burnout Builds 28:57 Sensory Safety First 31:37 Quick Fix Coping Traps 34:15 Screening and Misdiagnosis 38:03 Liberation Then Grief 40:39 Autistic Self Care Basics 44:20 Book Chapters and Tips 48:47 Advice for Three Groups 52:59 Resources and Farewell 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Dr. Stephanie Pearson on Workplace Injury, Invisible Disability Claims, and Disability Insurance Pitfalls Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OB-GYN, describes how a workplace shoulder injury during a delivery led to chronic pain, failed surgery outcomes, job termination after FMLA, and denial of her hospital disability coverage due to a fine-print work-injury exclusion, followed by a disputed workers’ comp claim and a settlement after litigation. She explains how invisible or subjective conditions (e.g., chronic pain, fibromyalgia, headaches) are often doubted by clinicians and challenged by insurers, why “gray” cases face scrutiny, and how documentation of worst-day functional limits and timely medical-record collection are critical, including possible IMEs. Pearson contrasts employer group vs private disability insurance, highlighting taxable group benefits, benefit caps, portability issues, and common two-year limitations for subjective illnesses, while private policies depend on underwriting, exclusions, and participation limits. She also discusses underwriting impacts of medical coding, runs a physician peer support group, and shares personal recovery supports and her company’s client advocacy approach. 00:00 Meet Dr Pearson 01:23 Injury In Delivery Room 02:25 Surgery And Termination 03:03 Denied And Sued 04:11 Mental Health Crisis 05:54 New Purpose And Company 06:40 Invisible Illness Bias 09:05 Building A Paper Trail 12:59 Independent Medical Exams 16:33 Group Versus Private Coverage 19:25 Subjective Illness Limits 23:12 Underwriting Exclusions 24:28 Fibromyalgia Stigma 25:15 Contracts And Legal Review 25:44 Coverage Limits Explained 28:44 Underwriting and Intake Process 29:54 Medical History Surprises 32:10 No Underwriting Options 33:32 Psych Diagnosis Pitfalls 36:26 Staying Properly Insured 38:44 Claims Support and Follow Up 39:49 Group Plans and Portability 42:15 Physicians Support Community 45:17 Family Silver Linings 46:59 Closing Reflections and Contact 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. 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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Small Fiber Neuropathy and Fibromyalgia: Correlation, Not the Cause The script examines why findings of small fiber neuropathy (SFN) in fibromyalgia created hope for an objective “proof” of pain, yet argues this link is often misinterpreted as causation. It explains SFN, diagnosed via skin punch biopsy showing reduced nerve fiber density, and notes studies finding positive biopsies in about 40–60% of fibromyalgia patients, including a 2018 meta-analysis reporting 49% prevalence. The script outlines why SFN is not a smoking-gun cause: it appears in only about half of patients, nerve loss severity doesn’t reliably match pain severity, and SFN occurs in other conditions. It contrasts fibromyalgia with classic SFN in onset age, symptom patterns, comorbidities, and nerve-loss distribution, and presents central sensitization (nociplastic pain) as the primary driver, with SFN possibly a trigger in some or a downstream effect in others, emphasizing treatments targeting the central nervous system. 00:00 SFN Fibro Controversy 01:54 What Is SFN 02:57 Biopsy Evidence Buzz 04:04 Correlation Not Cause 05:54 SFN vs Fibro Differences 07:30 Central Sensitization Explained 10:12 Where SFN Fits In 11:10 Back Pain MRI Analogy 11:56 Treatment Focus And Wrap 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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions High-Masking Autism, Anxiety, and the Multi-System Pattern of Chronic Invisible Illness Dr. Michael Lenz reacts to Auticate's video on autistic health and connects it to fibromyalgia-like “multi-system” chronic invisible illness, describing 11 doctors in a year before an autism diagnosis and a pattern of persistent symptoms despite normal tests. The script reviews common co-occurring issues in autistic people: skin burning/itching and psoriasis, GI problems (GERD, bloating, diarrhea), chronic cough with inconclusive lung workups, urinary frequency/nocturia, insomnia and restless legs/periodic limb movement disorder, widespread muscle tension and pain consistent with fibromyalgia flares after meltdowns, migraines, immune/allergy conditions (including mast cell issues), possible POTS/dysautonomia, and frequent mental health misdiagnoses and medication side effects. It argues a major culprit is chronic anxiety/fight-or-flight from high masking, and explains why medical care is hard for autistic people (waiting, sensory overload, communication, dismissal). It offers self-advocacy tips (lists, disclosure, processing time, bring support) and calls for more integrated, autism-informed healthcare. 00:00 Reacting  00:29 The Multisystem Pattern 02:24 Skin Symptoms Explained 03:41 Gut Issues and Reflux 04:57 Chronic Cough Mystery 06:25 Urinary Frequency and Pain 07:42 Sleep Problems and RLS 09:56 Muscle Pain and Flares 11:11 Migraines and Sensory Overload 12:53 Immune Issues and POTS 14:18 Misdiagnoses and Masking 15:32 The Culprit Anxiety Loop 17:54 Why Doctor Visits Are Hard 22:30 Self Advocacy Doctor Tips 27:34 Wrap Up and Call to Share 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...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Three Blood Tests That Reveal Your True Heart Attack Risk: hsCRP, Lipoprotein(a), and ApoB Dr. Michael Lenz argues the standard lipid panel can miss key drivers of atherosclerosis, explaining why some people with “normal” LDL still have heart attacks, and recommends three additional blood tests to better assess risk. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) measures inflammation, with higher levels indicating increased risk and supported by the JUPITER trial showing benefit of statins in people with normal LDL but elevated hsCRP. Lipoprotein(a) is a largely genetic, “extra dangerous” LDL-related particle linked causally to heart attacks, strokes, and aortic valve disease; a one-time adult test is recommended, especially with early family history, and high levels warrant aggressive control of other risk factors while targeted therapies are in trials. ApoB counts atherogenic particles and may predict risk better than LDL, particularly with insulin resistance or diabetes. 00:00 Hidden Heart Attack Risk 01:53 Inflammation Fire Alarm 03:06 hsCRP Risk Levels 04:21 Lipoprotein A Genetics 06:08 What to Do If High 06:59 ApoB Particle Count 08:27 ApoB Targets and Discordance 09:23 Putting the Three Together 10:17 Final Takeaways 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...