Ep 224 Invisible Battles: Chuck Carroll's Story of Pain, Healing and Hope
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Beyond Weight Loss: Chuck Carroll's Transformative Journey with Chronic Pain and Invisible IllnessIn this episode, we share a compelling and deeply personal interview with Chuck Carroll, host of the Exam Room Podcast, originally featured on the Fit Vegan Podcast. Known as the Weight Loss Champion, Chuck's journey extends far beyond shedding over 200 pounds. He discusses his experiences with addiction, trauma, and invisible illnesses including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and disorders of gut-brain interaction. Chuck's story sheds light on the complex relationship between diet, chronic pain, and mental health, touching on his struggles with binge eating and the limitations of conventional treatments. Through candid recounting and medical insights, Chuck highlights the importance of a holistic approach to managing chronic conditions. His journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the ongoing battle many face in their search for wellness.00:00 Introduction: Challenging Beliefs About Chronic Pain and Weight00:20 Meet Chuck Carroll: The Weight Loss Champion's Hidden Struggles01:03 Living with Chronic Pain: Chuck's Personal Battle02:37 The Reality of Binge Eating and Early Health Struggles04:39 Considering Gastric Surgery: A Desperate Measure06:49 Post-Surgery Realizations and Dietary Changes08:52 The Shift to a Plant-Based Diet14:11 Facing New Health Challenges: Gut-Brain Disorders17:25 The Role of Stress and Emotional Turmoil19:29 Navigating Chronic Pain and Seeking Answers35:00 Support Systems and Coping Mechanisms38:12 Conclusion: Resilience and Advocacy Click here for the YouTube channel International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. 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 223 Reaction to Netflix's Biggest Loser Documentary
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions The Reality of 'The Biggest Loser': A Medical PerspectiveWatch the video hereDr. Michael Lenz, a pediatrician, internist, clinical lipidologist, and Lifestyle medicine physician, reviews the Netflix documentary 'The Biggest Loser' from a medical perspective. He discusses the extreme and often dangerous tactics used on the show, the emotional and psychological consequences for contestants, and the implications for long-term health. Dr. Lenz highlights evidence-based treatments for weight loss and related conditions like binge eating disorder and ADHD. Through clips from the show and interviews with experts, he stresses the importance of compassionate, evidence-based care for sustainable health changes.00:00 Introduction and Purpose00:26 The Reality of The Biggest Loser01:33 Personal Struggles and Insights03:33 Medical Perspectives on Weight Loss07:02 Extreme Measures and Their Consequences09:53 Emotional and Psychological Impact11:04 Temptations and Traps14:39 Medical Conditions and Personal Stories18:32 Long-Term Health and Sustainability23:35 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 222 Golden Girls and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Lessons from Dorothy's Journey
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Golden Girls and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Lessons from Dorothy's JourneyDr. Michael Lenz, a pediatrician, internist, clinical lipidologist, and lifestyle medicine physician, explores the depiction of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia through the character Dorothy from the Golden Girls. Reflecting on specific scenes from the 1989 episodes, Dr. Lenz highlights how experiences with these conditions are often dismissed by the medical community, yet remain profoundly debilitating for patients. The episode illustrates the importance of compassionate, holistic care and validates the real suffering behind such invisible illnesses. Dr. Lenz also shares the backstory of how these episodes were inspired by the show creator Susan Harris' real-life experience.00:00 Introduction to Chronic Pain Syndromes00:15 Dorothy's Struggle Begins01:59 Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome03:09 Medical Dismissal and Patient Frustration04:24 The Impact of Personal Stress06:15 The Role of Psychiatry in Chronic Illness09:31 Family Support and Validation11:47 The Medical Maze and Specialist Referrals22:57 A Compassionate Diagnosis28:31 The Backstory of the Golden Girls Episodes29:29 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 221 Why Opioids fall short for Fibromyalgia
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Checkout the video here.Opioids and Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Risks and AlternativesIn this episode of the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast, the host delves into the complex and often controversial topic of using opioids for treating fibromyalgia. The discussion is anchored around a comprehensive review from the Mayo Proceedings and explores why opioids, despite being widely prescribed, are not effective for fibromyalgia patients and may even be harmful. The podcast also covers the mechanisms of fibromyalgia, how it differs from other pain disorders, and why alternative treatments such as FDA-approved medications, exercise, sleep management, and cognitive behavioral therapy are more effective. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional medical advice before making any changes to their treatment plans.00:00 Introduction to Opioids and Fibromyalgia01:23 Understanding Fibromyalgia and Opioid Use03:18 Medical Guidelines and Opioid Efficacy05:39 Neuroimaging Insights and Opioid Hyperalgesia07:28 Expert Opinions and Alternative Treatments08:28 Reasons for Continued Opioid Prescriptions09:27 Psychological and Social Factors10:26 Moving Forward: Multidisciplinary Care12:14 Guidance for Current Opioid Users16:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 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 220 Chronic Pain Insights: Bridging the Gap in Patient-Provider Communication
Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Building Trust and Effective Communication in Chronic Pain Care with Michelle MakosIn part two of this enlightening conversation, Michelle Makos shares practical strategies for building trust and effective communication between patients and clinicians, emphasizing the importance of validating patients' experiences. Michelle discusses the innovative peer method that is helping transform pain care, reflecting on the complexities in the patient-provider relationship. She offers valuable insights into understanding patients' values and addresses the essential role of self-efficacy and motivation in managing chronic pain. Through her work with Moving Through Chronic Pain and the pain management commission in Oregon, Michelle is dedicated to improving care and education for both patients and providers. This episode is a must-watch for anyone dealing with or treating chronic pain.00:00 Introduction and Recap of Part One00:21 Building Trust and Effective Communication03:14 Understanding Patient Values and Experiences08:56 The Role of Peer Support in Chronic Pain Management19:56 Functional Assessment and Validation29:47 Conclusion and How to Get Connected 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.
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