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Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Insights from Jeannie Di Bon

In this episode, a special guest, Jeannie Di Bon, a movement therapist who specializes in hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and chronic pain, shares her expertise and personal journey. Diagnosed with EDS, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, POTS, and chronic fatigue syndrome, Jeannie discusses the challenges of diagnosing these conditions, the significance of diagnosis for patients, and her development of a supportive online community and tools via the Zebra Club. She also addresses the complexities of EDS, similar conditions, and the importance of clinician awareness.

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast: Introducing Jeannie Di Bon
01:15 Understanding Ehlers Danlos and Hypermobility
03:26 The Challenge of Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis
09:59 Jeannie's Personal Journey with EDS
14:13 From Chronic Pain to Movement Therapy: Jeannie's Professional Evolution
22:14 Expanding Access: The Zebra Club and Online Resources
24:58 Addressing Comorbidities: ADHD, Autism, and Hypermobility
26:51 Final Thoughts: Hope, Support, and Education

Support the Show.

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.

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

This episode delves into the complexities and profound impacts of ADHD, particularly in women, extending to discussions on autism's role in those also living with ADHD and chronic pain. Dr. Ellen Littman emphasizes the under-recognition and training regarding autistic spectrum behaviors in women and girls. They discuss how these conditions exacerbate difficulties in social interactions, increase susceptibility to environmental impacts like allergies or asthma, and contribute to emotional dysregulation. The session also touches on notable individuals like Elon Musk, illustrating how ADHD and autism can coexist with success. The episode aims to destigmatize ADHD and autism, highlighting the neurodivergent spectrum and emphasizing strength-based perspectives in diagnosis and treatment.

00:00 Exploring ADHD and Women: Profound Impacts and Overlaps with Autism
00:59 Introduction : Insights on ADHD, Autism, and Chronic Pain
01:28 Understanding Autism in Women and Girls: A New Perspective
07:43 The Complex Interplay of ADHD, Autism, and Emotional Dysregulation
09:50 Elon Musk: A Case Study in ADHD, Autism, and Emotional Challenges
12:33 Depathologizing ADHD: A Shift Towards Understanding and Acceptance
16:14 The Journey of Advocacy and Education in ADHD and Autism
22:47 Concluding Thoughts: The Importance of Holistic Approaches and Community Support

Support the Show.

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.

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Understanding ADHD in Women: Insights from Experts

This episode delves into the complex recognition and treatment of ADHD in girls and women. It features discussions from a recent American Professional Society for ADHD and Related Disorders conference, emphasizing the stigmatization and challenges in diagnosing ADHD in female patients. The episode explores the interplay between ADHD and conditions like chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and the impact of hormonal fluctuations on ADHD symptoms. Guest expert Dr. Littman shares insights on the high correlation between ADHD and negative outcomes such as suicidality, self-harm, early mortality, eating disorders, and overall lower quality of life in women. She also shares the connection between ADHD and abortion. It also covers the misdiagnosis and misunderstanding of ADHD in women, stressing the importance of awareness and tailored treatment to improve life quality.

00:00 Opening Remarks a
00:12 Exploring ADHD: Insights from the XR Conference
01:01 Introduction and Mission
01:28 ADHD Recognition and Misdiagnosis: A Deep Dive
05:19 The Impact of Hormones on ADHD and Pain
09:27 Addressing ADHD: Personal Stories and Clinical Insights
22:17 The Importance of Support and Understanding ADHD
27:14 Conclusion

Support the Show.

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.

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

This podcast features Dr. Ellen Littman, a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience specializing in neurodiverse populations, focusing on individuals with high IQs, ADHD, and autism. Educated at prestigious institutions, she has dedicated her career to identifying and addressing the complex and often overlooked presentations of ADHD, particularly in women and girls. Dr. Littman discusses her journey into the field, starting from her internships in New York, where she first noticed the underrepresentation of girls in ADHD diagnoses. Despite early dismissal of her theories, Dr. Littman, through persistence and collaboration with other pioneers like Patricia Quinn and Kathleen Nadeau, brought significant attention to gender differences in ADHD, leading to her co-authoring a groundbreaking book on the subject. The podcast explores misconceptions about ADHD, particularly in women, the challenges they face, including misdiagnosis, the impact of estrogen on symptoms, and the pervasive issue of shame. Dr. Littman also highlights the importance of recognizing ADHD in the context of coexisting conditions like fibromyalgia. The discussion concludes with insights into the slow progress in broadly recognizing and treating ADHD in women, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and education.

00:00 Meet Dr. Ellen Littman: A Pioneer in ADHD and Neurodiversity
02:58 The Journey of Understanding ADHD in Women and Girls
09:08 Challenging Gender Bias and Misdiagnosis in ADHD
13:51 The Personal Stories of Women with ADHD
18:22 Changing Perspectives: Global Impact and Clinical Challenges
22:27 A Call to Action: Reducing Stigma and Embracing Neurodiversity

Support the Show.

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.

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

In this podcast episode, Dr. Michael Lenz introduces Kelly Mahler, an occupational therapist who discusses the often overlooked aspect of our sensory experiences: interoception. Kelly explains interoception as the body's ability to perceive its internal state, which affects emotions, hunger, pain, and more. She shares insights into how recognizing and fostering interoception can improve life quality, reduce distress, and aid in managing chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. The conversation also covers the challenges of those with interoceptive differences, particularly in the neurodivergent community, and the importance of personalized approaches to therapy. Kelly and Dr. Lenz also touch on the scientific backing of interoception and its relevance in both understanding oneself and navigating healthcare interactions more effectively.

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast: Introducing Occupational Therapy and Interoception
00:47 Meet the Host: Dr. Michael Lens's Background and Disclaimer
01:13 Introducing Kelly Mahler: The Occupational Therapist's Journey
01:33 Understanding Occupational Therapy and Sensory Processing
02:44 Diving Deep into Our Senses: Beyond the Basic Five
04:34 Exploring Interoception: The Internal Sense
05:08 Kelly's Personal and Professional Discovery of Interoception
05:57 The Impact of Interoception Differences on Daily Life
13:39 Investigating the Causes of Interoception Differences
16:39 The Real-life Consequences of Interoception Differences
22:12 Improving Interoception: Strategies and Mindfulness
25:04 Raising Interoception Awareness: Education and Advocacy
31:27 Final Thoughts and Resources for Interoception

Support the Show.

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.

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

This episode of the podcast features a conversation with Dr. Stacy Greeter, a physician who shares her personal experience with autism, ADHD, and fibromyalgia. Hosted by Dr. Michael Lenz, they delve into the challenges and encouragements for individuals living with these conditions and their loved ones. Dr. Greeter's unique perspective as both a clinician and a patient offers insights into the importance of understanding, support, and the right medical care. She discusses her diagnosis process and the importance of self-care routines. Additionally, the episode explores the difficulties neurodivergent individuals face in the healthcare system and provides advice for clinicians on improving care. Encouragement is offered to those living with fibromyalgia and neurodivergent conditions, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and understanding from loved ones and healthcare professionals.

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation with Dr. Stacy Greeter
01:01 Dr. Greeter's Personal Journey with Fibromyalgia and Vaccination
03:29 Navigating the Diagnosis: Speed and Privilege
06:18 Understanding Fibromyalgia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
07:04 Exploring the Intersection of Autism, ADHD, and Fibromyalgia
14:22 The Diagnostic Journey and Recognizing Neurodiversity
18:26 Challenges and Insights from an Autistic Psychiatrist
24:33 Empowering Neurodivergent Individuals and Clinicians
30:51 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

Support the Show.

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.

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Navigating Medical Fields as Both Doctor and Patient: Perspectives on Autism, ADHD, and Fibromyalgia

This podcast episode features a conversation with Dr. Stacy Greeter, a psychiatrist who discusses her experiences being diagnosed with autism, fibromyalgia, and ADHD. Hosted by Dr. Michael Lenz, the discussion covers topics like diagnosing autism in adults, the importance of accurate diagnosis, the connection between chronic pain and medical conditions, and the need for compassion within the medical profession. Dr. Greeter shares insights into her personal journey, from her path into psychiatry to identifying as autistic and ADHD later in life, highlighting the challenges and misconceptions around these conditions. The episode emphasizes the significance of diagnosis for understanding and self-compassion, challenges stereotypes about autism and ADHD, and advocates for patient-centric and informed medical practices.

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation with Dr. Stacy Greeter
00:06 Exploring Autism, ADHD, and Fibromyalgia with Dr. Greeter
00:37 Dr. Michael Lenz: Background and Approach to Medicine
01:14 Dr. Stacy Greeter's Journey into Psychiatry
02:14 The Significance of an Accurate Diagnosis
03:20 Navigating the Medical Field as Both Doctor and Patient
19:55 Understanding and Diagnosing Autism in Adults
24:27 The Impact of an Autism Diagnosis
32:54 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

Support the Show.

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.

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Georgie Coghlan's work as a coach involves educating and empowering individuals living with fibromyalgia to find symptom management strategies that work for them. Her story is not just one of overcoming personal health challenges but also of using those experiences to create a business dedicated to helping others navigate similar paths. The interview also touches on the connection between fibromyalgia and ADHD, the paradoxical effects of stimulants, and the importance of a support system in managing chronic health issues.

00:00 Introduction to Georgie Coughlin's Journey
00:41 Discovering ADHD Amidst Fibromyalgia
05:22 Exploring the Link Between ADHD and Fibromyalgia
10:39 The Role of Exercise and Lifestyle in Managing Fibromyalgia
12:30 What is a Fibromyalgia Coach and how she can help you?
18:27 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Support the Show.

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.