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This episode deviates from the norm to feature excerpts from a heartfelt interview with Chuck Carroll, host of the Exam Room podcast, as shared on the Fit Vegan podcast. Chuck, known as the weight loss champion, opens up about his life beyond losing over 200 pounds and adopting a plant-based diet. He discusses his battles with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and gut-brain interaction disorders, exploring how these conditions are often misunderstood and overlooked, particularly in men. The conversation delves into Chuck’s personal struggles with addiction, severe binge eating, and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanied his journey towards better health. He provides insights into how stress and emotional turmoil exacerbated his condition, despite his diligent adherence to a healthy diet. This episode is particularly timely during fibromyalgia awareness month and aims to shed light on the intricate relationship between diet, mental health, and chronic illness.

00:00 Introduction: Challenging Beliefs About Chronic Pain and Weight
00:06 Meet Chuck Carroll: The Weight Loss Champion's Hidden Struggles
02:39 Chuck's Early Life and Struggles with Food Addiction
04:41 The Turning Point: Considering Gastric Surgery
08:53 Life After Surgery: The Battle with Food Cravings
09:29 Exploring a Plant-Based Diet for Recovery
14:13 The Onset of Chronic Illnesses
16:19 Navigating the Medical Maze: Searching for Answers
17:27 The Role of Stress and Emotional Turmoil
21:22 Living with Chronic Pain: Daily Struggles and Coping Mechanisms
23:23 The Importance of Holistic and Compassionate Care
32:24 Facing Public Scrutiny and Misunderstanding
38:01 Finding Hope and Moving Forward
38:46 Conclusion: A Message of Resilience and Support

Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.

Click here to connect with Joy Lenz.

Support the show

When 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.*

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

In this second part of the interview with Laura Valero, a nurse practitioner living with fibromyalgia, the discussion focuses on practical guidance for new practitioners. Laura shares her experiences navigating the biomedical approach to fibromyalgia treatment at a new practice. The importance of using diagnostic tools like the widespread pain index and symptom severity score, and the necessity of patient education and empathy was emphasized. Highlighting the need for a holistic, lifestyle medicine approach, Laura also discusses her personal journey, the impact of ADHD on fibromyalgia, and the lack of training and understanding among clinicians. The interview underscores the value of patient-centered care in managing chronic conditions.

00:00 Introduction to the Interview with Laura Valero
00:20 Guidance for New Practitioners
00:51 Challenges in Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and Treatment
01:37 Using Diagnostic Tools Effectively
02:58 Patient Interaction and Care
03:24 Understanding and Managing Fibromyalgia Pain
05:59 The Importance of Patient History
08:23 Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
12:17 The Role of Education in Fibromyalgia Treatment
17:45 ADHD and Fibromyalgia Connection
22:54 Functional Medicine vs. Lifestyle Medicine
26:20 Impact of Menopause on Fibromyalgia
27:46 Benefits of Adderall for Fibromyalgia
30:55 Advice for Clinicians and Patients
32:35 Conclusion and Contact Information

Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.

Click here to connect with Joy Lenz.

Support the show

When 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.*

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

In this episode, the conversation delves into the unique journey and insights of Laura Valero, a nurse practitioner living with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Laura shares her path from military intelligence officer to healthcare provider, detailing her late-life transition into medicine sparked by extensive exposure to lifestyle medicine and personal health challenges. The dialogue highlights significant knowledge and training gaps in diagnosing and managing fibromyalgia, migraines, ADHD, and related conditions. Laura discusses the transformative impact of adopting a whole food plant-based diet, obtaining ADHD diagnosis and medication, and extensive experience in primary care. Key themes include the importance of integrative medical education, the role of lifestyle changes in managing chronic conditions, and the necessity for empathetic and comprehensive patient care.

00:00 Introduction and Missed Connections
00:06 Discovering the Podcast and Book
00:57 Guest Introduction: Laura Valero
01:50 Laura's Background and Career Journey
05:05 Transition to Plant-Based Lifestyle
06:41 Health Challenges and Diagnoses
07:22 Impact of ADHD Diagnosis
08:37 Helping Patients with Fibromyalgia
21:07 Challenges in Primary Care
33:43 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.

Click here to connect with Joy Lenz.

Support the show

When 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.*