Fibromyalgia Podcast®

11 Things You Need For Your Fibromyalgia Healing Journey After more than a decade of helping clients improve their fibromyalgia symptoms, Tami has learned what it really takes to get better — and it might not be what you think! Yes, you do need effective fibromyalgia treatment, a fibromyalgia specialist to guide you, and a good doctor who treats you with respect and compassion. However, these aren't usually the same person! Tami has also identified nine additional things that are just as critical on your journey. Listen in to learn what Tami has found to be key in all of her client fibromyalgia healing stories — and key to her own fibromyalgia remission. For more information, free copies of Tami's books, and full show notes visit: FibromyalgiaPodcast.com/43.

With many areas beginning to reopen after being shut down due to COVID-19, many people are wondering how they can return to work safely — particularly when they carry a high-risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19. The good news is that protecting your health while returning to work falls under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is your right to ask for "reasonable accommodations" to help you stay safe and healthy. Listen in as Tami talks with Julie Hamilton about new laws that have been passed to help employees dealing with COVID-related absences, how special work accommodations can help you stay safe, how to have these important conversations with your employers and more. Key Points The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) has been put into place to help employees who have to be off work for COVID-19-related reasons. Many of us with fibromyalgia have weakened immune systems, so we need to limit our interactions with others and take precautions. When it comes to job accommodations, we can be creative. We can think outside the box on how to keep you safe. Technology companies are very forward thinking in coming up with some of the job accommodation solutions for us. When you go back to work, there's high stress, fearfulness, and anxiety returning to work during COVID… Brush up on your coping mechanisms so that you can release that stress. With all the changes in life during COVID, you may need to learn some new fibromyalgia coping skills. You may need new tools for your fibro toolbox. Know what your company's policies are… and get a hold of your job description. That will give us an idea whether it's really mandatory for you to work in the office or not. About Julie Hamilton Julie Hamilton is a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach, Life Coach and Youth Life Coach. She has over 20 years experience as a Human Resources Director and Manager, with the last nine years in healthcare. In her role as an HR Director and Manager, she educated her coworkers, particularly nursing professionals, on the treatment and management of living with fibromyalgia. Julie has worked with the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) since its inception in 1993, knows the requirements, and can effectively advise individuals on the necessities when working with their employer when they have a chronic disease. Julie's specialty is helping young professionals who are frustrated with their health to excel in their career and regain their active social lives. Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find all of the links and resources mentioned in this episode, along with full show notes, submit your questions for Tami Stackelhouse, and schedule a free consultation with a Fibromyalgia Coach. Get free copies of Tami's books at FibromyalgiaPodcast.com/books

Nearly everyone with fibromyalgia has had some sort of trauma in their past. Mental or physical abuse, car accident, illness, the death of someone close to you, chronic stress, and more are all considered trauma. But some people come through these traumas and become better people as a result. Perhaps they are more compassionate, learn resilience, or have a greater appreciation for life in all its imperfection. This is Post-Traumatic Growth. In this episode, Tami interviews Dr. Robin Pfaff about her work with post-traumatic growth, including sharing the story of one of her clients, Laurie. They discuss what trauma is and the impact that it has on fibromyalgia. In addition, Tami and Robin talk about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), what PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is, and the benefits of looking at fibromyalgia through the lens of any past trauma. Content / Trigger Warning This episode includes mention of trauma and suicide. If you are experiencing a suicidal or mental health crisis, or concerned for someone else, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255. Key Points A very high proportion of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia will meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder at some time in their life. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) assessment score has been highly correlated with the development of chronic illnesses later in life. One of the ways that we can mitigate the impact of trauma on our lives and our physical health is to wrap our minds around the concept of post-traumatic growth. Post-Traumatic Growth means you went through a really stressful experience and came out the other side a better person. In coaching, there's no failure. We either succeed or we learn something. Coaching in and of itself brings out the growth aspects for people. Fibromyalgia is so tied to our fight or flight that anytime you can calm down your anxiety and stress response, it's going to have a spillover effect of making your fibromyalgia symptoms lessen. Being coachable, teachable, and willing to try new things really does make a difference. About Dr. Robin Pfaff Dr. Robin Pfaff is in the business of helping women transform their lives and reach their full potential. She was diagnosed with fibromyalgia herself over 20 years ago. After working 25 years as a psychotherapist, she retooled as a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach. Robin has a special expertise in helping women reclaim their lives from the grief, loss and trauma that often accompany fibromyalgia and move through post traumatic stress into post-traumatic growth. She loves working with her fibromyalgia clients and considers Fibromyalgia Coaching to be an invaluable and unique treatment option that helps women regain their health and learn to love their lives again. Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, links to the studies referenced in this episode, submit your questions for Tami Stackelhouse, and schedule a free consultation with a Fibromyalgia Coach. Get free copies of Tami's books here. You will find the Dream Week exercise mentioned in this episode in Take Back Your Life. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Assessment Test Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory The Dream Week worksheets, videos, and other resources can be accessed by signing up here. Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Robin Pfaff The Fibro Manual by Dr. Ginevra Liptan (Affiliate link) Other Episodes Mentioned Episode 18, CBD for Fibromyalgia with Dr. Ginevra Liptan Episode 23, Counseling, Coaching and Post-Traumatic Growth with Dr. Robin Pfaff Research Studies Google Scholar is a great place to find research studies on a variety of topics related to ACEs, fibromyalgia and trauma. Littlejohn, Geoffrey, and Emma Guymer. "Central Processes Underlying Fibromyalgia." European Medical Journal 3.4 (2018): 79-86.

In this episode of our Ask the Coach series, Tami answers a question sent in from a listener: Should I go outside my insurance to get fibromyalgia treatment? Many fibromyalgia patients who are struggling to feel better focus on what their insurance will provide for them. The reality is that no matter how good your doctor is, or how good your insurance coverage is, there will be things you'll need to pay for out of pocket if you want to feel your best. This may mean adjusting your expectations and re-prioritizing how you're spending some of your finances to focus more on your health. Tami also introduces the Sherri Little Foundation, a non-profit organization created to provide micro-grants of $1,000 or less to chronic pain patients for things that insurance doesn't cover, such as medical equipment, travel to see specialists, treatments, and more. The Sherri Little Foundation will begin awarding their first grants in 2020. Key Points You need to do what it takes to get yourself feeling better. If you have a health care savings account or flex spending account, you can use pre-tax money to buy things that would not be covered under insurance. If the ultimate goal is to feel your best, what are you willing to do to get there? No matter how good your doctor is, there are still things you're going to have to pay for out of pocket if you really want to get better. We need to adjust our expectations and realize that it's going to take an investment of money, time, energy, and effort to get better. Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, links to the studies referenced in this episode, submit your questions for Tami Stackelhouse, and schedule a free consultation with a Fibromyalgia Coach. Get a free copy of Tami's book,Take Back Your Life: Find Hope and Freedom From Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Pain at FibromyalgiaPodcast.com/books Pain Warriors documentary on Amazon (Affiliate link) Sherri Little Fibromyalgia Coaching Scholarship Sherri Little Foundation, Inc. Other Episodes Mentioned Episode 23, Counseling, Coaching, and Post Traumatic Growth with Dr. Robin Pfaff

Leaking a little when you cough or laugh and getting up multiple times a night to go to the bathroom isn't just about getting older and it's not about your fibromyalgia! In this episode, Tami interviews Dr. Shelia Whiteman, author of To Pee or Not To Pee?, on the causes of bladder leakage, a common cause of prolapse, and what healthy bladder habits should look like. In addition, Tami shares her personal experience of working with Dr. Whiteman on her own challenges. Key Points It is not normal to have bladder leakage as you age. If you have to go to the bathroom several times during a few hours, that is not normal. Having fibromyalgia does not mean that everything that is bothering you is because fibromyalgia. If you have a strong pelvic floor, that helps in supporting all your organs. Many women trying to do Kegels are not doing them correctly. Many bladder issues are easily fixable. About Dr. Whiteman Dr. Shelia Whiteman enables women to stop worrying about bladder leaks. She is the best-selling author of To Pee or Not To Pee? The Guide to Reducing and Eliminating Urinary Incontinence and is a pelvic health physical therapist. Dr. Whiteman received her Bachelor of Science from Ithaca College, a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Boston University, and is a licensed Physical Therapist in the state of Maryland. As an advocate for health and wellbeing, Dr. Whiteman has led many presentations, fitness programs, and volunteer activities in her community. In her leisure time, she can be found teaching cycling and pilates classes. See Links & Resources below for links to download Dr. Whiteman's books for free, or schedule a complimentary consultation. Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, links to the studies referenced in this episode, submit your questions for Tami Stackelhouse, and schedule a free consultation with a Fibromyalgia Coach. Get a free copy of Tami's book, Take Back Your Life: Find Hope and Freedom From Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Pain at FibromyalgiaPodcast.com/books. Pain Warriors documentary on Amazon (Affiliate link) To Pee or Not To Pee?: The Guide For Reducing and Eliminating Urinary Incontinence by Dr. Shelia Whiteman (FREE download) To Pee or Not To Pee?: The Guide For Reducing and Eliminating Urinary Incontinence by Dr. Shelia Whiteman on Amazon (Affiliate link) Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Whiteman Other Episodes Mentioned Episode 28, Exercise in a Fibromyalgia Body with Megan Densmore

Note: In the years since this episode was published, sadly, Recovery Love Box is no more. This episode, however, is still very relevant, as Liz shares her chronic illness story, including her diagnosis with chronic Lyme disease. Subscription boxes are a trend that's here to stay. They give you a great way to be introduced to new items with little or no risk. But are there any made for those of us with chronic illnesses? The answer is yes! Introducing the Chronic Love Box subscription service by Recovery Love Box — a subscription box designed for those living with chronic illness by someone with a chronic illness. Join Tami as she interviews Liz Lajoie about her journey with chronic Lyme disease, the idea that sparked the Chronic Love Box, and how a simple care package can help you feel more confident and in control of your health. Be sure to stick around after the interview — Tami does an unboxing of the most recent Chronic Love Box she received so you can see what all the excitement is about! Key Points Those moments where you most need help are usually the moments where you can't do it for yourself. Recovery Love Box is meant to be an intellectual introduction to things that you may not have had the energy or time to find yourself and to be a cheerleader for you when you're having those down times. If we can do a few things to take care of ourselves proactively, that builds confidence. Many of us are here because we were very Type A, go-getter kind of people and maybe push too hard — until our bodies made us take a break. Recovery Love Box was designed to bring positivity to people who don't often have the opportunity to get a care package. We can always be trying new things. We don't have to be stuck in our ruts. About Liz Lajoie As someone living with chronic Lyme, Liz Lajoie understands that if you can barely get out of bed, it's way too easy to avoid the foods we know we should be eating for our health (lots of fresh veggies & lean protein) and way too hard to steer clear of the junk food in the house we know we shouldn't be eating… and sometimes cooking a full meal when you're not feeling your best is just a bridge too far. She thought, "Wouldn't it be great to just have the good stuff on hand?" And the idea for Recovery Love Box was born. Liz has made it easy for anyone to get healthy, organic foods and self-care products without having to step foot out of your door — and all our friends and family to have an easy answer for the "How can I help?" question, too! In addition to Recovery Love Box, Liz is the founder of the Zen Money Initiative™, supporting mission-driven business owners to make more money, manage it better, and bring more of it home. She is the author of From Zero to Zen: Secret Keys to Nurturing Your Numbers and Finding Financial Flow and Zen Money Map: Charge Your Worth, Pay Yourself First, and Fund Your Wildest Dreams. She lives in northern New Hampshire with her husband and two kids. Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, links to the studies referenced in this episode, submit your questions for Tami Stackelhouse, and schedule a free consultation with a Fibromyalgia Coach. Get a free copy of Tami's book, Take Back Your Life: Find Hope and Freedom From Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Pain at FibromyalgiaPodcast.com/books. From Zero to Zen by Liz Lajoie FREE download From Zero to Zen by Liz Lajoie on Amazon (Affiliate link) Zen Money Map by Liz Lajoie on Amazon (Affiliate link)

Over the last few months, many parents are unexpectedly learning how to "homeschool" as kids are unable to attend school in person during the COVID-19 pandemic. If having your kids out of the house for school was part of your fibromyalgia coping strategy, you might be struggling right about now! In this episode, Tami interviews Julie Schiffman, a Fibromyalgia Coach-in-Training who has lived with fibromyalgia for over 20 years, all while raising three daughters. Listen in as Tami and Julie discuss the most important thing you can teach your kids, as well as tips to help you cope. Key Points Fibromyalgia is not the end. What's really important is teaching your kids character. Your fibromyalgia can really teach your kids how to not judge people and be respectful of people who are different than us. We are really teaching our kids how to be better human beings. You really need to let your kids learn to care for themselves. There will be a time they need to — so why not start now? One of the tools we often help our clients create is a Flare Survival Kit. This is a list of things that help you manage your fibromyalgia. You can stick this on your fridge and your family can help you. Most of us with fibromyalgia manage it ourselves and we don't think about how to include other people in that management. We try our best, but it's okay to not be a hundred percent all the time. Just be who you are and embrace it About Julie Schiffman Julie Schiffman was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia over 20 years ago when her three daughters were very young. Over the years, she has learned so much about how to change her life to suit her illness. With the tools Julie's learned, she is no longer fearful for the future. Knowing how to take care of herself as a fibromyalgia patient is her key to having the confidence to live the best life possible. Julie helps moms struggling with guilt, desperation, and isolation, minimize their fibromyalgia symptoms while learning new ways of parenting. Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, links to the studies referenced in this episode, submit your questions for Tami Stackelhouse, and schedule a free consultation with a Fibromyalgia Coach. Get a free copy of Tami's book, Take Back Your Life: Find Hope and Freedom From Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Pain at FibromyalgiaPodcast.com/books. Ravyn's Doll: How To Explain Fibromyalgia To Your Child, by Melissa Swanson (Affiliate link) Ravyn's Doll Coloring Book, by Melissa Swanson (Affiliate link) Why Does Mommy Hurt? by Elizabeth M. Christy (Affiliate link)

The 2020 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day episode is a special collection of tips pulled from a virtual event Tami hosted for her clients, coaches, and her coaches' clients. Tami asked coaches and clients alike to share their best fibromyalgia management tips, the thing that helped them the most on their fibromyalgia journey, and what it was like to work with a Fibromyalgia Coach. Listen in to hear our best tips to help you feel better. Key Points If watching the news stresses you out, have someone else in your house be the designated news watcher. Working with a coach on your goals provides needed accountability. If you don't have a functional medicine doctor or a naturopath on your team, it can be really, really hard to make progress. You're not in a sprint, you're in a marathon… Don't worry about time pressures that are put on you by society. Being willing to spend the money, time, effort, and brainpower to try some new things can really be a huge benefit to helping you get better. Educating yourself is critical. You have to advocate for yourself; you are the only person that knows what it's like to live in your body. Most importantly, doctors are not being taught how to treat fibromyalgia. Links & Resources Note: This episode's show notes contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we will likely receive a small commission. Read about what we do and don't promote here. Get free copies of Tami's books here Tami's Facebook page Fibromyalgia Podcast Facebook page Figuring Out Fibromyalgia by Ginevra Liptan, MD (no longer in print) The Fibro Manual by Ginevra Liptan, MD (Affiliate link) Freedom From Fibromyalgia by Nancy Selfridge MD and Franklynn Peterson (Affiliate link) The Patient's Guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia by Bruce F. Campbell (Affiliate link) Other Episodes Mentioned Episode 3, How Fibromyalgia Became My Friend Episode 23, Counseling, Coaching, and Post Traumatic Growth with Dr. Robin Pfaff Episode 25, The Impact of Juvenile Fibromyalgia on Families with Jara Halfen Episode 29, Fall In Love With Your Fibromyalgia Body with Janet Farnsworth Episode 35, My Favorite Energy Management Tool

We've all had those times where we're going along, we're doing fine, and all of a sudden, we've done too much. We've all been there! It seems like the line between "okay" and "too much" is so fine, you can't tell when you're going to crossover. In this episode, Tami shares her favorite energy management tool that will put you back in the driver's seat and in control of your own energy levels. Key Points Using a pedometer or activity tracker can help you manage your energy. If we want to get better, we need to budget some of our energy towards our healing. If you don't feel good at your current average number of steps, you may need to figure out ways to decrease your steps. Don't look at the number of steps on your activity tracker as the minimum to meet each day. Instead, it's the maximum amount you can spend for the day. Pay attention to how many steps each activity costs you. Once you have an idea of what things cost, you can start making choices on how you want to spend your energy. Activity trackers give you an objective way to estimate how much energy you've spent and have left. This puts you back in the driver's seat and gives you control. Tracking your steps gives you a way to go back and look at your history when you have moments where you think, "Oh great. I'm in a flare. What the heck did I do this time?" In order to get better, you have to know how much energy you're really spending each day, what makes you feel good, and what is too much. Most of Tami's fibromyalgia clients average 1,000-5,000 steps a day at the beginning. If you feel good and have energy at the end of the day, that means your body has energy left to heal. It doesn't mean you should have done more. Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, links to the studies referenced in this episode, submit your questions for Tami Stackelhouse, and schedule a free consultation with a Fibromyalgia Coach. Tami's first book, Take Back Your Life, contains more information on managing your energy using a pedometer. Get free copies of Tami's books here. Find a Coach to help you discover new ways to improve your energy Other Episodes Mentioned Episode 27: Goal-Setting & Habits with Fibromyalgia Episode 28: Exercise in a Fibromyalgia Body with Megan Densmore Episode 32: Your World Revolves Around Your Healing, Not Your Illness

Are you feeling more overwhelmed and tired than usual? If so, you're not alone. In this episode, Tami shares some thoughts on how you can use this pandemic to re-evaluate your choices on how you want to spend your time and energy. Don't feel like you have to do All. The. Things. Give yourself extra grace and compassion and tell yourself often, "It's okay. You're doing your best." Key Points We need to protect our own energy, emotions, and thoughts., especially if we are home alone or with others who are anxious and stressed. It's okay if you feel overwhelmed. It's okay if you are exhausted and tired and don't know how to handle everything. Give yourself extra grace and compassion right now. Don't feel like you have to do all the things. You do not have to use this time in any particular way. There is no right or wrong way to go through a pandemic. Everything you used to be committed to has stopped. It's an amazing opportunity to re-evaluate where you want to be spending your time and your energy. The Pause button in life has been pressed and we get to decide what happens when we hit Play. Practice telling yourself, "It's okay, you're doing your best. Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, links to the studies referenced in this episode, submit your questions for Tami Stackelhouse, and schedule a free consultation with a Fibromyalgia Coach. Get free copies of Tami's books here Visit FibroWorkshop.com to discover our monthly free FibroWorkshops taught LIVE by Tami. Other Episodes Mentioned Episode 32: Your World Revolves Around Your Healing, Not Your Illness