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In this episode, we kick off a series on chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), often overlapping with fibromyalgia. The discussion features Dr. Avira Nath, a leading expert on neurologic infections and intramural clinical director at the NIH. Dr. Nath provides insights from his extensive research on ME/CFS, which includes a comprehensive study involving metabolic, neurologic, and cognitive tests. Delving into the relationships between post-viral syndromes, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia, Dr. Nath explains the intensive process of selecting pure patient samples for accurate study results and debunks common misconceptions. The episode also covers the criteria for diagnosing ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, highlighted by personal accounts from those living with these conditions, and explores the controversial topic of whether they represent the same or different illnesses.

00:00 Introduction to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
02:18 Meet Dr. Avira Nath: Journey into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
04:38 The NIH Study: Unveiling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
07:14 In-Depth Testing and Patient Selection
09:44 Diagnostic Criteria: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome vs. Fibromyalgia
13:24 Symptom Comparison and Overlaps
25:34 Patient Experiences and Definitions of Fatigue
29:00 Conclusion and Next Steps

Joy Lenz

Fibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start.

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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.*