Podcast appearances and mentions of tami stackelhouse

Tami Stackelhouse, fibromyalgia coach and founder of the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute, joins me to shed light on a condition that's often misunderstood (or confused with perimenopause) and frequently dismissed.We dive into what fibromyalgia really is, how it affects the 1 in 13 women living with it, and what it takes to manage symptoms and reclaim your life. (Yes, it's possible!).Whether you've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, know someone who has, or just want to learn more about living well with chronic conditions, this conversation is packed with information, tools, and hope.Tami Stackelhouse is an award-winning author, founder of the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute, host of the Fibromyalgia Podcast®, and executive producer of the feature documentary, INVISIBLE.Tami teaches fibromyalgia patients how to take back control of their lives and health using her signature Fibromyalgia Wellness Framework℠ — so they can break free from the prison their bodies have become and begin living lives they love.Connect with Tami on her podcast and online at FibromyalgiaPodcast.com or on social media @fibrocoach Tune in each week for practical, relatable advice that helps you feel your best and unlock your full potential. If you're ready to prioritize your health and level up every area of your life, you'll find the tools, insights, and inspiration right here. Buy Esther's Book: To Your Health - https://a.co/d/iDG68qUFollow Esther on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@estheravantFollow Esther on IG - https://www.instagram.com/esther.avantLearn more about booking Esther to speak: https://www.estheravant.comLearn more about working with Esther: https://www.madebymecoaching.com/services

Hey Girl! Have you struggled with chronic pain? Do you feel like your body is extra sensitive? Maybe your pain is moving around and you don't know what is going on? Or maybe you have already been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and you don't know what that means for you and managing your pain and your function. Either way, you are not alone. Fibromyalgia is very misunderstood and can be a frustrating diagnosis to get because you are not often given many tools or resources to manage this condition. So I am so excited for you to learn from Tami Stackelhouse on the show today, who is going to help educate and empower those of you dealing with Fibromyalgia so you can not only survive, but thrive! Chronic pain conditions like Fibromyalgia can take over your life and make you feel like a victim, but Tami dives into how you can take control back and feel good! Tami Stackelhouse is an award-winning author, founder of the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute, and executive producer of the fibromyalgia documentary, INVISIBLE. Tami teaches fibromyalgia patients how to take back control of their lives and health using her signature Fibromyalgia Wellness Framework℠ — so they can break free from the prison their bodies have become and begin living lives they love.  As always, if you are pregnant, postpartum or just experiencing any pelvic floor/women's health issue like urinary incontinence/leaking, pelvic pain, pain with sex, urgency, heaviness/prolapse or any other back/hip/joint pain and you want a totally individualized approach, then let's get you booked for a virtual one-on-one coaching session or in person physical therapy session for a more individualized plan and one-on-one instructions so you can feel confident in your body and start healing today!!    ~XO Dr Des   To Connect with Tami: Fibromyalgia Podcast® online at FibromyalgiaPodcast.com Instagram: @fibrocoach    Make Sure to reach out to> PTDes@balancedmomtality.com  AND/OR Join my FREE Facebook community for ACCOUNTABILITY and a safe and supportive place to share and support each other!> https://www.facebook.com/groups/1696216757461633/    Check out RESTORE,  my first 12 wk online signature program hosted inside my new platform that will be an APP soon Pelvic Floor, Core & More! Inside that program I walk you through the basics of healing, restoring your breathing, posture, core function and overall strength and return to impact and intensity.  All with the guidance of me, a Pelvic Floor PT, in your pocket making sure that you are getting individualized support and feedback through the program during our weekly group coaching calls! This option is great for those that can't afford a one-on-one session for $200-$240, those that don't have access to a pelvic floor PT in person or those that want to have a structured organized program with support as they are phasing out of acute therapy treatments and working more independently.    

Today, I have another bonus episode for you. Back in April, I was interviewed by Adam Devaney for the Loving Our Life's Work Podcast, and Adam has graciously agreed to let me share that conversation with you. In our conversation, we explore our purpose, authenticity, and the transformative power of self-discovery. I specifically dive into how I came to be doing the work I do today helping you feel better and how that truly is my life's work. This is a side of my story I don't discuss very often and I'm excited to share with you. If you enjoy this episode, please check out Adam DeVaney's Loving Our Life's Work Podcast.         Note: This episode is not meant to be medical advice. Every person and every situation is unique. The information you learn in this episode should be shared and discussed with your own healthcare providers. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes. For daily doses of hope, inspiration, and practical advice, join Tami on Facebook or Instagram. Need a good book to read? Download Tami's books for free. Ready to take back control of your life and health? Schedule a complimentary consultation with a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach®.

Here are the things to expect in the episode:How to tell the difference between fibromyalgia and menopause?What are the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia?Specialists who can help you manage and treat your fibromyalgia.What does a fibromyalgia coach do?And much more! About Tami:Tami Stackelhouse is doing all she can to give fibromyalgia patients the knowledge, care, and support they need to thrive. A fibromyalgia patient herself, Tami has gone from being disabled to having her fibromyalgia in remission. For more than a decade, her compassion, gentle support, and fun coaching style have helped fibromyalgia patients all over the world take back control of their lives. Connect with Tami Stackelhouse!Fibromyalgia Podcast: https://fibromyalgiapodcast.com/ Connect with me, Jeanne Andrus!Website: https://menopausematterspodcast.com/Email: jeanne@menopause.guruFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Menopause.Matters.The.PodcastTalk with Me: https://mg.menopause.guru/book-invitationFind out how you can take control of your menopause journey!Schedule your FREE consultation now at menopause.guru/consult. Think Again! Clearing Away the Brain Fog of Menopause can be purchased at https://www.amazon.com/Think-Again-Clearing-Brain-Menopause-ebook/dp/B076H4PJ7G/

Tami Stackelhouse is the founder of the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute, author, Podcast host, and executive producer of the fibromyalgia documentary, INVISIBLE. Helping patients take back control of their lives and health.Here's where to find more:FibromyalgiaCoachingInstitute.comFibromyalgiaPodcast.comTamiStackelhouse.com___________________________________________________________Welcome to The Unforget Yourself Show where we use the power of woo and the proof of science to help you identify your blind spots, and get over your own bullshit so that you can do the fucking thing you ACTUALLY want to do!We're Mark and Katie, the founders of Unforget Yourself and the creators of the Unforget Yourself System and on this podcast, we're here to share REAL conversations about what goes on inside the heart and minds of those brave and crazy enough to start their own business. From the accidental entrepreneur to the laser-focused CEO, we find out how they got to where they are today, not by hearing the go-to story of their success, but talking about how we all have our own BS to deal with and it's through facing ourselves that we find a way to do the fucking thing.Along the way, we hope to show you that YOU are the most important asset in your business (and your life - duh!). Being a business owner is tough! With vulnerability and humor, we get to the real story behind their success and show you that you're not alone._____________________Find all our links to all the things like the socials, how to work with us and how to apply to be on the podcast here: https://linktr.ee/unforgetyourself

In today's episode, we hear from fibromyalgia patient turned coach, Tami Stackelhouse . We learn about her journey through a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and how she decided to help herself and then others with lifestyle changes. This is an uplifting episode that anyone who has or knows someone with fibromyalgia should listen to.Tami Stackelhouse is doing all she can to give fibromyalgia patients the knowledge, care, and support they need to thrive. A fibromyalgia patient herself, Tami has gone from disabled to having her fibromyalgia in remission. For more than a decade, her compassion, gentle support, and fun coaching style have helped fibromyalgia patients all over the world take back control of their lives. She is the executive producer of the fibromyalgia documentary, Invisible, and founder of the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute, where she teaches her Certified Fibromyalgia Coach® training program. You will find Tami sharing her joy and expertise on her Fibromyalgia Podcast® and through her award-winning books, Take Back Your Life and The Fibromyalgia Coach. Website: FibromyalgiaPodcast.comAre you, or someone you love, looking for a rheumatologist near you? Maybe you queried Google for the “best rheumatologist in Denver” and felt that no other arthritis clinic in Denver really seemed personable? Or maybe you are simply looking for a doctor who will listen to you and work with you to achieve disease remission? Well, you have come to the right place. UnabridgedMD has the best rheumatologist in Denver, Colorado and we cannot wait to work with you. Click here to get in touch https://www.unabridgedmd.com or call 303-731-4006#health #rheumatologist #autoimmunedisease #denverIf you live in Colorado and are looking for a rheumatologist to help you achieve disease remission, email or contact us at UnabridgedMD.com. We are the first direct care rheumatology in Colorado and can see you within a week!

An objective test for fibromyalgia will change everything. As a researcher, Dr. Jarred Younger's mission to figure out fibromyalgia has led him to study neuroinflammation as a primary suspect. “What I think is happening in fibro is an overly robust immune response, an abnormal reaction to low level, daily insults to the immune system.” Having seen so much suffering with no effective treatment options, Dr. Younger has become driven to solve the mystery of fibromyalgia by scientifically uncovering the root cause. Key Points Could fibromyalgia be the result of inflammation in the brain? Find out what cutting edge science is discovering. A new tool for scanning and imaging the brain may help us finally pinpoint the pathology of fibromyalgia. The discovery of low-dose naltrexone as a treatment option occurred as Dr. Younger was testing his hypothesis on inflammation in the brain. Correcting inflammation in the brain can begin with simple (albeit difficult!) dietary and lifestyle changes. The hardest thing about running studies is getting willing participants — but that's how we make the scientific advancement. Advocacy is having a tremendous effect on fibromyalgia research. It actually improves the scientist's ability to create new information.  About Dr. Jarred Younger Dr. Jarred Younger is the director of the neuroinflammation Pain and Fatigue Laboratory at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He is currently funded by the National Institute of Health to study new techniques for diagnosing and treating neuroinflammation, which is inflammation in the brain and nervous system. Dr. Younger completed postdoctoral fellowships at Arizona State University and Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Younger's goal is to end the chronic pain and fatigue that is caused by inflammation in the brain.  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 The Teal Pumpkin Project American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association ClinicalTrials.gov Report.NIH.gov UpToDate.com   Note: This episode is not meant to be medical advice. Every person and every situation is unique. The information you learn in this episode should be shared and discussed with your own healthcare providers. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes. For daily doses of hope, inspiration, and practical advice, join Tami on Facebook or Instagram. Need a good book to read? Download Tami's books for free. Ready to take back control of your life and health? Schedule a complimentary consultation with a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach®.

My guest for this episode is Tami Stackelhouse. Tami Stackelhouse is doing all she can to give fibromyalgia patients the knowledge, care, and support they need to thrive. A fibromyalgia patient herself, Tami has gone from disabled to having her fibromyalgia in remission. For more than a decade, her compassion, gentle support, and fun coaching style have helped fibromyalgia patients all over the world take back control of their lives. She is the executive producer of the fibromyalgia documentary, Invisible, and founder of the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute, where she teaches her Certified Fibromyalgia Coach® training program. You will find Tami sharing her joy and expertise on her Fibromyalgia Podcast® and through her award-winning books, Take Back Your Life and The Fibromyalgia Coach. TamiStackelhouse.com — for free books, links to the podcast, info on working with a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach® and more. The Fibromyalgia Podcast Tami's Facebook Page You can watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Rt4pl7Gbo2E The Courage, Coaching and Counseling Podcast launched March 30th, 2021. I write more about counseling, marriage and parenting on my blog http://www.sovannpen.com/blog The purpose of the show is to encourage and inspire you to be more courageous in life and to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. It is for those who may be struggling with mental illness, relationship struggles, or seeking clarity and direction in life. People who are interested in personal growth, and emotional and spiritual health. Moms and Dads who would like help with their marriage and/or parenting. And anyone interested in how church leaders and mental health providers can work together to care for people. You can connect with me: htps://www.instagram.com/sovannpencounseling https://www.facebook.com/CourageCoachingCounseling https://twitter.com/SovannPen http://www.sovannpen.com/

We don't love New Year's Resolutions, but it's that time of year. A lot of people are making resolutions, like: I'm going to get in shape, I'm going to eat better, I'm going to get control over my finances. Well, the ideas and intentions are good, but resolutions don't really set you up for success. In this episode, Tami will teach you how to create the foundation that you need, the support that you need, and the structure that is needed in your life to allow change to happen, and to happen easily. Key Points Why do so many of us fail at New Year's Resolutions, even when we are desperate to see these positive changes in our lives? Goal setting is also a challenge, especially for those of us with fibromyalgia. Learn why even S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-oriented) are not enough to bring you success. Find out Tami's super simple secret to make reaching your goals automatic. Set your life up in a way that it becomes easier to do the thing, than to not do the thing. Note: This episode's show notes and transcript 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. 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. Resolution Evolution 2020 on Saturday, January 11th. Your world doesn't revolve around your illness. It revolves around your healing. Stories of Hope and Healing is a graduation celebration of the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute. Join us on Saturday, January 18th at 1:00 p.m. PST to hear how each of our newest graduates have been able to improve their fibromyalgia symptoms at IFCIgraduation.com. Tami will be teaching LIVE, one class each month for the entire year. Her first workshop will be Gentle Goal Setting for Fibromyalgia, an expansion of what you're going to hear on today's episode. These classes will not be recorded, so we hope you can join us LIVE on Monday, January 13th at 3:00 p.m. Pacific time. Go to FibroWorkshop.com to RSVP, get the workbook, and get ready to make meaningful progress toward living a life you love. "Atomic Habits" by James Clear (affiliate link)   Note: This episode is not meant to be medical advice. Every person and every situation is unique. The information you learn in this episode should be shared and discussed with your own healthcare providers. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes. For daily doses of hope, inspiration, and practical advice, join Tami on Facebook or Instagram. Need a good book to read? Download Tami's books for free. Ready to take back control of your life and health? Schedule a complimentary consultation with a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach℠.

The experience of chronic pain can bring you to your knees. When our suffering is acute and unceasing, we often start asking questions that medicine and science can't answer. Tami gently wades into these waters with us, offering viewpoints from a range of faith perspectives. Perhaps we can find a little solace in these true stories. Perhaps we can begin to develop and share a more robust theology of suffering and prayer. Some Unsettling Questions What did I do to deserve this? Why hasn't God healed me? Did I not pray right or believe hard enough? What happens when my body won't allow me to observe a fast or practice my faith the same way others do? What do you do when your faith family actually makes matters worse? 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. Finding Your Faith Within Fibromyalgia is an ebook by Kate Straus, based on her experiences as an Orthodox Jew. In it, she shares the wisdom she gained from managing her fibromyalgia while practicing her faith with Orthodoxy, and some of the modifications she needed to make in order to do so. (For instance, when you have to take medication with food, and it's a fasting holiday, how do you do that?)   Note: This episode is not meant to be medical advice. Every person and every situation is unique. The information you learn in this episode should be shared and discussed with your own healthcare providers. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes. For daily doses of hope, inspiration, and practical advice, join Tami on Facebook or Instagram. Need a good book to read? Download Tami's books for free. Ready to take back control of your life and health? Schedule a complimentary consultation with a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach℠.

Simone Cohn Simone qualified as a Reflexologist at The British School of Complementary Therapy in Harley Street London, in December 2000.To further her knowledge and passion in health and wellbeing, that same year she embarked on a Health Science degree, specialising in Therapeutic Bodyworks at The University of Westminster. From her degree, she gained experience in a variety of bodywork practices, that combated conditions such as migraines, muscle tension and stress-related illnesses.Whilst completing her degree, Simone also built up a successful private practice offering treatments and techniques in a variety of Bodywork therapies, including reflexology.In 2013 Simone was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia; a chronic pain disorder. To understand more about the illness, she trained with renowned USA Fibromyalgia coach, Tami Stackelhouse. Once qualified, Simone incorporated her knowledge of pain management and nutrition into her roster of Bodywork therapies, to re-establish herself as a Health and Wellbeing Coach.With her wealth of knowledge and personal experience, Simone was fortunate enough to be part of the, “NHS Healthier You”, National Diabetes Prevention Programme, where she worked with individuals and groups for nine months, to provide educational and nutritional sessions to pre-diabetic patients.Simone found the programme a wonderful, eye-opening experience which further ignited her passion and interest in the psychology around health and sugar addiction.As a bodyworker with almost 20 years of experience in the health industry, Simone's extensive training and practical knowledge, coupled with her own health journey, has given her the unique ability to recognise each clients' individual needs and goals, making Simone a highly successful, empathetic and intuitive Health and Wellbeing practitioner.She strongly believes that her role as a Health and Wellbeing Coach is to educate, encourage and support a patient's journey to living a healthier, vibrant life.Simone's health journey anniversary is memorialised on 04/06/15 when her ex-brother-in-law introduced her to the Prof Tim Noakes Banting and Real Meal Revolution. As a qualified Therapeutic Bodyworker, she has a deep understanding of how the body works and more importantly heals. In 2013, she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia where she set about to learn more about the role of chronic pain management, both for herself and her clients. This led to her next chapter which incorporated nutrition and lifestyle when she was introduced to Tim Noake's Real Meal Revolution. Now working as a health and wellbeing coach, Simone seeks to educate, encourage and support clients to a healthier and vibrant life. Simone's Top TipKeep your journey to yourself, role model good choices and behavioursPlan your meals to ensure that you have the right foods available to youKeep a symptom tracker whether that be a paper diary or some electronic record Quotes by Simone Cohn“I just know, deep down in my heart that there isn't anything else really that I want to do. I've only ever really wanted to help people in some form of a health journey. And, so I thought that I could be something that I'd like to help people.”“It just pains me to think that people could go through life, feeling unwell, or believing that they just need to wait for some disease to happen before you know it, they kickstart the change in their health. And so I just thought I'll keep learning, keep trying and build my practice around that.”“And I was absolutely so proud to be par

Simone Cohn Simone qualified as a Reflexologist at The British School of Complementary Therapy in Harley Street London, in December 2000.To further her knowledge and passion in health and wellbeing, that same year she embarked on a Health Science degree, specialising in Therapeutic Bodyworks at The University of Westminster. From her degree, she gained experience in a variety of bodywork practices, that combated conditions such as migraines, muscle tension and stress-related illnesses.Whilst completing her degree, Simone also built up a successful private practice offering treatments and techniques in a variety of Bodywork therapies, including reflexology.In 2013 Simone was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia; a chronic pain disorder. To understand more about the illness, she trained with renowned USA Fibromyalgia coach, Tami Stackelhouse. Once qualified, Simone incorporated her knowledge of pain management and nutrition into her roster of Bodywork therapies, to re-establish herself as a Health and Wellbeing Coach.With her wealth of knowledge and personal experience, Simone was fortunate enough to be part of the, “NHS Healthier You”, National Diabetes Prevention Programme, where she worked with individuals and groups for nine months, to provide educational and nutritional sessions to pre-diabetic patients.Simone found the programme a wonderful, eye-opening experience which further ignited her passion and interest in the psychology around health and sugar addiction.As a bodyworker with almost 20 years of experience in the health industry, Simone's extensive training and practical knowledge, coupled with her own health journey, has given her the unique ability to recognise each clients' individual needs and goals, making Simone a highly successful, empathetic and intuitive Health and Wellbeing practitioner.She strongly believes that her role as a Health and Wellbeing Coach is to educate, encourage and support a patient's journey to living a healthier, vibrant life.Simone's health journey anniversary is memorialised on 04/06/15 when her ex-brother-in-law introduced her to the Prof Tim Noakes Banting and Real Meal Revolution. As a qualified Therapeutic Bodyworker, she has a deep understanding of how the body works and more importantly heals. With a diagnosis of fibromyalgia in 2013, Simone set about to learn more about the role of chronic pain management, both for herself and her clients. This led to her next chapter which incorporated nutrition and lifestyle when she was introduced to Tim Noake's Real Meal Revolution. Now working as a health and wellbeing coach, Simone seeks to educate, encourage and support clients to a healthier and vibrant life. Simone's Top TipPlan your meals to ensure that you have the right foods available to you

A sneak peak of this week's episode of Humancare PodcastYou can subscribe to Humancare on your favorite podcast player, including:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsEpisode DescriptionEva was joined this week by Tami Stackelhouse, a Fibromyalgia Coach, fellow podcast host & Author. Tami has Fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, chronic daily headache, migraines among others. Tami Stackelhouse dreams of a day when all fibromyalgia patients have access to the care and support they need to thrive; she is doing all she can to make that dream come true. A fibromyalgia patient herself, Tami has gone from disabled to thriving. Her compassion, gentle support, and fun coaching style have helped fibromyalgia patients all over the world take back control of their lives. She is the Founder of the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute, creator of the Fibromyalgia Podcast, and author of The Fibromyalgia Coach and Take Back Your Life. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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

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. Use discount code 15FIBRO for 15% off your order at RecoveryLoveBox.com. 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. Get your own Chronic Love Box at RecoveryLoveBox.com, use code 15FIBRO for 15% off (Affiliate link) 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)

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

In this episode, Tami speaks with ChronicBabe herself, Jenni Grover, about how ChronicBabe was born, what ChronicBabe continues to stand for, and the new work that is calling Jenni forward: her School of Creative Resilience. Listen in as these two babes discuss what it means to live and work with a chronic illness—and uncover the innate superpower we all have: Creative Resilience. Key Points Many pain specialists say that your resilience is the biggest predictor of how well you will recover from chronic pain. Creative Resilience is teaching people how to tap into their innate creative energies, which we all possess, and then build that inner resource and use it to boost resilience and joy.  Resilience about more than just getting back up when you fall down. It's also about learning how to adjust. It's having the flexibility and creativity to think of new ways of doing things. We're all born with the ability to make things and make connections and learn new skills. Sometimes, we just need help tapping into that ability. About Jenni Grover Writing has been Jenni’s passion since she was an itty-bitty girl growing up in Houston, Texas. Her journalism degree from Northwestern University took her places she never imagined. Since 1995, she has called Chicagoland her home, though her clients are all over the world! In 1997, Jenni was diagnosed with fibromyalgia; in the years since, she has added a handful of other diagnoses to her list. Determined not to let chronic illness and disability get the best of her, Jenni created ChronicBabe.com—a community for women who wanted to feel babe-alicious despite illness. With the training of an investigative journalist and the creative passion of a lifelong writer, Jenni has transformed her career to help others like her… and to ensure our stories make a difference in the lives of millions of people living with chronic pain and illness. Jenni is the author of ChronicBabe 101: How to Craft an Incredible Life Beyond Illness (affiliate link). Her newest work is all about Creative Resilience—and you’ll hear all about that in this episode. 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. Visit FibroWorkshop.com to discover this month's free FibroWorkshop taught LIVE by Tami. The Daily Creative, Jenni's newest class School of Creative Resilience, Jenni's newest work ChronicBabe 101: How to Craft an Incredible Life Beyond Illness, by Jenni Grover (affiliate link) ChronicBabe.com, where it all started! ChronicBabe on YouTube

Thousands of fibro patients are dispelling the gloomy prognosis that once came with fibromyalgia. The good news is there are so many ways for you to start feeling better! With so many options to take back your health and your life, the new challenge is figuring out where to begin. Do you start with cutting out sugar? Adding a supplement? Improving your sleep hygiene? Trying new techniques for pain remediation? Relax. Now smile. Tami offers expert guidance with four simple questions. Key Points There are so many ways for you to start feeling better! How do you choose? Fibromyalgia is complicated and affects so many areas of your life. It can often be difficult to know where to begin on the road back to health. Learn four ways to approach finding the best place to start (or continue) your personal fibromyalgia healing journey. The four questions you should ask yourself to determine the next best step for you.   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. Tami will be teaching LIVE, one class each month, for the entire year 2020. This is the same information that she teaches her Coaches, clients, and students. These classes will not be recorded, so we hope you can join us LIVE. Go to FibroWorkshop.com to find out what Tami is teaching next. 

Our body can feel like a battleground, like it's us against fibromyalgia, and this fight is happening inside of our body. Many of us with fibromyalgia “check out” from the neck down because we have to, just to get through the day. We're in so much pain. We're so fatigued. What if it were possible to fall in love with your body, right now, exactly as you are? Tami and her guest, Janet Farnsworth, offer this extraordinary gift in this special episode, which is our Valentine wish for you. Key Points Fibromyalgia, abuse, whatever may have happened to your body in the past, or whatever is happening now, you still can love the body that you're in. Because you have fibromyalgia, you have a special kind of wisdom, a gateway into more intelligence about your body and what it needs. When it comes to our bodies, and even our pain, there is so much to be curious about, and to build a loving vocabulary around. We have within us so many resources to repair and to get healthy, even when we have certain aspects of ourselves that are challenged and taxed. Learn the single most important practice for reconnecting with your body, which might sound really boring and really obvious, but it is actually the most powerful. About Janet Farnsworth Janet Farnsworth, nationally recognized yoga teacher and body-empowerment coach, inspires students to break through old beliefs of shame and blame and instead, connect to their bodies as the source of their greatest wisdom and joy. Founder of The Practice of Now: Let Love Move You, Janet has created a movement therapy practice designed to heal and nurture our relationships with our bodies. Janet believes authentic movement is the fastest way to physical, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being. With a graduate degree in social work, Janet also brings a background in expressive therapy, psychodrama, ecstatic dance and yoga. Her book, LOVE YOUR BODY: The Ultimate Guide to Stop Making Your Body a Battleground is a how-to for anyone who is ready to feel empowered and at peace with their body. 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. Tami will be teaching LIVE, one class each month, for the entire year 2020. This is the same information that she teaches her Coaches, clients, and students. These classes will not be recorded, so we hope you can join us LIVE. Go to FibroWorkshop.com to find out what Tami is teaching next. Janet Farnsworth is an internationally recognized yoga teacher, somatic therapist, and body-empowerment coach who has spent years coaching women how to love their bodies again. Contact Janet and grab a free copy of her book at JanetFarnsworth.com.

We are told that exercise is good for fibromyalgia, but then we go out and do it, and we feel terrible. Megan was a dancer and competitive athlete until she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. In her 20s, she felt like she lived in a body that was 85 years old. Over the last ten years, she has learned to listen to her body and retrain herself into competitive condition. Her advice can help you ease into a routine that is right for you and your body, no matter how big or small your fitness goals might be. Key Points There are specific ways that people with fibromyalgia should approach exercise that may look a little different than the general population, but even the general population could benefit from a slightly more finessed entry into fitness. If you are starting a fitness program and have chronic pain, make sure that you know how to help your body recover from whatever exercise you do, and take baby steps all along the way. We may have to retrain our brain’s response to pain in order to progress. How to know the difference between productive pain and pain that means stop. Be cautious of stretching because stretching can actually cause us to flare more than strengthening or mobilizing. The process of getting stronger and building athleticism or building cardiovascular health is not linear. The biggest gift of having fibromyalgia, if we can see it that way, is the hypersensitivity and the increased body awareness that we get to have. Disclaimer While Megan is a trained fitness instructor and has all the certifications to tell you what to do with your body, please know that this podcast episode is designed to give you general information only, and this information should not be considered medical advice nor should it replace consulting directly with your doctor. About Megan Densmore Megan went from debilitating fibromyalgia symptoms to being able to realize lifelong dreams of competitive athletics, and along the way she has become an advocate for chronic pain and invisible illness. She is a working actress and indie film producer, she is an experienced Pilates instructor, and she is a proud distributor of Shaklee products. She is excited to speak out about the freedom she now experiences in all avenues of her life, and she is committed to teaching others to find their own freedom! 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. Tami will be teaching LIVE, one class each month, for the entire year 2020. This is the same information that she teaches her Coaches, clients, and students. These classes will not be recorded, so we hope you can join us LIVE. Go to FibroWorkshop.com to find out what Tami is teaching on next. Get Megan’s free e-book! Learn more about the “Zero to Hero” program and other ways to connect with Megan at MeganDensmore.com. Learn about Invisible: The Film at Invisible-Film.com. Fundraiser for Invisible: The Film in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 25th. Contact Megan through her website for details. The symptom log mentioned in this episode can help you understand what is happening in your body and whether the things you are doing are helping or hurting. Access this tracking tool and all of our bonus materials using this link. Download this special handout that will outline some of the things to keep in mind if you want to begin exercising with fibromyalgia. Your warm-up is critical in preventing injury. Consider this warm-up routine that was designed by Dr. Ginevra Liptan (Episode 5, Episode 18). This is something that she uses with her patients at The Frida Center for Fibromyalgia.

How Learning to Love Your Illness Can Make You a Better Person: An Interview with Ginevra Liptan, M.D.“It is here, it is part of me, it is part of how my nervous system interacts with the world and loving it has enabled me to sort of look at myself differently.”-Ginevra Liptan, M.D.Doctor Ginevra Liptan M.D. is a board-certified physician with fibromyalgia. She is one of the few specialists whose practice focuses solely on treating fibromyalgia, taking a holistic approach to care that combines western and alternative medicine. Today she’s on the show to tell her story and how learning to love her illness made her a better doctor and a better person.Visit: http://www.drliptan.com/In this episode we talk about:-Dr. Liptan’s experience with fibromyalgia in medical school-Treating herself as a science experiment in her chronic illness journey-The effect of technology on doctor/patient relationships-The importance of touch as part of healing and human connection-The importance of information gathering as a form of self-care -The need to allow doctors to be human-The problem with punitive self-talk and self-care -Self-care as self-compassion-Kindness if self-talk-The importance of language used in self-talk-The value of setting the bar low for oneself-The problem with New Year’s Resolutions-The problem with social media culture and how it shapes expectations-Coming to love one’s illness-How learning to love her illness made Dr. Liptan a better doctor-Fibromyalgia and depression-The power of laughterOther talking points-Coming out about chronic illness-Alternative medicine-Supplements-Journaling-Exercise-Sleep and sleep medications-New Year’s resolutions-TED talks-Brene Brown-Myofascial release-Tami Stackelhouse, Fibromyalgia coach-Medical school-Benefits of CBD-Challenges of traveling with fibromyalgia-Financial limitations in carePLEASE SUPPORT US ON PATREONwww.welllacopia.comwww.invisiblenotbroken.com#Wellspo Weekly Newsletter! Sign up here or here See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We don't love New Year's Resolutions, but it’s that time of year. A lot of people are making resolutions, like: I'm going to get in shape, I'm going to eat better, I'm going to get control over my finances. Well, the ideas and intentions are good, but resolutions don't really set you up for success. In this episode, Tami will teach you how to create the foundation that you need, the support that you need, and the structure that is needed in your life to allow change to happen, and to happen easily. Key Points Why do so many of us fail at New Year’s Resolutions, even when we are desperate to see these positive changes in our lives? Goal setting is also a challenge, especially for those of us with fibromyalgia. Learn why even S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-oriented) are not enough to bring you success. Find out Tami’s super simple secret to make reaching your goals automatic. Set your life up in a way that it becomes easier to do the thing, than to not do the thing. Note: This episode’s show notes and transcript 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. 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. Resolution Evolution 2020 on Saturday, January 11th. Your world doesn’t revolve around your illness. It revolves around your healing. Stories of Hope and Healing is a graduation celebration of the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute. Join us on Saturday, January 18th at 1:00 p.m. PST to hear how each of our newest graduates have been able to improve their fibromyalgia symptoms at IFCIgraduation.com. Tami will be teaching LIVE, one class each month for the entire year. Her first workshop will be Gentle Goal Setting for Fibromyalgia, an expansion of what you're going to hear on today's episode. These classes will not be recorded, so we hope you can join us LIVE on Monday, January 13th at 3:00 p.m. Pacific time. Go to FibroWorkshop.com to RSVP, get the workbook, and get ready to make meaningful progress toward living a life you love. "Atomic Habits" by James Clear (affiliate link)

The experience of chronic pain can bring you to your knees. When our suffering is acute and unceasing, we often start asking questions that medicine and science can’t answer. Tami gently wades into these waters with us, offering viewpoints from a range of faith perspectives. Perhaps we can find a little solace in these true stories. Perhaps we can begin to develop and share a more robust theology of suffering and prayer. Some Unsettling Questions What did I do to deserve this? Why hasn’t God healed me? Did I not pray right or believe hard enough? What happens when my body won’t allow me to observe a fast or practice my faith the same way others do? What do you do when your faith family actually makes matters worse? 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. Finding Your Faith Within Fibromyalgia is an ebook by Kate Straus, based on her experiences as an Orthodox Jew. In it, she shares the wisdom she gained from managing her fibromyalgia while practicing her faith with Orthodoxy, and some of the modifications she needed to make in order to do so. (For instance, when you have to take medication with food, and it's a fasting holiday, how do you do that?)

Jara’s daughter, Lexi was just beginning seventh grade when she fell and ended up with a very mild concussion. It didn't seem like a big deal. Soon after, she was in constant pain and fatigue. It took months to diagnose the cause and even longer to figure out how to help Lexi spring back to life. The entire family is affected when a child has fibromyalgia, but there is hope. Jara shares the tools and resources she found most helpful, and the keys that helped her daughter feel like a normal teenager again. Key Points When you have a sick child, your entire world revolves around them and their illness and helping them get better. With multiple children, we have to learn to manage our energy, to step back and focus on each of them specifically, and to create time and attention for all of them. There is no magic bullet. The key to feeling better with fibromyalgia is really a bunch of little things that add up together, the tools that we figure out for our toolbox. There are options for families with kids that need that extra support, like IEP programs and the 504 plan. Parents, you know your child better than anyone else. Pay attention, and observe what they are going through. You have to dig deep and be an advocate for them. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can find solutions. About Jara Halfen Do you have an adolescent at home who is newly diagnosed with Juvenile Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue? Perhaps you have a teen who just seems to have unidentifiable pain and extreme fatigue but hasn’t been diagnosed with anything specific? If you need advice on how to move forward, consider scheduling a complimentary coaching session with Jara Halfen.  Jara is a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach who partners with adolescents and their families to learn ways to cope with and manage Juvenile Fibromyalgia. A mother of two teenagers, Jara learned first-hand about living with fibromyalgia when her daughter was diagnosed at the age of 14. Through this journey, Jara has gained understanding of what fibromyalgia is, what its impact is on her daughter and the entire family, and what it’s like to be a caregiver. 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. If you are trying to understand the ins and outs of managing Juvenile Fibromyalgia and want to consider coaching for you or someone you care about, you can contact Jara at jarahalfen.com. What Is an IEP? Everything You Need to Know About IDEA, IEPs, and 504 Plans. ADDitude Magazine. 24 Nov 2019. Dr. Melissa Congdon at MelissaCongdonMD.com and in Episode 16. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia, by Dr. Paul St. Amand (the guaifenesin protocol) https://amzn.to/1LiJLHo (Affiliate link) EpicGenetics FM/a Test (fibromyalgia blood test) 

"Don't be sorry for me. Fibromyalgia is the best thing that ever happened to me." This may seem like a radical statement, and I know most of you aren’t in this space yet, but even small gestures of gratitude can make a big difference. A growing body of research shows that people who practice gratitude are more optimistic and have greater satisfaction in their lives. They have been shown to make fewer visits to the doctor and have improved immune system responses. More than just a Thanksgiving observance, counting your blessings and giving thanks can make a difference all year long. Key Points A growing body of research shows that an attitude of gratitude benefits our physical body. Where you place your focus is where your life will flow. This is a basic law of the universe. This is part of the law of attraction. We also find it in the Bible. It’s hard to count our blessings when fibromyalgia feels like an endless taking away of things, but we do have a choice. The three general guidelines for developing a gratitude practice *plus* three practical ideas to help you get started PLUS an advanced bonus tip for those ready to take their gratitude practice to the next level. Keep in mind that you are creating a habit—one that will pay dividends for the rest of your life. 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. Research Studies A number of studies on gratitude conducted by Dr. Robert Emmons can be found by visiting this link on Google Scholar. McCullough, M. E., and R. A. Emmons. "Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life." Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 84.2 (2003): 377-389.  Nes, Lise Solberg, Suzanne C. Segerstrom, and Sandra E. Sephton. "Engagement and arousal: Optimism’s effects during a brief stressor." Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin 31.1 (2005): 111-120. Sansone, Randy A., and Lori A. Sansone. "Gratitude and well being: The benefits of appreciation." Psychiatry (Edgmont) 7.11 (2010): 18. “In Praise of Gratitude.”, Harvard Health Publishing (2019)

Dr. Robin Pfaff was in the closet about her fibromyalgia, working part-time as a psychotherapist and part-time recovering from the toll that work took on her. A big move in January 2017 caused a severe fibromyalgia flare that put her on the couch for months. It was here that she found coaching and the keys to getting her life back. Robin is now paying it forward as a Certified Fibromyalgia Coach, helping other women take charge of their life and health. Key Points Fibromyalgia coaching is a unique treatment option: one part life coach, one part health educator, and one part wellness coaching. The difference between counseling and coaching, and how to know which one is right for you. Research has found that a huge group of folks that have experienced post traumatic stress move forward through that and experience what they call post traumatic growth. The BEST approach to living with fibromyalgia: B for Body (or physical health), E for Emotional and mental health, S for Social Support, and T for Transcendence (or spiritual well-being). You don't know what you don't know, and having someone to come alongside you, keep you encouraged, share the workload, and offer a different perspective and new ideas can really shortcut that process and help you feel better, faster. About Dr. Robin Pfaff Robin has a doctoral degree in counseling and a master's degree in human development. She has worked as a psychotherapist for over 25 years specializing in women's issues. As you will hear in the episode, Robin has fibromyalgia herself.  Robin is trained and certified as a Health and Wellness Coach and as a Fibromyalgia Coach. Since she has fibromyalgia, she understands the frustration of living with a chronic illness and trying to keep up with a job, family, friends, pets, grandkids — all the activities that you enjoy. Robin is determined to be as healthy as she can be while managing fibromyalgia, so that she can be present for her own life as a coach, a wife, a mother and a grandmother. She's delighted to have the opportunity to help you believe in yourself again and take charge of your life and health, so that you can feel better and show up for your own precious life. 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. Find out how you can *flourish with fibromyalgia* by visiting Dr. Robin Pfaff’s website here.  To request Dr. Robin’s self-assessment tool — which allows you to pinpoint where you could use some help, what areas of your life to focus on, and where your strengths are — send an email to DrRobinPfaff@gmail.com with the subject line, “BEST Self Assessment”. Research Studies To learn about the Adverse Childhood Experiences study (ACE study), visit https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/acestudy/index.html. Note: Additional studies on post traumatic growth can be found by visiting Google Scholar.

The holidays can be super challenging, no matter who you are. Often we invest so much of our time and moxie into the holidays that the celebration begins to feel more like obligation. Add fibromyalgia to that picture, and it's even more tiring and stressful, because we have limited energy to begin with. There is a way to make the holidays meaningful without all of the overwhelm. Follow the tips in this episode and see how your holiday season can a little richer, a little calmer, and a little less painful and exhausting. Key Points With fibromyalgia, the biggest way that you can improve your holidays is to feel better. Is your family already over-stuffed? Here’s how you can honor the season and the spirit of giving without accumulating even more stuff. Think about setting new traditions or doing things a little differently. Stepping outside of our normal way of doing things can actually make it easier for us. Don't end up over-committed to things that are less important. Focus on what really matters to you, and make time for that first. Learn the warning signs that your body is going into a fibro flare, and give your loved ones concrete ways that they can help you.  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

An objective test for fibromyalgia will change everything. As a researcher, Dr. Jarred Younger’s mission to figure out fibromyalgia has led him to study neuroinflammation as a primary suspect. “What I think is happening in fibro is an overly robust immune response, an abnormal reaction to low level, daily insults to the immune system.” Having seen so much suffering with no effective treatment options, Dr. Younger has become driven to solve the mystery of fibromyalgia by scientifically uncovering the root cause. Key Points Could fibromyalgia be the result of inflammation in the brain? Find out what cutting edge science is discovering. A new tool for scanning and imaging the brain may help us finally pinpoint the pathology of fibromyalgia. The discovery of low-dose naltrexone as a treatment option occurred as Dr. Younger was testing his hypothesis on inflammation in the brain. Correcting inflammation in the brain can begin with simple (albeit difficult!) dietary and lifestyle changes. The hardest thing about running studies is getting willing participants — but that's how we make the scientific advancement. Advocacy is having a tremendous effect on fibromyalgia research. It actually improves the scientist's ability to create new information.  About Dr. Jarred Younger Dr. Jarred Younger is the director of the neuroinflammation Pain and Fatigue Laboratory at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He is currently funded by the National Institute of Health to study new techniques for diagnosing and treating neuroinflammation, which is inflammation in the brain and nervous system. Dr. Younger completed postdoctoral fellowships at Arizona State University and Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Younger's goal is to end the chronic pain and fatigue that is caused by inflammation in the brain.  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 The Teal Pumpkin Project American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association ClinicalTrials.gov Report.NIH.gov UpToDate.com

How do you lose weight when you have fibromyalgia? Before we can answer that question, we have to back up a step. Tami suggests that a lot of people start with the wrong question. They start with the question of, How do I lose weight? because that's what we care about. That's what we're worried about. But if we don't understand why we gained weight in the first place, then we might not be doing the right things to get the outcome that we want. Key Points As fibromyalgia patients, our bodies are often stuck in “fight or flight” mode. The pain and fatigue we experience can make weight loss extra challenging. Many fibromyalgia patients also have thyroid and adrenal issues which dramatically affects our efforts to lose weight. The fundamentals of diet and exercise are only part of the equation. Cravings are not necessarily your fault. Cravings can be a very natural way that your body says, “Help! I am starving for nutrients!” Just two nights of bad sleep can affect the hormones that regulate your appetite. Studies show that "diets" do not work. Fortunately, there are plenty of things that can work to help you lose weight with fibromyalgia.  Note: This episode’s show notes and transcript 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. 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 The Fibro Food Formula by Dr Liptan The Mood Cure and The Diet Cure by Julia Ross Why Do We Get Fat? by Gary Taubes

The technology for pulsed electromagnetic field devices (PEMF) has been around for 60 years and used in healthcare systems around the world. Oska Wellness has revolutionized this technology by producing a miniaturized version for personal use, the Oska Pulse. Tami interviews the founder, Greg Houlgate, about the history, the mission, the research, and his own personal use of this new product. Does the Oska Pulse belong in your fibromyalgia toolkit? Key Points The Oska Pulse is an FDA-registered, Class 1 medical pain relief device. While the Oska Pulse is a fairly new product, the technology behind it has existed for six decades, and there have been over 10,000 clinical studies on it. The Oska Pulse is clinically proven to reduce inflammation, increase circulation, improve mobility, and relieve pain. Users of the Oska Pulse have reported it being effective for reducing headaches and improving sleep, in addition to relieving pain. It has even been useful for pets, helping with issues like hip dysplasia. Get $55 off the purchase of your own Oska Pulse! Details can be found at the end of this episode. Note: This episode’s show notes and transcript 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. About Greg Houlgate Greg Houlgate is the founder of Oska Wellness. He's a board member, the chief product and business development officer, and has been an innovator of new technologies in both medical and consumer products. He has over 25 years of senior management, sales and marketing experience in many companies, including DJO's Global Recovery Science Division, which is a Blackstone Company; Onsite Network, which is also an interactive media company; West Coast Trends, who is a leading travel luggage and golf bag provider; Porsche Design; and Callaway Golf. Greg holds a bachelor of science degree in economics from UC Irvine and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. 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. The Conquering Fibromyalgia Summit (affiliate link) is happening right now and runs from September 9th through the 20th, 2019. This is an online conference featuring doctors, researchers and advocates, and it's hosted by a doctor who also has fibromyalgia. Our own Fibro Coach, Tami Stackelhouse, is one of the speakers and will be offering an exclusive bonus class for conference participants. Get $55 off the purchase of your own Oska Pulse! Visit OskaWellness.com and use the discount code: FIBROCOACH. (affiliate link) The tracking tool mentioned in this episode can help make visits to your doctor more effective, giving them documented evidence for your pain and your fatigue levels. Access this tracking tool and all of our bonus materials using this link.

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of the active ingredients found in the cannabis plant. As a non-psychoactive component, CBD will not alter your brain or make you feel “high”. It does, however, affect your body. In this episode, we’ll talk about those effects specific to the fibromyalgia body. Should you talk to your doctor about using CBD? Dr. Ginevra Liptan will offer insight from a medical standpoint and provide resources to help further your own research.  Key Points Is there any difference between CBD, hemp, marijuana and cannabis? What is the difference between the effects of CBD and THC in your body?  I live in a state where marijuana is not legal, or I work at a job where I can't have THC in my system. What can I do? How can you make sure you are getting access to the right types of CBD for you? There is a huge amount of money being poured into researching both cannabis and cannabis-derived medications. I do encourage people to talk about it with their doctor, even though it's uncomfortable. Special giveaway! Listeners can win a bundle of CBD products ($146 value). Details on how to enter can be found at the end of this episode. About Dr. Liptan Ginevra Liptan, M.D. is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine, board-certified in internal medicine, and trained in functional medicine, a holistic approach that blends both western and alternative medicine. After developing fibromyalgia as a medical student, Dr. Liptan spent many years using herself as guinea pig to find successful treatments, and has fine-tuned her approach by treating thousands of patients. She is one of the few clinical specialists in the world to focus solely on fibromyalgia, and directs The Frida Center for Fibromyalgia in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Ginevra Liptan is the author of several books (affiliate links): The FibroManual: A Complete Fibromyalgia Treatment Guide for You and Your Doctor The Fibro Food Formula: A Real-Life Approach to Fibromyalgia Relief Figuring out Fibromyalgia: Current Science and the Most Effective Treatments. To hear more from Dr. Liptan: Visit her YouTube channel Read her online blog Sign up for the Frida Center email list 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. CBD: Dr. Liptan has many articles and videos on CBD on her blog and YouTube channel. She also has her own line of doctor-formulated CBD products at FridaBotanicals.com (affiliate link). Note: This episode’s show notes and transcript 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.

You can't take a vacation from fibromyalgia, which also means you can't take a vacation from doing all of the things necessary to manage your fibromyalgia. Healing is a full time job, and it takes a lot of work to keep feeling our best! Sometimes we hate making choices that feel like eating broccoli when we are really craving ice cream, and we give in, even when that lack of discipline leads to more pain, fog and fatigue. What can you do when your inner child wants to stomp her foot and say, "No! I don't want to!"?   Key Points Why can’t I do what I know I need to do? Do I just need more willpower? Why forcing yourself to do something never works in the long run. How creating simple habits can help you develop automatic muscle memory - and how to determine which simple habits are right for you. The one BIG THING many coaches are missing when it comes to motivation. Being unmotivated is totally okay and totally normal. Sometimes the answer isn’t white-knuckling action - it’s rest.   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.

The Mayo Clinic reports 2-6% of school aged children in the U.S. have fibromyalgia. Conservatively, that means 14.8 million kids struggle with fibro fog, chronic pain and a host of other confusing and debilitating symptoms. Dr. Melissa Congdon joins us with the message that pediatric fibromyalgia is very treatable, meaning you and your child can enjoy their time as children. Learn how getting an early diagnosis makes a huge difference in helping your child succeed at school, in sports and beyond.   Key Points Does your child wake up crying or feeling fussy without illness or a known cause? Does your child come home from school some days exhausted, some days not? Homework: Does your child have trouble remembering what they have studied for a test? Sports: Does your child perform well on some days, but on others they have trouble keeping up? If your child has a first degree relative with fibromyalgia, they are 8-1/2 times more likely to develop this syndrome themselves. Might your child have fibromyalgia?   About Dr. Melissa Congdon Dr. Congdon practiced general pediatrics in Glendale and Mill Valley, California for 18 years until severe fibromyalgia symptoms forced her to retire from medical practice in 2008. Her diagnosis led her to a comprehensive study of the various treatment options for fibromyalgia. Using a combination of diet, exercise, acupuncture, supplements, medications, the guaifenesin protocol, and other modalities, she was able to return to medical practice in 2009, and chose to become a fibromyalgia consultant. She trained with fibromyalgia expert and author Dr. R. Paul St. Amand, Internist, Endocrinologist, and Associate Professor at the Harbor UCLA Medical Center.   Dr. Melissa Congdon is board certified in pediatrics, and sees children and adults in her fibromyalgia and pediatric consulting practice.   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. Dr. Melissa Congdon chose to focus on fibromyalgia medicine after her recovery from fibromyalgia symptoms, and caring for children is her first love. Dr. Congdon has 18 years of private practice experience as a board certified pediatrician, an undergraduate degree in psychology, and the experience gained in raising two children of her own. Dr. Congdon offers pediatric consultations to families and since 2009 has treated hundreds of adults and children with fibromyalgia. You can reach out to her at MelissaCongdonMD.com. Inspired by her fibromyalgia patients, Dr. Congdon produced a 30 minute documentary, “Fibromyalgia: Getting Our Lives Back—Success Stories on the Guaifenesin Protocol” which she has made available for free online for everyone to learn more about fibromyalgia and this treatment option. In 1999 Dr. St. Amand, an experienced endocrinologist and UCLA assistant clinical professor, published his effective protocol for reversing fibromyalgia, based on nearly half a century of research, including his own experience with the disease and that of hundreds of his patients. This third edition of the book offers the latest research and Dr. St. Amand's breakthrough program that uses guaifenesin, an inexpensive, safe, and increasingly available medication that can help reverse the disease. The authors have seen symptoms eliminated and normal living restored in an astonishing 95% of the pediatric fibromyalgia sufferers they treated with guaifenesin. We have designed a Symptom Observations worksheet to help you track your child’s symptoms to make it easier to report during your visits with medical providers. Access all of our worksheets using this link.

Are you struggling to keep up with the demands of your work due to your fibromyalgia? There is a big difference between not being able to do your job and needing a little help to accomplish certain tasks. In this episode, Julie Hamilton discusses how to ask for special accommodations at work, before things get so bad that you're faced with disciplinary action or even termination. Before you think about filing for disability, consider how small changes can make a big impact on your performance and job satisfaction.   Key Points What are special work accommodations? When to talk to your boss about special work accommodations, what you should say, and what you should NEVER say. Just because you ask for it, isn't a guarantee. HOW to have a conversation with your boss that will increase your ability to work together and accomplish your mutual goals. How you can avoid disciplinary action, a poor performance evaluation, or termination, even if your fibromyalgia flares are holding you back. You CAN keep your job, advance your career, and feel good while doing it.   About Julie Hamilton Julie 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 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. Get the HR tool kit you can print out or email to your HR department to educate them on fibromyalgia. Email Julie directly at JHamilton@CoachingPI.com for a copy. Julie also has an assessment tool to help you understand whether or not you need to request special work accommodations, if you need to use the FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act), or if you need to file for disability. You can get that assessment on Julie's website: CoachingPI.com.

Do you worry that your job could be in jeopardy due to your struggle with fibromyalgia? Did you know that the Family Medical Leave Act can protect your job while you take time away to heal? Julie Hamilton is an expert on FMLA and has used it with her clients and in her own healing journey with fibromyalgia. She joins us today to detail exactly what the FMLA requires in order for you to take advantage of it, and to describe what situations the Act may cover on your own healing journey as a valuable employee.   Key Points "I used to be a good employee until fibromyalgia came along." There may still be ways for you to be that employee again, through using things like the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to take some time off, to heal, and to feel better. Healing can be a full-time job in itself! The FMLA can cover your time away from work, and it also guarantees your job after your return to work. You do not have to be a full-time employee in order to use the FMLA. The Family Medical Leave Act also protects your confidentiality. There are a lot of rules and guidelines, both for the employee and the employer, in order for you to use the FMLA. Julie can help you understand these requirements. It is CRITICAL that you know how to navigate the rules and guidelines, otherwise your FMLA claim may be denied and your wages unrecoverable.   About Julie Hamilton Julie 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 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. The FMLA checklist walks you through all of the requirements and deadlines that you need to follow when applying to use the FMLA. Email Julie directly at JHamilton@CoachingPI.com for a copy. Julie also has an assessment tool to help you understand whether or not you need to request special work accommodations, if you need to use the FMLA, or if you need to file for disability. You can get that assessment on Julie's website: CoachingPI.com.

What are the things you once loved that fibromyalgia is now keeping you from doing? What would it feel like to be able to take joy in those things again? In this episode, we do more than just tell you how this is possible. Tami will lead you in an interactive exercise that will open the door to your joy and greatest pleasures once again. Download the Joy List Worksheet and start adding the fun things back into your life! Key Points What are the things that you love to do, that feed your soul, that make you happy, that bring joy into your life and fill you up, so that you have something to give? This episode walks you through creating your own Joy List. You will end up, right now, adding something back into your life that brings you joy, something that you've had to say no to before. If you've said yes to too many other things, you might be saying no to the things that bring you joy. Another common barrier to joy: We feel guilty taking time for ourselves. This is not about making yourself another to do list because we all have way too much to do. What we really need is to do more BE-ing. We need to do more relaxing into life and becoming the person who has the life that we want to have. It is totally possible to have a life you love, even with fibromyalgia.   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. Joy List Worksheet

It can be super tough to say, “No, I can't do that.” It's so easy for fibromyalgia to feel like an enormous taking away of things. We can't do the job we used to do. We can't do the activities we used to do. We can't eat the foods we used to be able to eat. But we can do a little mindset shift and realize we're doing it for a reason. It’s never about saying No. You learn to say “No” so that you can say “Hell YES!” to other things: the things that really matter to you, the things that will help make your life feel rich and rewarding and fun again. Key Points It's very natural to push yourself to do all of the things you want to do, the things you feel like you need to do, the obligations that you have, or even pushing yourself so you can help somebody else. Saying No sometimes is very emotional. Sometimes, for some people, it really feels like a failure. Are you giving yourself the space to heal, or are you trying to continue on in the exact same way, at the exact same pace, doing the exact same things, as you did before fibromyalgia? “It's not that hard to choose between good and bad. What's hard is choosing between good and best.” When it comes to fibromyalgia, we have been given the gift of being aware of the fact that we can't do everything. We've been given the gift of having to choose. This means we have the gift of making those choices count. How do you go about saying No when there are so many expectations and obligations?   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. Joy List Worksheet

Do you dream of travel and adventure, but the thought of going out-of-town, even for a short weekend, feels defeating — and almost sends you into a flare just thinking about it? Traveling with fibromyalgia can be challenging! These tips from Tami will show you how you can take that summer vacation, visit distant family, or even holiday in Spain, without all of the pain and overwhelm. Key Points The healthier you can start off at the beginning of your trip, the better off you'll be at the end, when you've used up a lot of extra energy Don't be afraid (or ashamed) to ask for help when you need it. Know when and where it is smarter NOT to save money when you travel. How to save weight, wear and tear on your body while you travel. When packing light is NOT a good idea. Plan to use facilities and amenities that can help your body feel 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. Evernote:  try a free month of Evernote Premium using this affiliate link TSA Pre✓ Global Entry Oska and Quell devices Travel vacuum bags PillSuite Small travel bottles Blog Post: “Accepting Assistance” by Melissa Swanson of Fibro Warriors ~ Living Life, as published on ProHealth.com Blog Post: “Seven Keys To Savy Traveling With Fibromyalgia”

Every 10th episode is a special one, where Tami answers YOUR burning questions. Our first listener question is one that Tami hears quite a lot: “Does the weather affect fibromyalgia?” Listen in for some of the science behind the answer, as well as how our own bodies may know things that science hasn’t figured out yet. Key Points “If I'm in a windy place for just a few minutes, it leads to so much pain for days.” “Normal room temperatures are not normal for me. Whenever I sit in a class, listen to a lesson or a  lecture, I feel cold and that starts to cause more body pain.” When we talk about "weather", we are talking about a lot of things. We are talking about if it's rainy or dry, what the humidity is, if the sun is shining, if it's cloudy, what the temperature is, and along with it, there are things like barometric pressure changes. The term “weather” actually represents a lot of different things! How does the weather affect our fibromyalgia symptoms? How can you help your body feel better, regardless of the forecast?   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.

I arranged this podcast differently and it was amazing! For those of you struggling with chronic pain, fibromyalgia - sit down and take a listen. Tami's story is amazing and I love her optimistic, upbeat attitude and deciding not to settle for a life she didn't love. Instead of cursing her life, she used it to catapult her in a new and wonderful direction.  HERE is where to find her. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-naked-podcaster/message Support this podcast

If you put a gun to my head and said, "Tell me the one thing that turned your life around with fibromyalgia, and you can only choose one." That one thing would be learning the fine art of self-care, learning how to listen to my body and give her what she needs so she can heal. This is the #1 thing that will make the biggest difference in how you feel. It is also the hardest part of the job. Taking care of yourself when you don't feel good or when you're frustrated with your body can be so, so challenging. Key Points Self-care means self-love, but it goes beyond an emotion we feel. Self-care means treating ourselves the way we would treat someone that we care about and treating ourselves the way we would treat someone who we are responsible for taking care of. A caring environment is always healthier than a bullying environment, which is actually what most of us are providing ourselves when we try to make ourselves feel better. You just can't heal if you are always berating yourself or pushing yourself to your breaking point. We are teaching others how to treat us by how we treat ourselves. We are also teaching others how they should take care of themselves by how we take care of ourselves. Saying NO, and practicing good self-care, is what allows you to spend your energy, brain power, and good days on the things that are most important to you.   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. Access the bonus resources and worksheets from this episode at FibromyalgiaPodcast.com/resources.  

Do you always do exactly what your doctor tells you to? Or do you sometimes think, "You have NO clue what it's like to live in a fibromyalgia body? Do you realize what you're asking me?" Or do you just forget because you have brain fog? There are so many reasons why you might not be doing the things your doctor is telling you to do. A Certified Fibromyalgia Coach has been there, done that, and is trained specifically in fibromyalgia treatment and management strategies. Learn how that direct, personal experience can help you bridge the gap and feel better faster. Key Points I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2007. Between 2007 and 2009, I did not get better; in fact, I got worse. In those two years, there were lots of things my doctor was suggesting that I do, and I wasn't very good about doing them. Not because I didn't want to, but because I actually didn't know how. The turning point for getting better was hiring a health coach: a person to talk to, to strategize with, and come with new solutions. If you were going to climb Mount Everest, your first steps would probably be researching: HOW does a person climb Mount Everest? You would probably also start looking for somebody that had already done it, so that you could learn from them. A Fibromyalgia Coach is going to help you climb that fibromyalgia mountain, helping you get the very best results possible in the shortest amount of time possible.   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. For additional details on choosing the best coach for you, check out chapter 8 “Would Working with a Coach be Helpful” in Tami’s book, Take Back Your Life: Find Hope and Freedom From Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Pain. Download a FREE copy at FibromyalgiaPodcast.com. "8 Tips for Choosing a Fibromyalgia Health Coach", MyRestoredHealth.com

As patients, we feel so powerless sometimes. We're at the mercy of our doctors. We're at the mercy of our insurance company. A health coach can help us realize that we have what's called "self-efficacy." We gain a sense of control over our pain, and we engage in our own care in a vitally powerful way. When we engage in our care and gain that control, it's really empowering. We understand that, "I am responsible for myself, and I have the ability to improve my pain." Key Points Sports has already figured out how important coaching is. Executive management has figured out how important coaching is. We need to apply it to health now. New studies show that patient pain levels and functional status improve dramatically with just a coaching model alone. A transformative care model: where you integrate coaching and patient training with treatment, using a team of medical professionals, a health coach, and technology. Additional studies demonstrate what happens when you integrate health coaching into routine care, estimating the reduction in health care cost would be at least 50%. Patient-centered care is really where it's at. How do we create a system with health care providers with care that really transforms patients and provides the care they need to actually get better long term?   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.

Looking for a medical or wellness practitioner? Someone who "gets" you and listens to you? Who specializes in YOU?Visit Wellacopia.com FibromyalgiaPodcast.comInterview Questions:1. How did your illness shape your career?o It was hiring a coach that turned my health around. I was in the process of filing for disability and working with a coach got me to the point I could begin working again. It’s the entire reason I became a coach.2. Are/were you open about your illnesses with your patients?o It’s the whole foundation of my business. What would I have to teach if I hadn’t gone through it myself?3. What are you most passionate about in regard to your work?o I am passionate about changing what happens when a patient is diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Right now, we are basically being told, “There’s no cure. There really aren’t very many good treatment options. Here’s an antidepressant and good luck.” Instead, I want people to be told, “Okay, you have fibromyalgia. It’s not a big deal; here’s what we do….”4. How do/did you handle flares while at work?o I really don’t have flares any more, largely because I’ve designed my life to help me feel my best. Part of this was designing my business to be do-able even when I’m in a flare. At the beginning, that sometimes meant coaching my clients on the phone from bed. Today, it might mean sitting in my zero-gravity chair instead of at my desk.5. Do you tell your patients what you tell yourself/do you practice what you preach?o I know I wouldn’t feel as good as I do if I wasn’t a coach. Teaching this all day reminds me every day why I need to keep up on my self-care and healthy habits. There are so many times I’m coaching myself as I’m coaching my clients!6. What is a message you want to leave our listeners with?o Keep your eyes on the bigger picture to find your balance.o Purposefully add in joy into your life — it's what makes life worth living.7. One action step:o Make a “Joy List”! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

You are the world’s foremost expert at living in your body. No one is a bigger expert on who you are and how you feel than you. Your Mission, should you choose to accept it, is to take responsibility for your own healthcare. Discover how to develop a more collaborative relationship with our providers, and provide them with the right information, so they can make the right diagnosis and help us create the right treatment plan for our specific challenges… and then follow through on what we decide we need to do. Key Points Our providers' jobs are the easy 2%—telling us what needs to be done. Our job as the patient is the really hard 98%—actually doing the things it takes to feel our best. You have 100% control over how you are actively participating in a mental and emotional way, and how you are receiving what your providers have to offer. Use data to give a balanced, true picture of how we are doing when we are talking with our providers. If I say “I can't stand very long," that is very different than: “I can only stand for 5 minutes,” or “I can only stand for an hour.” You are the one living inside your body. You are the one who has to take care of it. How do you go about doing that really hard 98% of following through?   Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, 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. Tracking tools mentioned in this episode are available here

She had to keep her own diagnosis secret, in fear of being harshly judged by her peers in medical school. While we have come a long way from the stigma that was once attached to fibromyalgia, there are still far too many of us suffering in silence. In this episode, Dr. Ginevra Liptan sheds light on the latest research and treatment options that give her hope. Key Points What is happening in the body with fibromyalgia like a chain reaction. Everybody looks at the scientific and research data a little bit differently, like blind men describing an elephant. The thing that most doctors focus on is the end result of the chain reaction, which is the hypersensitivity or increase sensitivity to pain. But that is just the end result. A whole host of things are happening in concert with that pain. We need more targeted research. The New England Journal of Medicine, which is the biggest and most widely read medical journal in the world, has published only ONE ARTICLE on fibromyalgia. We can educate people about our illness by how we live our lives, with what we say and what we do. If there's one thing I want people to take away from this interview, it is this: If you have fibromyalgia, talk to your doctor about sleep. Work with them on getting better sleep. Sleep quality is key.   Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, 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 TakeBackYourLifeBook.com. Ginevra Liptan, M.D. is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine, board-certified in internal medicine, and trained in functional medicine, a holistic approach that blends both western and alternative medicine. After developing fibromyalgia as a medical student, Dr. Liptan spent many years using herself as guinea pig to find successful treatments, and has fine-tuned her approach by treating thousands of patients. She is one of the few clinical specialists in the world to focus solely on fibromyalgia, and directs The Frida Center for Fibromyalgia in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Ginevra Liptan is the author of The FibroManual: A Complete Fibromyalgia Treatment Guide for You and Your Doctor, The Fibro Food Formula: A Real-Life Approach to Fibromyalgia Relief, and Figuring out Fibromyalgia: Current Science and the Most Effective Treatments. You can also follow Dr. Liptan on YouTube.

What is fibromyalgia? As of today, we don't really know what causes fibromyalgia, and there is no cure. However, I do believe that there is a lot that can be done. I believe your symptoms can be managed so well that you can live the life you want to live. Knowledge is power. Find out more about the background and history of fibromyalgia, as well as the cutting-edge scientific study that is re-defining how we think about and treat this disorder in today’s Foundations episode. Key Points Fibromyalgia is NOT a woman’s disease. Fibromyalgia is NOT a new disease. You will find the first full description of fibromyalgia and its symptoms in 1816. Fibromyalgia is MORE than a chronic pain condition. There are four primary symptoms of fibromyalgia, as experienced by the patient. Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, 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 TakeBackYourLifeBook.com. The FM/a Test

When we think about our fibromyalgia diagnosis, we tend to think in "survival" terms - How am I going to beat this? or How am I going to get better? Your Coach, Tami Stackelhouse, has a radically different perspective to offer: true, honest embracement. This may be very hard to hear, especially if you are in a lot of pain. We know how impossible this sounds. So listen gently, and learn how Tami took the tough, debilitating “life sentence” of fibromyalgia and turned it into a blessing for herself and others. Key Points “What we don't do is almost more important than what we do, do.” This insightful quote by Steve Jobs is a provocative way to approach your new fibro life. How to become “tracking-wise” to learn what helps and what hurts. How to know what makes you feel good and ASK FOR what you need. Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, 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 TakeBackYourLifeBook.com. Chapter 4, “How Can I Have More Energy?” contains step-by-step instructions on how to use a pedometer to help you manage your energy. Tracking tools mentioned in this episode are available at: https://fibromyalgiacoachinginstitute.com/book-bonuses/ “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson on Amazon Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix

"I realized I was treating my body as if it were a stubborn donkey!" What if instead, by treating your body with kindness and respect, you would actually start feeling better? Tami shares how shifting your mindset and your relationship with your body is the first critical key to living the fibro life you love. Key Points Do you feel like your body is a prison, and you are trapped inside? Do you say things like, “Can’t I just get a new body?” What if you and your body were actually on the same team, working together to break free of the fibromyalgia prison of pain? Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, 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 TakeBackYourLifeBook.com. Blog Post: “First Commandment of Healing: Don’t be an Ass. Honor Your Body.” Blog Post: “Honoring Your Body: Getting to Know YOU” Blog Post: “Honoring Your Body: Practical Advice, Part 1” Blog Post: “Honoring Your Body: Practical Advice, Part 2” Blog Post: “Ask the Coach: Why Don’t I Take Care of Myself?”

In a fresh approach to hope and healing, Tami Stackelhouse shares what she has learned from a decade of taking her life back from her fibromyalgia diagnosis. Key Points I believe fibromyalgia does not need to be a life-ending illness. I believe there are ways for every person with fibromyalgia to feel better. As patients, the more we know, the better we can advocate for ourselves. I believe in laughter! We need humor and a lightness that makes life worth living. I also value beauty, grace, self-care, and just being kind to one another. I believe fibromyalgia is like blind men describing an elephant! lol I believe you get better faster when you slow down. I believe the world doesn’t revolve around your illness - it revolves around your healing. I believe that talking to somebody who understands is a healing activity in itself. I also believe that in general, most of us really do know what we should be doing. The challenge is actually doing it. Links & Resources FibromyalgiaPodcast.com is the digital companion to this audio magazine, where you can find full show notes, 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 TakeBackYourLifeBook.com.

In this episode Tami Stackelhouse and Heather chat about her journey from a fibromyalgia patient to a fibromyalgia coach. Tami shares the reward and challenges of moving from a solo entrepreneur/coach to training and running a team of coaches. “What I charge is actually part of how I help my clients. It means they are more committed, they are going to get better results and they are going to show up to their coaching calls. And if I don't charge enough money then it is easy for them to blow that off, not do the work and not get the results. Is that actually helping them? No I don't think it is." - Tami Stackelhouse Who is Tami Stackelhouse? Tami Stackelhouse dreams of a day when all fibromyalgia patients have access to the care and support they need to thrive; she is doing all she can to make that dream come true. A fibromyalgia patient herself, Tami has gone from disabled to thriving. Her compassion, gentle support, and fun coaching style have helped fibromyalgia patients all over the world take back control of their lives. Tami is the Founder of the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute and author of "The Fibromyalgia Coach" and "Take Back Your Life." Highlights: 1:45 Tami's journey as a fibromyalgia coach and a trainer other coaches4:10 Working as entrepreneur and coach with a chronic illness7:55 Tami's evolution from coaching to training other to coach11:45 Challenges of growing from a solo entrepreneur/coach to team of coaches15:45 Letting go of wanting things to be a certain way and open yourself up to other people genius18:45 Coming back to her why - helping others with fibromyalgia 21:30 Balancing your passion with running profitable business26:00 Where do you fit in your industry - Are you a McDonald or a 5 Star Restaurant 29:55 Powerful questions:What is the worst thing that could happen if...What are the consequences of not doing this? What would happen to my ideal person if you don't...?31:55 Working with a chronic illness37:40 Unapologetic self-care44:00 Tami's favourite quote “90 percent perfect and shared with the world always changes more lives than 100 percent perfect and stuck in your head.” – Jon Acuff44:40 Tami's parting message: “Realize when you need help. Hire a coach. If you are ready for more and you not sure where to go, or what to do, or how to get it. Find someone who can be your tour guide, because you don't know what you don't know. And sometimes you need someone who is farther a head on the path to show you the path.” “Be brave, there are people out there that only you can really help, and they are waiting for you.” – Tami Stackelhouse Connect with Tami: Websites: International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute and Fibromyalgia Podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/fibrocoach/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/fibrocoach/ Connect with Heather: Join our Facebook Community: Ready For More! Women Business Owners Circle Facebook: www.facebook.com/igniteyourmarket/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/heathercameroncoach/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cameronheather/ Free 5 Day Productivity Program: www.igniteyourmarket.com/takecontrol/ Download Your Should Buster: www.igniteyourmarket.com/shouldbuster

In this episode I interview my first guest on Prosperous Coach Podcast — a coach who is 10 years into her unique and narrow coaching niche. And her business is going strong.Tami and I, 10 years and 20 years into our coaching business respectively, both targeted a unique audience and build our coaching niche around their top problem. It's the main reason for focus, longevity and financial success. Not to mention great joy!Tami is a great example of the Teacher Archetype because she turned her personal and professional challenges into solutions for others with the same challenges.Listen in as Tami effortlessly shares words of support and wisdom to all coaches. We want to see YOU reach 10 years of success and more! Tami Stackelhouse dreams of a day when all fibromyalgia patients have access to the care and support they need to thrive. She is doing all she can to make that dream come true. A fibromyalgia patient herself, Tami has gone from disabled to thriving. Her compassion, gentle support, and fun coaching style have helped fibromyalgia patients all over the world take back control of their lives. She is the Founder of the International Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute, where she teaches thriving patients to coach other fibromyalgia patients. And she is author of The Fibromyalgia Coach and Take Back Your Life. A stressful customer service job brought on Tami's fibromyalgia —a chronic condition — and she had to quit.Three years in and about to apply for disability, she was talking to her doctor about the downhill trajectory of her life.Then her doctor referred her to a health coach who helped her come up with a healing strategy.Six months later Tami decided to become a health coach herself.After being a general health coach, which was okay but not particularly thrilling, a friend encouraged her to niche more narrowly around what she knew best.Smart friend!Tami's "burning bush moment" came around in her first conversation with another fibromyalgia patient.It's a magic moment, when your background, your story, your experience coalesce into clarity about how to pivot your niche and business model for greater satisfaction and success.But here's the thing ... don't wait for your own burning bush moment to happen.It will happen by staying in action and allowing, not pushing for answers to come.I always suggest that you narrow to one viable audience and niche around their top challenges as a way to open yourself to those magical moments. How Does a Coach Make it To Their 10th Year Business Anniversary?Now Tami is 10 years in and very successful.Like a true entrepreneur, Tami has shifted and pivoted her business to align with what's going on with her and her audience.One major pivot came when Tami had a wait list of clients and realized she simply could not help all the fibromyalgia patients that were coming her way.A wonderful, but still troubling, problem to have!Fibromyalgia affects one in twenty women. MDs don't have a clear treatment for the condition, which can be quite debilitating.In the manner of a Teacher Archetype Coach, Tami decided to create her Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute. (The Teacher Archetype responds to a problem by creating a viable solution for others.)She felt she needed to duplicate herself.But instead of finding Let Your Journey Tell You What To DoBe open to letting your journey inform you instead of staying stuck in how you think things should go.Tami's clients were so enthusiastic about the idea of helping others that instead of finding existing coaches to coach the patients, Tami decided to train her own clients in coaching skills specific to helping fibro patients.Now she has 40 coaches in 5 countries wh

When it comes to challenging communication situations, few match the difficulty of talking to highly trained professionals who have expertise we don’t have. This is especially true when we’re seen by doctors. We’re in a vulnerable position, and it’s not always easy to assert ourselves and make our concerns fully understood. Our question this episode: how can we set ourselves up for successful interactions when there’s an imbalance of power?This episode topic is inspired by a recent experience I had going to the doctor. Over the course of two days, I saw three different doctors about a problem I was having with my leg. While they were all pleasant to deal with and well-meaning, they also talked really fast, seemed to focus on one part of my story without hearing the whole thing, and scared me a bit with words like “surgery.” I felt a bit frustrated because I wished I’d had the wherewithal to ask them to slow down their explanations and ask more questions. It occurred to me that I can’t be alone in feeling this way, so I decided to seek out someone who could give us some tips on advocating for ourselves in those very stressful situations. Even though our focus is on talking with your doctor, the information applies to almost any conversation with someone with expertise, which could be a lawyer, accountant or financial advisor, veterinarian, or others with authority and specialized knowledge. Hosted by Beth L. Buelow, PCC. More information at howcanisaythis.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Tami Stackelhouse's fibromyalgia journey went from diagnosis to disability to desperation before she discovered the keys to living a fibro life she loves. Today, Tami almost never has body pain, has enough energy to do the things she wants to do, and her life no longer revolves around her illness. As your Fibromyalgia Coach, Tami's mission is to encourage hope and educate you on ways you can improve your fibromyalgia symptoms. This audio magazine will feature a Dream Team of top doctors, researchers, experts, coaches, and patient advocates in the fibromyalgia community. Tami will be sharing before and after stories to inspire you and show you what is possible. Tami will coach you the same way she has coached her clients over the last decade. Stay tuned for our foundational episodes, covering some basic topics that I talk about over and over again, such as: The role that we have as patients in our own healthcare Why your body isn't actually the enemy What a Fibromyalgia Coach is and does How self-care isn't really about the things you do

Learn from guest expert and FIbromyalgia coach and trainer Tami Stackelhouse how she is thriving and what she did to get there - it may surprise you!