Dr. Stamatos explains why fibromyalgia is absolutely real, how it commonly overlaps with inflammatory diseases like RA, and what’s actually happening in the brain, nerves, and spinal fluid of people with fibromyalgia. She offers practical guidance for telling the difference between an RA flare and a fibromyalgia flare, explains why opioids often make fibromyalgia pain worse, and reframes treatment as a whole-person, multi-tool approach, not a single pill, diet, or supplement. 

This conversation is especially powerful if you’ve ever felt dismissed, blamed, or overwhelmed by mixed messages about pain, fatigue, brain fog, sleep, or mental health. You’ll walk away feeling validated, better informed, and more confident in navigating life with both conditions.

Episode at a glance:

• Why fibromyalgia is a real, biologically based condition (and what the science actually shows)
  
   
• How common fibromyalgia is in people with RA and other chronic illnesses
  
   
• What functional MRI, nerve studies, and spinal fluid research reveal about fibromyalgia pain
  
   
• Why opioids often worsen pain sensitivity in fibromyalgia instead of helping
  
   
• How trauma, prolonged untreated pain, and stress can “turn on” fibromyalgia
  
   
• Practical ways to tell the difference between RA inflammation vs fibromyalgia pain
  
   
• The critical role of sleep, mental health, and stress regulation in pain management
  
   
• Why fibromyalgia treatment is a constellation of strategies, not a magic fix
  
   
• A compassionate explanation of catastrophizing — and how to work with uncertainty
  
   
• How to explain fibromyalgia to friends and family (including the Spoon Theory)
  
   
• Trusted resources for learning more, including The Chronic Pain Reset by Dr Afton Hassett

Medical disclaimer: 

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels (including Rheumer Has It) was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Episode Sponsors

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.