Learning about fibromyalgia with Dr Carolyn Berryman

This discussion with Dr Carolyn Berryman, although focused on fibromyalgia, is relevant for anyone living with, or interested in what it is like to live with, a chronic condition.

Carolyn brings her considerable expertise as a physiotherapy clinician, teacher and researcher to the discussion. We begin our chat by describing the symptoms of fibromyalgia that can include widespread, persistent pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue and sensitivity to sensory events, like smells. The causes of fibromyalgia, sometimes described as a "mysterious syndrome”, are unknown which can make it difficult to diagnose and treat. However, Carolyn does enlighten us about what we do know about fibromyalgia, the various treatment approaches and what is going on in the research space.

Of great interest to me was the part of our discussion focussing on the mind-body connection both in terms of neuroplasticity - ongoing pain can change the wiring in the brain - and the gut-brain axis - how gut health impacts immune function and how an imbalance in that area might be a contributing trigger for fibromyalgia.

I very much enjoyed Carolyn’s generous sharing of her expertise, the clear empathy she has towards people suffering with fibromyalgia and the practical advice she gives for those people.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Dr Berryman’s Researcher Profile, University of Adelaide: https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/carolyn.berryman

Fibromyalgia Support, South Australia: https://www.facebook.com/fibrosa.com.au/

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Please tell your friends about the podcast and share it with them.
Follow me on Instagram @amanda_wellbeing_podcast
Follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amandaswellbeingpodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour
If you could rate and review the podcast on iTunes, that would be super helpful.
Purchasing a book from my website is an easy way to support the podcast too. Here is a link to the books page: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/books/
Link to the Donate page on my website: https://amandaswellbeingpodcast.com/contribute/

Show Notes

Other Episodes

Episode

This week's guest, Melissa Stefano, is the creator of Cancer Confidence (and so much more)

Episode

Discussing the health benefits of nuts and what nutritionists do with Professor Alison Coates

Episode

Japanese wisdom to live by with author, Erin Niimi Longhurst