11 Doctors in One Year

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions High-Masking Autism, Anxiety, and the Multi-System Pattern of Chronic Invisible Illness Dr. Michael Lenz reacts to Auticate's video on autistic health and connects it to fibromyalgia-like “multi-system” chronic invisible illness, describing 11 doctors in a year before an autism diagnosis and a pattern of persistent symptoms despite normal tests. The script reviews common co-occurring issues in autistic people: skin burning/itching and psoriasis, GI problems (GERD, bloating, diarrhea), chronic cough with inconclusive lung workups, urinary frequency/nocturia, insomnia and restless legs/periodic limb movement disorder, widespread muscle tension and pain consistent with fibromyalgia flares after meltdowns, migraines, immune/allergy conditions (including mast cell issues), possible POTS/dysautonomia, and frequent mental health misdiagnoses and medication side effects. It argues a major culprit is chronic anxiety/fight-or-flight from high masking, and explains why medical care is hard for autistic people (waiting, sensory overload, communication, dismissal). It offers self-advocacy tips (lists, disclosure, processing time, bring support) and calls for more integrated, autism-informed healthcare. 00:00 Reacting 00:29 The Multisystem Pattern 02:24 Skin Symptoms Explained 03:41 Gut Issues and Reflux 04:57 Chronic Cough Mystery 06:25 Urinary Frequency and Pain 07:42 Sleep Problems and RLS 09:56 Muscle Pain and Flares 11:11 Migraines and Sensory Overload 12:53 Immune Issues and POTS 14:18 Misdiagnoses and Masking 15:32 The Culprit Anxiety Loop 17:54 Why Doctor Visits Are Hard 22:30 Self Advocacy Doctor Tips 27:34 Wrap Up and Call to Share Click here for the YouTube Channel Click here for the YouTube channel Support the show When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 29+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...