Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast

Sarah Marshall knew from only a few months into her fourth daughter Phoebe's life that something was definitely wrong. By the time Phoebe was six, Sarah began to fear for her daughter's life. She underwent countless tests, dozens of surgeries, and was in and out of the hospital for years. Phoebe’s health was declining and no one could tell their family what was wrong. Desperate for answers and unwilling to give up on her daughter, Sarah contacted the Undiagnosed Diseases Network - a decision that would change their lives forever. We want to hear from you! Share your own medical mystery or tell us about the episode you connected with the most at Symptomatic@iheartmedia.com or drop us a voice note at https://www.speakpipe.com/Symptomatic. DISCLAIMER: By submitting your voice note using the link provided, you acknowledge that we have permission to potentially include that audio in future content. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** You can find more information about the Undiagnosed Diseases Network Foundation at https://udnf.org/. You can learn more about the Model Organisms Screening Centers (MOSC) and Dr. Hugo Bellen’s work at https://flypush.research.bcm.edu/lab/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle Shapiro had built a career helping others get healthy when she was hit with a debilitating health crisis. Doctors were unable to identify the cause of her symptoms - no matter how hard Michelle pushed for answers. So unwell that she could barely function - Michelle made it her mission to get to the bottom of what was going on only to find that the condition she was experiencing is still being understood by the medical community. We want to hear from you! Share your own medical mystery or tell us about the episode you connected with the most at Symptomatic@iheartmedia.com or drop us a voice note at https://www.speakpipe.com/Symptomatic. DISCLAIMER: By submitting your voice note using the link provided, you acknowledge that we have permission to potentially include that audio in future content. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** You can follow Michelle on social media @michelleshapirord and on her website michelleshapirord.com. You can take the Highly Sensitive Body quiz here: https://michelleshapirord.com/hsb-quiz Dr. Tania Dempsey can be found on instagram @drtaniadempseymd and online at drtaniadempsey.com. Her podcast is called Mast Cell Matters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What began as intermittent rashes that popped up years apart turned into excruciating, long term flare ups with no reprieve for Kristen Willard. Unable to sleep, shower, or even put on pants - Kristen’s quality of life plummeted. With no common trigger to explain the debilitating flares, she was forced to endure for months on end without relief. After decades and at the end of her rope, Kristen seeks answers one last time. We want to hear from you! Share your own medical mystery or tell us about the episode you connected with the most at Symptomatic@iheartmedia.com or drop us a voice note at https://www.speakepipe.com/symptomatic. DISCLAIMER: By submitting your voice note using the link provided, you acknowledge that we have permission to potentially include that audio in future content. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** You can learn more about Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria at chronic-urticaria.org and you can find the Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform at gaapp.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rockstar Casey McPherson and his family were shocked to the core when his daughter Rose was diagnosed with a rare genetic mutation that has no known treatment. Faced with the possibility of losing his daughter, the front man of the Flying Colours dropped everything to devote his life to trying to find a cure before time runs out. We want to hear from you! Share your own medical mystery or tell us about the episode you connected with the most at Symptomatic@iheartmedia.com or drop us a voice note at https://www.speakepipe.com/symptomatic DISCLAIMER: By submitting your voice note using the link provided, you acknowledge that we have permission to potentially include that audio in future content. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** You can learn more about AlphaRose at https://www.alpharose.com/, To Cure A Rose Foundation at www.tocurearose.org and TCAR RareLabs at https://www.tcarrarelabs.org/. You can follow Casey @casey.mcpherson on instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For as long as Cienna Ditri can remember, she has had random bouts of “heavy legs”and loss of vision. As she got older - that sensation grew into episodes in which she could not move altogether. Cienna was passing out multiple times a day and frequently losing vision. After a slew of misdiagnoses - she was unsure she would ever understand the cause…until one doctor found the needle in the haystack. We want to hear from you! Share your own medical mystery or tell us about the episode you connected with the most at Symptomatic@iheartmedia.com or drop us a voice note at https://www.speakepipe.com/symptomatic DISCLAIMER: By submitting your voice note using the link provided, you acknowledge that we have permission to potentially include that audio in future content. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** You can learn more about Periodic Paralysis at periodicparalysis.org You can follow Cienna at @chronicallyperservering on instagram, tiktok, facebook, and youtube. You can find Cienna’s substack “In Rare Form” at chronicallypersevering.substack.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ian Stedman suffered 32 years with full body rashes, debilitating headaches, joint pain and hearing loss without a clear diagnosis. His Mother Barb had gone over 60 years with the same symptoms. After hundreds of doctors visits and decades of frustration - they had resigned to believe there were no answers. That is until Ian’s daughter, Lia was born covered in that all-too-recognizable rash. Ian re-ignited his search for answers in an effort to save his family. We want to hear from you! Share your own medical mystery or tell us about the episode you connected with the most at Symptomatic@iheartmedia.com or drop us a voice note at https://www.speakepipe.com/symptomatic DISCLAIMER: By submitting your voice note using the link provided, you acknowledge that we have permission to potentially include that audio in future content. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** You can learn more about the Canadian Autoinflammatory Network at www.autoinflammatory.ca SickKids CA can be found online at www.sickkids.ca See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the moment Hailey got her period, she could tell that something was different about her. Suffering debilitating menstrual cramps and a flow so heavy she would pass out from blood loss…Hailey spent half of every month fighting to stand up. When she joined the Air Force as a medic, Hailey did not predict how agonizing her symptoms would become… and how harrowing her journey to a diagnosis would be as a woman in a male dominated field. We want to hear from you! Share your own medical mystery or tell us about the episode you connected with the most at Symptomatic@iheartmedia.com or drop us a voice note at https://www.speakepipe.com/symptomatic DISCLAIMER: By submitting your voice note using the link provided, you acknowledge that we have permission to potentially include that audio in future content. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** You can find Hailey on tik tok @Hailey_griffith You can follow Dr. Lucky Sekhon @lucky.sekhon and look out for her new book, “The Lucky Egg”, releasing on January 13th, 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nika spent half her life battling a shape-shifting condition that plagued her in various ways for nearly two decades. Fighting chronic pain, fevers, fatigue, and even strokes. In her 30s, after a series of lymphoma scares, Nika thought she was going to die without answers. But, 17 years, 26 doctors and 37 procedures later - Nika was finally able to name her faceless foe. We want to hear from you! Share your own medical mystery or tell us about the episode you connected with the most at Symptomatic@iheartmedia.com or drop us a voice note at https://www.speakepipe.com/symptomatic DISCLAIMER: By submitting your voice note using the link provided, you acknowledge that we have permission to potentially include that audio in future content. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** To find out more about IgG4-RD, you can check out IgG4ward! Foundation’s website at https://igg4ward.org/ You can also find Nika Beamon on her website here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New season. New mysteries. Host Lauren Bright Pacheco returns to uncover the hidden truths behind chronic and rare illnesses. These are the stories of symptoms that defy explanation and the people who refuse to give up. Look out for new episodes of Symptomatic starting November 4th! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re celebrating Dr. David Fajgenbaum and revisiting one of our most impactful stories. David was just named to the TIME100 Health list and has a powerful new TED Talk—milestones that reflect the empathy, curiosity, and determination at the heart of his work. Once a college quarterback and competitive weightlifter, David became critically ill at 25. When standard treatments failed to keep him out of the ICU, he and his friend Grant raced to save his life by repurposing existing drugs and laying the foundation for Every Cure. His journey shows what’s possible when we ask tough questions, share our experiences, and refuse to give up. We hope this re-release reminds each of us that we can make a difference—in our own lives and in the lives of others. We’ll see you very soon for a brand-new season of Symptomatic. Until then, take care and be well. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** If you’re looking for information on Castleman disease or want to learn more about the work of Grant, David, and the Every Cure team, visit EveryCure.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just when Trent starts to believe the worst is behind him, an unexpected twist turns his world upside down. He’s forced to confront new challenges that test his resilience and make decisions that could change the course of life for him and his family forever. We want to hear from you! Share your own medical mystery or tell us about the episode you connected with the most at Symptomatic@iheartmedia.com or drop us a voice note at https://www.speakpipe.com/symptomatic. DISCLAIMER: By submitting your voice note using the link provided, you acknowledge that we have permission to potentially include that audio in future content. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** To find out more about CIDP and Trent’s amazing story and advocacy at TrentFielder.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trent was a vibrant and successful insurance assessor when his life took an unexpected turn. While working under a car, he sensed something was off. It wasn’t until later that day -- when his legs stopped responding while driving -- that the severity of the situation hit him. What followed was a baffling health crisis that turned his world upside down. With two newborn twins at home, Trent's sudden immobility brought his worst fears to life. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** To find out more about CIDP and Trent’s amazing story and advocacy at TrentFielder.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this next installment of Symptomatic: House Calls, we check in on Lauren from Case #16. Lauren began noticing severe pain that could not be explained away by her professional dancing career. The movements she once took for granted were becoming nearly impossible. Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t listened to this episode yet, you might want to do so first. Feeling confused & betrayed by her body, Lauren pushed through the pain for 15 years before eventually receiving the correct diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. Along the way, she had to give up her dancing dreams, reshaping her lifestyle into one that prioritized her young family and recognized her new limitations. Join host Lauren Bright Pacheco as she catches up with Lauren to see how she is continuing to manage with her condition and making the most of the energy she has. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Sumaira was 24, what seemed like a routine wisdom teeth extraction quickly set off a series of unexpected health issues. Soon after, her vision in her right eye began to fade—a small nuisance she tried to ignore. But as her eyesight continued deteriorating, it became clear this wasn’t a passing problem. Eventually, doctors uncovered a deeper issue, revealing a diagnosis that would change everything she thought she knew about her health. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** To find out more about NMOSD and Sumaira’s amazing advocacy and foundation at SumairaFoundation.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mik’s health challenges began at an early age, with unusual symptoms like recurring staph infections from small cuts—signs that both doctors and her family brushed aside. Later, she experienced rapid early-onset puberty, facing changes far earlier than most kids. But as these symptoms intensified, her parents soon realized this was something far more serious. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** You can also follow Mik’s story @MikZazon, and to learn more about endometriosis, you can check out Dr. Karen Tang’s work @KarenTangMD. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this next installment of Symptomatic: House Calls, we catch up with Alisha from Case #13. Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t listened to this episode yet, you might want to do so first. Alisha was diagnosed with psoriasis at just 7 years old. Feeling deeply self-conscious and isolated by others’ reactions to seeing her body covered by plaques, she adapted by hiding under long sleeves in the summer and convincing herself she’d never feel the rain on her skin again. Then she discovered the power of biologics, which changed her life. Join host Lauren Bright Pacheco as she checks in with Alisha on her progress and the response she’s received since bravely sharing her story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In her mid-20s and thriving in a fast-paced communications job, Mila began experiencing symptoms reminiscent of those her mom had managed with diabetes for years. However, as time went on, it became clear that this was different. Little did she know, her life was about to take a significant turn, leading her on an unexpected journey with a chronic illness she never saw coming. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** To find out more about Mila’s work and her yummy recipes at HangryWoman.com and Dr. Thangudu at HeyHealthy.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In peak health, Scott's life took a drastic turn when a rare disease nearly claimed it all. Initially misdiagnosed and dismissed, his symptoms escalated into a near-fatal episode, revealing the true extent of his condition. Forced to confront challenges affecting his heart, lungs, and more, Scott’s journey became one of resilience and survival against all odds. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** To find out more about Scott and Rebecca’s work with The Creative Cartel at TheCreativeCartel.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode, we introduce Symptomatic: House Calls. Throughout Season 3, we will reconnect with past guests to get updates on how they’ve been managing their conditions and how their lives have changed since appearing on the show. For our first House Call, we revisit Athena from Case #2. As a young teenager, Athena began experiencing painful, pimple-like abscesses that were misdiagnosed for years. Spoiler alert in case you haven’t listened to this episode… Athena was eventually diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurativa, a chronic inflammatory condition. Join host Lauren Bright Pacheco as she catches up with Athena to hear exciting life updates and her latest experiences living with HS. Discover the challenges she’s faced, the progress she’s made, and the significant moments that have shaped her life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In her early 30s, Kelly was suddenly plagued by a series of inexplicable health issues, from severe heartburn to rapid weight gain, leaving doctors utterly baffled. Misdiagnosed and even subjected to brain surgery, Kelly’s journey took a shocking turn with an unexpected genetic revelation. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** To find out more about polymorphism or the work of the Mayo Clinic, you can visit their website at MayoClinic.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.