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Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast

Culture

How terrifying would it be to fight an unknown enemy? One you don’t recognize and didn’t see coming? What if that enemy was coming from within; a disease that even doctors couldn’t identify? Nearly half of all Americans suffer from some chronic illness and many struggle for an accurate diagnosis. Every other week on Symptomatic, host Lauren Bright Pacheco unravels the medical mystery of a patient’s baffling symptoms and explores how their lives were turned upside down in search of answers. From the first signs of trouble, through a swirl of misdirection and failed treatment attempts, to the final relief at a confirmed diagnosis - these are their stories. This is Symptomatic. We want to hear from you! Tell us what you think of the show or share your own medical mystery by emailing us at Symptomatic@iHeartMedia.com.

Location:

United States

Description:

How terrifying would it be to fight an unknown enemy? One you don’t recognize and didn’t see coming? What if that enemy was coming from within; a disease that even doctors couldn’t identify? Nearly half of all Americans suffer from some chronic illness and many struggle for an accurate diagnosis. Every other week on Symptomatic, host Lauren Bright Pacheco unravels the medical mystery of a patient’s baffling symptoms and explores how their lives were turned upside down in search of answers. From the first signs of trouble, through a swirl of misdirection and failed treatment attempts, to the final relief at a confirmed diagnosis - these are their stories. This is Symptomatic. We want to hear from you! Tell us what you think of the show or share your own medical mystery by emailing us at Symptomatic@iHeartMedia.com.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Case #25: Trent (Pt. 2)

12/24/2024
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:32:23

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Case #25: Trent (Pt. 1)

12/17/2024
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:28:31

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House Calls - Case #16 Lauren

12/10/2024
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.

Duration:00:16:13

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Case #24: Sumaira

12/3/2024
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:43:51

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Case #23: Mik

11/26/2024
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:40:11

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House Calls - Case #13 Alisha

11/19/2024
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.

Duration:00:16:04

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Case #22: Mila

11/12/2024
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:39:59

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Case #21: Scott

11/5/2024
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:38:46

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House Calls - Case #02 Athena

10/29/2024
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.

Duration:00:18:18

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Case #20: Kelly

10/22/2024
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:36:46

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Case #19: Jose

10/15/2024
At 18, Jose faced a whirlwind of hospital visits, severe abdominal pain, and debilitating fatigue. Having already given up his dream of becoming a professional boxer and now risking his education, Jose was desperate for answers. At his lowest point, the fighter in him emerged, pushing him and his mom to seek solutions before the unknown illness could take even more from his life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:37:34

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This Year on Symptomatic (2024)

10/8/2024
Uncertainty. Isolation. Breakthrough. Symptomatic returns with new episodes starting October 15th! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:04:48

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A Reassessment of Prostate Cancer Treatment (Live from the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting)

8/6/2024
About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Join Lauren Bright Pacheco at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, as she investigates the advancements in prostate cancer care. Dr. Mohammad Atiq shares ways innovative treatments are paving the way for better outcomes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:41:41

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Case #18: Every Cure Pt.2 (Gary)

7/30/2024
Gary Gravina, a skilled carpenter and Marine, was rushed to the ER in 2016 due to severe flu-like symptoms which morphed into a brutal battle with a mysterious disease. Discover how Gary's dire condition would lead him to Dr. David Fajgenbaum and Dr. Grant Mitchell, who had become experts on his rare disease. See how their collaboration not only saved Gary’s life but also significantly impacted the field of medicine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:39:20

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Case #17: Every Cure Pt.1 (Dr. David Fajgenbaum)

7/23/2024
Dr. David Fajgenbaum, once a college quarterback and competitive weightlifter, turned medical researcher, was the picture of health until he became critically ill at the age of 25. After all available treatments failed to keep him out of the ICU, David, with his friend Grant’s help, races to save his own life, repurposing existing drugs to find a cure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:40:48

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The Teamwork Behind Breast Cancer Treatment (Live from the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting)

7/16/2024
Did you know 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime? Join Lauren Bright Pacheco for a special episode from the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, where she dives into the best collaborative approach to breast cancer diagnoses and care. Medical oncologist, Dr. Nan Chen, and breast cancer surgeon, Dr. Sarah Shubeck share how their teamwork benefits breast cancer treatment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:50:12

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Case #16: Lauren

12/12/2023
Lauren is a professionally trained dancer whose biggest strength has always been finding expression and connection through movement. However, as she pursued her college career, she felt her body slowing down. Simple exercises became challenging, and her flexibility turned into stiffness. Lauren’s condition worsened after having children, and she periodically had to rely on crutches to accommodate her growing immobility. She was desperate for a doctor who could help her. Without a proper diagnosis, she was being torn between maintaining her two passions: dancing and family. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** To find out more on psoriatic arthritis you can check out the Arthritis Foundation’s website at Arthritis.org. You can also find Lauren Scholl on Instagram @CoachScholl. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:39:39

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Case #15: Eliza

12/5/2023
For decades, Eliza dismissed her GI flare-ups and irritated skin. But after the birth of her first child, her concerns escalated, fearing she might faint while caring for her baby. She turned to her sister, who had paralleling symptoms, to explore any potential connection between their experiences. Ignoring the burning pains for so long, Eliza and her doctors dive into her symptomatic past and family history. They uncover a diagnosis that would restore normalcy in her life. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** You can find out more about celiac disease and Dr. Green’s work on Columbia’s Celiac Center website: CeliacDiseaseCenter.Columbia.edu. You can also find his book Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic and Eliza Minot’s incredible catalog wherever books are sold. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:34:33

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Case #14: Maria

11/28/2023
Maria is a neurological specialist who became a patient herself when she noticed problems with her mobility. She started to experience cramps in her hands that soon prevented her from driving or tying her shoes. As she saw her ability to care for her patients gradually decline, she faced the skepticism of her colleagues and the fear of not finding a diagnosis. Maria raced to get answers before she lost not only her profession but her whole way of life, as well. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** To learn more about Maria’s journey, check out her books, including Parkinson’s Diva. And for more information on the condition visit the Parkinson’s Foundation website at Parkinson.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:32:34

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Case #13: Alisha

11/21/2023
At just 7 years old, Alisha was diagnosed with plaque psoriasis - a condition that manifested in overwhelming flare-ups, covering nearly 90% of her body. Enduring both the physical toll and the harsh judgment of ignorant peers and their parents, she became so self-conscious about showing her skin. She would wear long sleeves in the middle of summer, would never go to the beach, and even feared she would never again be able to feel rain on her skin again. Alisha goes on a long, desperate journey to find a treatment for this disease, seeking not only physical relief but also respite from the mental and emotional trauma of living with psoriasis. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** If you’re looking for more information on plaque psoriasis, go to the National Psoriasis Foundation’s website at Psoriasis.org. You can also learn more through the Global Healthy Living Foundation at GHLF.org and follow Alisha Bridges on Instagram @AlishaMBridges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:36:27