Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast
iHeartPodcasts
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 fi...
Case #25: Trent (Pt. 2)
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 you
Case #25: Trent (Pt. 1)
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.
House Calls - Case #16 Lauren
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 HERE. Feeling confused & betrayed by her body, Lauren pushed through the pain for 15 years before eventually receiving the correct diagnosi
Case #24: Sumaira
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.
Case #23: Mik
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.
House Calls - Case #13 Alisha
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
Case #22: Mila
In her mid-20s and thriving in a fast-paced communications job, Mila Clarke 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.
Case #21: Scott
In peak health, Scott Collin’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.
House Calls - Case #02 Athena
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 Season 1, Episode 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 ev
Case #20: Kelly
In her early 30s, Kelly DuBois 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.
Case #19: Jose
At 18, Jose Torres 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.
This Year on Symptomatic (2024)
Uncertainty. Isolation. Breakthrough. Symptomatic returns with new episodes starting October 15th!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Reassessment of Prostate Cancer Treatment (Live from the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting)
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.
Case #18: Every Cure Pt.2 (Gary)
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.
Case #17: Every Cure Pt.1 (Dr. David Fajgenbaum)
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.
The Teamwork Behind Breast Cancer Treatment (Live from the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting)
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.
Case #16: Lauren
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 diagnosi
Case #15: Eliza
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.See omnystudio.com/lis
Case #14: Maria
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for pri
Case #13: Alisha
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
Symptomatic Speaks - UPDATE on Case #09: Michele
In this bonus segment, host Lauren Bright Pacheco checks in with Michele from Case #09 to share feedback from the Symptomatic community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Case #12: Chris
After going through a challenging divorce and relocating cross country, Chris was struggling with depression and anxiety. For a while, he simply ignored his GI symptoms as they progressively got worse. His bowel issues were soon preventing him from living the life he loved: hiking, attending concerts, and participating in activities with his kids. The situation deteriorated to the point where he had to be rushed to the ER multiple times, sure he was having a heart attack. However, the reality wa
Case #11: Jerad
Jerad had been battling an overwhelming amount of stress while juggling PhD studies, early parenthood, and work with the Minnesota Judicial System. Slowly losing his energy and ability to make it through day-to-day activities, he knew his developing condition meant something even bigger than just stress at work. With his wife’s fierce advocacy, Jerad hurried to find the source of his symptoms before permanent damage was done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Case #10: Chuck & Dr. Kastner
Suffering from incessant fevers, muscle pain, and mysterious nodules across his body for nine years, Chuck's hope was fading. No doctor could explain his sporadic flu-like symptoms. Then, he crossed paths with Dr. Daniel Kastner, an unconventional and brilliant physician with a unique approach to disease research. Together with his colleagues at the National Institutes of Health, their groundbreaking discovery might just hold the key to Chuck's medical mystery.See omnystudio.com/listener for pri
Case #09: Michele
After the birth of her first child, Michele was hit with the onset of sporadic tingling and numbness on alternating sides of her face. Despite enduring years of the mysterious symptoms, she had given up hope of finding the root cause. Michele eventually built up walls of shame because of the uncontrollable flare-ups. It was the concern of her family and the unwavering support of her new partner that would reignite her hunt for a proper diagnosis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio
Symptomatic is Back!
Join Lauren Bright Pacheco for an all-new season of “Symptomatic” starting Tuesday, October 3rd.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Season 2 & The Webby Awards
A note to our listeners:
As we prepare for Season 2 of Symptomatic, we remain dedicated to connecting with more listeners by shining a light on diseases and conditions that are difficult to diagnose - and we can use your help getting the word out:
Recently, Symptomatic was honored with a nomination for this year’s Webby Awards - which is an annual showcase spotlighting some of the biggest and best content from across the internet.
Symptomatic is nominated in the Best Series category for podcast
Introducing: Murder in Miami
In the 1980s crime journalist Phil Stanford dove into the decadent and dangerous world of Miami just as the city was becoming the cocaine- and murder capital of the United States. His path would place him in the crosshairs of a federal investigation focusing on a mysterious and controversial drug smuggling pilot who claimed to be an operative of the American government- all while flaunting his extensive illicit activity. Murder in Miami traces the connection between the murder of a missing Miami
Case #08: August
Suffering from inexplicable sores & excruciating pain since he was 5 years old, August searched to uncover what plagued so many years of his life and threatened his mobility. His dreams of a musical theater career quickly faded away as his condition worsened, so August decided to challenge the constant silencing of his symptoms and fight the cause of the irreversible physical damage. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** If you’re looking for more information on Behcet’s, you c
Case #07: Kam
Kam is rapidly losing her motor skills as she’s attacked by an unknown & unseen disease. In a matter of months, she goes from starring on her high school soccer team to struggling to make it up the stairs. Bouncing between doctors and facing countless misdiagnoses, Kam never wavers in her chase to uncover what is threatening to take away her mobility. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** For more information on GNE Myopathy go to CureGNEM.org and check out the first ever GNE m
Case #06: Antoinette
Diagnosed at a young age, Antoinette has dealt with Sickle Cell all her life. It’s not until she’s older that she realizes her Sickle Cell is unlike any case her doctor has seen before. With deliberating symptoms and multiple crises, Antoinette turns to her doctor for a life changing diagnosis. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** To find out more information on Sickle Cell disease visit the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America at sicklecelldisease.org.See omnystudio.com/li
Case #05: Kyle
Kyle was in the ER for a break or sprain almost every month. The injuries were too frequent & too severe to be written off as Kyle just being an active kid. There was something larger at work here. Doctors found a growth on Kyle’s spine that thrusts him onto a rollercoaster ride trying to find the source of the problem before permanent damage is done. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** To find out more information on EDS visit the Ehlers-Danlos Society at ehlers-danlos.com o
Case #04: Shelby
Shelby was a freshman in college when she got mono - something that, though draining, is very common in school-age kids. But her mono wasn’t like anything her friends or family had ever seen before. As her condition turns life-threatening, stumped doctors search for answers before it is too late for her or her unborn child. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** To find out more information on POTS, visit StandingUpToPOTS.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Case #03: Zach
Zach was your average 11-year-old who loved pizza, sports, and going fishing with his Dad until an incident at a baseball game changed his life forever. As an illness quickly takes hold and wreaks havoc on his body, it’s a race against the clock to figure out what’s happening and save Zach’s life. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** To find out more information on Sepsis, visit Sepsis.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Case #02: Athena
As a young teenager, Athena began experiencing pimple-like abscesses in various areas of her body. For years, doctors attributed the painful lesions to poor hygiene, shaming Athena into internalizing and enduring her chronic inflammatory condition in silence. Pushing through pain, embarrassment and self-blame, Athena meets a young doctor who finally gives her hope - and a name - for her disorder. * * * * * * ************ SPOILER ALERT BELOW ************ If you’re looking for more informatio
Case #01: Nyobie
Nyobie grew up knowing there was something different about her body. As a young woman, she was plagued by unexplained symptoms doctors initially dismissed as part of puberty. But persistent pain and swelling in her arms and legs were just the beginning of her battle. After 19 years of being silenced and misled, Nyobie finally found a life-changing doctor - and diagnosis. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** If you’re looking for more information on Lupus, you can check out the Lupu
Welcome to Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast
Nearly half of all Americans suffer from a chronic illness and many struggle for an accurate diagnosis. Welcome to “Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast,” a brand new podcast from iHeartRadio. Each week, host Lauren Bright Pacheco (Happy Face, Murder in Oregon) 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