Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast

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.

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 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.

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 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 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: If you haven’t listened to this episode yet, you might want to do so first HERE.   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.

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. *  *  *  *  *  * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** To find out more about ulcerative colitis, you can check out the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation’s website at CrohnsColitisFoundation.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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. * * * * * ******* SPOILER ALERT BELOW ******If you’re looking for information on Castleman disease or if would like to find out more about the work of Grant, David, and the Every Cure team, visit EveryCure.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.