Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast

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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 [email protected].

  • 16 minutes 4 seconds
    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 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.

    19 November 2024, 11:00 am
  • 39 minutes 59 seconds
    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.

    12 November 2024, 11:00 am
  • 38 minutes 46 seconds
    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.

    5 November 2024, 11:00 am
  • 18 minutes 18 seconds
    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 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.

    29 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 36 minutes 46 seconds
    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.

    22 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 37 minutes 34 seconds
    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.

    15 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 4 minutes 48 seconds
    This Year on Symptomatic (2024)

    Uncertainty. Isolation. Breakthrough. Symptomatic returns with new episodes starting October 15th!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    8 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 41 minutes 41 seconds
    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.

    6 August 2024, 10:00 am
  • 39 minutes 20 seconds
    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.

    30 July 2024, 10:00 am
  • 40 minutes 48 seconds
    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.

    23 July 2024, 10:00 am
  • 50 minutes 12 seconds
    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.

    16 July 2024, 10:00 am
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