Symptomatic: A Medical Mystery Podcast

Travis Bolt was a charismatic kid with an old soul…and a natural talent for music. When Travis turns eight years old, he begins to experience uncontrollable muscle movements that continue to escalate in intensity. He starts getting in trouble in school, injuring himself inadvertently, and faces years of medical trial treatments that create new health problems. All the while, Travis endures relentless bullying at school—not only from fellow students, but from teachers as well, the result of ignorance and a lack of understanding about his condition—until he stumbles upon an unconventional treatment that changes everything. 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. Travis's music was provided by Gravel Road Records and can be found on your favorite streaming platforms by searching Travis Bolt. His new album is called Burning Bridges. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** If you'd like to learn more…

Let's revisit one of our favorite episodes from Season 1. 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. All new medical mysteries are back next week! * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** To find out more information on Sepsis, visit Sepsis.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is part two of Len Geiger’s story. The last we heard from Len, he was flying over the handlebars of his mountain bike only three months after receiving a miraculous lung transplant that had saved his life. 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. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** You can learn more about Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency through the Alpha-1 Foundation at https://alpha1.org/ or alphaid.com where you can request a free Alpha-1 test kit. If you want to learn more about life saving organ donations you can go to Donate Life America at https://donatelife.net/ or OrganDonor.gov. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Len Geiger was a perfectly healthy, athletic young man with no signs of illness…but when Len enters his late twenties he starts falling ill with chronic chest infections. By age thirty - Len begins to experience breathlessness so debilitating he can barely walk across a parking lot. 10 years after the onset of symptoms, Len is dying from lungs that can no longer function due to a disease often overlooked in testing. 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. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** You can learn more about Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency through the Alpha-1 Foundation at https://alpha1.org/ or alphaid.com where you can request a free Alpha-1 test kit. If you want to learn more about life saving organ donations you can go to Donate Life America at https://donatelife.net/ or OrganDonor.gov. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brendon Paradis began to lose his vision out of nowhere. Doctors spend decades trying to stop the unexplained hemorrhaging in his retina with no success. Brendon has attempted to come to terms with his fate but when his son Keegan begins to show a more rapidly advancing version of this mystery condition, they reignite the search in a race against the clock to save Keegan’s vision. 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. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** You can learn more about ROSAH and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at https://www.niaid.nih.gov/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All new episodes full of medical mysteries are coming soon. Join host Lauren Bright Pacheco as we explore new stories in which patients become investigators, survivors become advocates, and exceptional doctors become heroes. Tune in for season 5 of Symptomatic, starting on September 22nd. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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…

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:…

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.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 learn more about Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria at chronic-urticaria.org and you can find the Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform at gaapp.org. See…

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.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 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.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 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…

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.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 learn more about the Canadian Autoinflammatory Network at www.autoinflammatory.ca SickKids CA can be found online at www.sickkids.ca…

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.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 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…

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.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 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…

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 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.

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 HERE. 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: 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.

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.

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.

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

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. * * * * * * ****** 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 was far more complex. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** To find out more about Alpha-gal syndrome, you can check out the CDC’s website at CDC.gov or check out AlphaGalInformation.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** If you’d like to follow Jerad Green's story you can find him on Instagram @HeartFailureHotTakes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** If you’re looking for more information on VEXAS and to learn about Dr. Kastner's work, go to the National Institutes of Health's website at NIH.gov. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 information.

Join Lauren Bright Pacheco for an all-new season of “Symptomatic” starting Tuesday, October 3rd. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 can check out the American Behcet’s Disease Association by heading to www.behcets.com. You can also find August Rocha on Instagram & TikTok @WithLoveAugust. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 myopathy clinic at UC Irvine’s neuromuscular center led by one of Dr. Korb’s colleagues. You can also find Kam Redlawsk on Instagram & Twitter @KamRedlawsk. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/listener for privacy information.

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 or listen to Dr. Bluestein’s podcast - Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD - wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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 information on Hidradenitis Suppurativa, you can check out the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation by heading to HS-Foundation.org. You can also explore Athena Gierbolini’s work with Hope for HS. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.