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 [email protected] or drop us a voice note at https://www.speakepipe.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.

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You can learn more about the Canadian Autoinflammatory Network at www.autoinflammatory.ca

SickKids CA can be found online at www.sickkids.ca

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected] or drop us a voice note at https://www.speakepipe.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.

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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 13th, 2026.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected] or drop us a voice note at https://www.speakepipe.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.

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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!

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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.

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If you’re looking for information on Castleman disease or want to learn more about the work of Grant, David, and the Every Cure team, visit EveryCure.org

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected] 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.