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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 Symptomatic@iHeartMedia.com.

Jonathan Hirons's journey following his stroke and diagnosis of aphasia is both inspiring and informative. Here’s a summary of his experience and insights about aphasia:
 
 

Jonathan's Experience with Aphasia

 1. Initial Incident: 

In January 2019, while in a business meeting, Jonathan began to feel strange and soon realized he could not communicate effectively. His colleagues quickly called for medical help.

 2. Medical Emergency: 

He was rushed to University College Hospital, where scans revealed he had suffered a stroke due to a bleed on the brain. He spent five nights in the hospital and was diagnosed with aphasia.

 
 3. Impact on Daily Life:

    - Jonathan struggled with basic tasks such as speaking, reading, and writing.
    - He had memory issues, recalling only his postcode but not his full address or other personal information.
    - He faced challenges in understanding spoken language but could still sign his name.

 4. Support from Family: 

His wife, Ann, played a crucial role in his recovery:
    - She encouraged him to read aloud daily and used flashcards to aid in word recognition and writing.
    - This early intervention was vital for his rehabilitation.

 
 5. Progress Through Therapy: 

With the help of speech therapy, Jonathan made significant improvements:
    - He regained much of his ability to read and write, although he still experiences difficulties, especially when tired.

 
 6. Advocacy and Awareness:

    - Jonathan has turned his experiences into a creative outlet by producing films, including "On the Tip of My Tongue" and "What is Aphasia?" These films aim to educate others about aphasia and its challenges.
    - He actively shares his story to raise awareness about aphasia as a hidden disability and the ongoing need for support beyond initial rehabilitation.

 
 Understanding Aphasia

 Aphasia is a language disorder that affects communication abilities, including:
 - Speaking: Difficulty in forming words or sentences.
 - Understanding: Challenges in comprehending spoken or written language.
 - Reading and Writing: Problems with reading text or writing coherently.

 
 Key Takeaways

 - Aphasia is often a result of brain damage, commonly from strokes, and can significantly impact daily life.
 - Early intervention and support are crucial for recovery.
 - Awareness and education about aphasia can help reduce stigma and improve support for those affected.
 
 Jonathan's story highlights the resilience of individuals facing such challenges and the importance of community support in their recovery journey.
 

Copyright © 2025 Jonathan Hirons/Buffalo Lounge Studios All Rights Reserved.

This film/video/podcast is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or transmission of this material is prohibited. 

For permissions or inquiries, please contact hello@buffalolounge.co.uk

Global investigations from the BBC. Gripping stories from around the world – delve into a World of Secrets.

Latest season:

Catching My Teacher. They were taught to obey. But they learnt to resist. When students from a network of boarding schools in Indonesia hear about a dark secret at the heart of a national institution, they set out to find the truth — not knowing what it will cost them. This is a story about friendship, love and who you can trust.

Also, previously on World of Secrets:

Searching for Soldier Dad. DNA detectives track down the British soldiers who fathered children in Kenya then disappeared.

Al Fayed Predator at Harrods. Women accuse Mohamed Al Fayed of rape.

And The Abercrombie Guys. Investigating sexual exploitation claims against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch.

Welcome to Pretty Basic, a weekly podcast hosted by digital creators and best friends, Alisha Marie and Remi Parsons. From TMI conversations about dating to big sister chats on how to feel more confident to the dark reality of influencing; each week you'll be left wanting more "content, baby, content." New episodes every Wednesday!

Coffee Convos is hosted by Kail Lowry of MTV's Teen Mom and Lindsie Chrisley of USA Network's Chrisley Knows Best. These two reality stars come from totally different worlds, but have become close through their shared experiences as mothers, reality stars, and women. They share who they really are and talk about the issues they face every day. They don't always agree, but they love to have lively discussions about motherhood, friendship, television, family, and life in the public eye. Coffee Convos will feature all the latest in their busy lives, recommendations for other moms, and rants about trying to balance it all.