Diagnosis in Disguise – Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP)

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare disease that can affect the body’s production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to red blood cells. The disorder can cause sudden attacks of abdomen pain, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, according to the Mayo Clinic.

When she was 24 years old, Laura started having extreme abdominal pain without knowing why. At first, her doctors were stumped, until a family member helped Laura realize she had inherited AIP from her father. 

Laura, now 47, opens up to Medical Stories about the pain and uncertainty she experienced while trying to diagnose the rare disease, as well as the solutions she’s using to combat the illness and bring stability back into her life. 

This episode also features in-depth commentary from renowned experts Amy Dickey, MD, and Rebecca Karp Leaf, MD, Co-Founders and Co-Directors of Mass General Porphyria Center.