Man’s Rare Disease Could Make ‘Ligma’ a Real Medical Condition!

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The listener who is a fan of the H3 Podcast called to request that Ethan Klein assist him in naming a unique genetic disorder, as he was asked to do so by the National Institutes of Health.

On the 11th of April, a guest named ‘Typo’ made a special appearance on an episode of the H3 Podcast, sharing details about his rare genetic condition and the extraordinary chance it has presented to him in one lifetime.

Typo clarified that he’s been unwell for a significant part of his lifetime, yet it wasn’t until five years ago, upon visiting the hospital due to feeling exceptionally ill, that he received an accurate diagnosis.

Following a comprehensive health check-up, the doctors initially diagnosed him with “stage 4 cancer.” However, after conducting eight biopsies and multiple invasive surgical procedures, it was eventually discovered that Typo was not suffering from cancer but rather was exhibiting signs of “unusual aging” due to a problem related to his telomeres.

To make it easier for you to understand Typo’s situation, let me provide a brief explanation using everyday comparisons. Telomeres are like protective tips at the end of our chromosomes, similar to the plastic caps on the ends of your shoelaces. Their purpose is to prevent the chromosomes from fraying or getting tangled with each other, just as those caps keep the laces intact.

At birth, your telomeres are long and tend to become shorter over time as you grow older. However, unlike most people in their early 30s, Typo’s telomeres are unusually short, causing him numerous health problems. In his words, “cells of his body either cease to divide or perish.

At one stage, Typo didn’t appear to have any discernible telomeres on his chromosomes. Presently, medical professionals are trying to figure out if Typo’s condition is an autoimmune disease or a Telomere Biology Disorder. For the time being, the National Institute of Health has offered him the chance to give it a name.

Man with rare disorder wants to name it “Ligma”

Initially, Typo considered ‘Ligma’ as an ideal choice, but had reservations about it being overly casual. The initial doctor he consulted didn’t understand the humor behind it. A barrage of suggestions poured in from the chat, ranging from “bofa”, “Shrek swamp illness” to “Benjamin Button Cancer Disease” (BBC).

As a dedicated enthusiast, I can’t help but acknowledge the enduring popularity of Ligma. It’s a choice that, in some way, I feel a sense of duty towards.

“I feel like this is the dream that the entire internet has always waited for,” he said.

(Topic begins at 38:30)

I eagerly await the day when I can officially claim my unique condition, though for now, I’ve affectionately dubbed it “Ligma.” However, until extensive tests are conducted and more data is gathered, this moniker remains unofficial. Only time will tell if “Ligma” will be endorsed by a panel of medical experts in the future.

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2025-04-15 01:48