Woman Instructs Medical Negligence Lawyers To Investigate After Undergoing Emergency Surgery Days After Giving Birth

A mum has revealed her battle to overcome a life-threatening condition she developed days after giving birth.

Farrah Moseley-Brown is now supporting a major awareness campaign after she was diagnosed with a perforated bowel and sepsis.

Days earlier Farrah, of Rhoose, Barry, had undergone surgery to stem bleeding after delivering her second child, Clay, at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. 

Mum readmitted to University Hospital of Wales days after giving birth

She had remained in hospital for several days receiving treatment for constipation. Farrah spent a further three nights in hospital after being readmitted. However, the day after she was sent home for a second time, Farrah, aged 26, was readmitted by ambulance complaining of pain around her hip. 

Initially doctors believed she may have an infection in her womb and sepsis - a condition which sees the body attack itself in response to an infection. 

The following day, Farrah, was diagnosed with a perforated bowel. She underwent emergency surgery and remained in hospital for a further three weeks.

Medical negligence lawyers investigate South Wales mum's care after she developed sepsis

Following her ‘trauma’, Farrah, a full-time mum, instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers to investigate her care under Cardiff and Vales University Health Board which runs University Hospital of Wales.

Farrah has now joined her legal team in supporting World Sepsis Day on 13 September. 

Expert Opinion

“The last 15 months have been incredibly traumatic for Farrah and her family as she attempted to recover and come to terms with what happened.

“Constipation can be common in women after giving birth and in some cases can lead to more serious conditions if not treated correctly.

“Understandably Farrah has a number of questions about how her bowel perforated and how she developed sepsis. We’re now investigating her concerns and are determined to provide her with the answers she deserves.

“By sharing her story Farrah also hopes that people are aware of the signs of sepsis and how early detection and treatment are key to beating it.” James Pink - Associate Solicitor

Sepsis: Farrah Moseley-Brown's story

Farrah delivered her second son Clay on 7 May, 2020. Hours later she underwent surgery to stem bleeding after losing around two-and-a-half pints of blood. She underwent a blood transfusion. 

The following day Farrah, who also has a son, Cohan aged five, started complaining of constipation. She received treatment for the condition and was discharged home on 10 May.

Two days later she called the hospital complaining of stomach pain and issues with keeping food down and was re-admitted. She received further treatment for constipation and underwent a stomach X-ray. Farrah returned home on 15 May. 

Farrah was taken back by ambulance to hospital for a second time at around 1pm the following day - 16 May. She had a fever, raised heart rate and was breathing rapidly. 

Wales mum diagnosed with perforated bowel

Doctors believed she had a womb infection and sepsis. The following day she underwent a CT scan and was diagnosed with a perforated bowel for which she underwent surgery. 

Farrah stayed in hospital until 8 June. She now has a stoma and is awaiting further discussions with her doctors regarding whether the stoma can be reversed.

Patient still affected by life-threatening condition

Farrah said: “As soon as I delivered Clay it felt as though the pain started. As the days went on I felt like I needed the toilet constantly but I couldn’t go and the pain kept getting worse.

“Even when I was home the pain was there. It felt like I spent hours in absolute pain, crying out. Even after coming out of hospital after being readmitted I felt like something wasn’t right. 

“I remember an ambulance being called and the day after arriving back in hospital being told I had to be put to sleep because my bowel had punctured and that I was hours from death. However, everything is a blur because of the pain I was in and how tired I was.

“It’s been just over a year now since this trauma and I’m still struggling daily with flashbacks and medical needs. However, I try to remain as strong as possible and keep going as I have my boys to care for.

Farrah's sepsis warning 

“Giving birth to Clay was meant to be one of the happiest times of my life. However, because of everything else that happened that time is a horrific memory which causes me great upset. I was seriously ill in hospital and my boys were at home.

“I know nothing can turn the clock back but I feel I deserve answers to what happened to me.

“We just hope that by sharing our story we can help make others aware of the symptoms of sepsis and how important early treatment is.”

Find out more about our expertise in supporting families affected by sepsis at our dedicated medical negligence section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.

Signs of sepsis include slurred speech, confusion, extreme shivering and muscle pain, passing no urine in a day, severe breathlessness and mottled or discoloured skin. 

For more information visit www.sepsistrust.org