Orpington Mum Reveals Life-Changing Impact Of Cauda Equina Syndrome And Asks Lawyers To Investigate

A mum-of-two diagnosed with a debilitating spinal condition eight days after being admitted to hospital has revealed its life-changing impact – and asked lawyers to investigate. 

Ann Aris was taken to Princess Royal Hospital in Orpington, Kent, after suffering serious left leg pain while walking on Sunday, 28 January, 2023.

Ann diagnosed with serious spinal condition eight days after hospital admission 

Five days after she was admitted, Ann underwent an MRI scan. It was not until a further three days later - Monday, 6 February, 2023, that Ann, who had remained in serious pain and who had developed numbness around her bottom, was given the results and told she had cauda equina syndrome (CES). 

Ann, of Orpington, was transferred to King’s College Hospital the following morning. She underwent spinal surgery on Friday, 10 February. 

Following her diagnosis, the former wellbeing practitioner now lives in pain and has developed a number of life-changing symptoms, including bowel and bladder problems. 

Ann asks medical negligence lawyers to investigate and help her access specialist rehab 

She has instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care under King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospitals, and help her access the specialist support and rehabilitation she requires. 

The 73-year-old has now spoken for the first time about the impact CES has had on her life and how she wants answers regarding her care. 

With investigations ongoing, Ann has joined her legal team in raising awareness of the condition’s dangers. 

Camilla Coulter is the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Ann.

Expert Opinion

“Cauda equina syndrome is an incredibly serious condition that occurs when the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed.

“It should be classed as a medical emergency and can lead to life-changing health problems.

“Coming to terms with her diagnosis and the impact CES has had on Ann has been incredibly difficult for her. Understandably, she has a number of concerns about her care and whether her condition should have been diagnosed and treated sooner.

“Nothing can make up for what Ann and her loved ones have been through, but we’re determined to provide her with the answers and specialist support she deserves.

“In the meantime, we join her in warning of the dangers of CES and how vital early detection and treatment is.” Camilla Coulter

Cauda equina syndrome: Ann Aris' story

Ann had a history of back pain for which she received regular injections. 

However, she still walked up to four miles a day and swam four times a week. 

Following her CES diagnosis she lives in pain for which she is prescribed painkillers and has daily bowel and bladder problems. 

She is only able to walk shorter distances a couple of times a week and is undergoing private physio sessions. 

She said: “I was mid-walk when I went to put down my left foot and suddenly there was a terrible pain. I couldn’t weight bear on my left leg.  Luckily, I had my phone so I could call someone, who took me straight to A&E. 

“However, when I got to hospital I could never have imagined the events that would unfold. 

“The pain continued, I started experiencing bladder problems and was pretty much immobile. However, it felt like not much was being done to find out what was wrong with me. I also developed numbness which worsened over a period of days.

“I eventually underwent surgery to release the CES. More than 18 months on I still live with many of the symptoms. 

“I’d always been a healthy and active person but now I can’t even leave the house without having to think of my symptoms and how they may impact me. 

“I just feel that answers regarding whether anything more could have been to treat my CES is the least I deserve.”

The red flags of CES and the support available 

Red flag symptoms of cauda equina include lower back pain, weakness, numbness or pain down one or both legs, loss of feeling between the legs, bladder and bowel issues, numbness or tingling around the bottom and sexual dysfunction. 

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people affected by CES at our dedicated cauda equina syndrome section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.

More information about CES can be found on the website of the charity Cauda Equina Champions Charity.