Patient Diagnosed With Life-Threatening Condition 64 Days After Visiting GP Complaining Of Symptoms

A dad left permanently disabled and with a protruding hernia after being diagnosed with a life-threatening condition two months after complaining of symptoms has received compensation. 

Graham Shepherd, of Stourbridge, attended a number of GP appointments and twice visited hospital complaining of worsening back pain and weight loss, over a nine-week period. He also said a lump on his stomach was pulsating. 

Medical negligence experts bring legal claim on Graham's behalf

While medics said Graham’s abdomen was tender, they failed to carry out a full examination and the result of an MRI scan was incorrectly recorded as clear, expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell argued during a legal claim. 

It was not until Graham underwent an ultrasound 64 days after first visiting a GP that he was diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm - a swelling in the artery that carries blood from the heart to the stomach - measuring 11.5cm. Scans showed evidence that the aneurysm had previously ruptured.

The dad-of-one underwent emergency surgery but developed complications including a torn bowel. It was suspected to have been caused by painkillers he had been advised to take for his back pain. 

Graham, aged 65, spent more than seven weeks in intensive care. The chief foreman has been left with a permanent stoma, mobility problems and a large abdominal hernia. He has been unable to work since. Graham’s wife, Sarah, 44, has been forced to give up her job as a healthcare assistant to be his full-time carer.  

Stourbridge dad Graham issues abdominal aortic aneurysm warning

Graham has now spoken for the first time about the impact his “ordeal” has had. He has joined his legal team in warning of the dangers of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It comes after expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell secured Graham a settlement to fund the ongoing care and rehabilitation he needs. 

Two doctors and a hospital trust involved in Graham’s care before his aneurysm was diagnosed denied liability. 

Jenna Harris is the expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Graham.

Expert Opinion

“We firmly believe that those involved in Graham’s care failed to conduct appropriate examinations and arrange and report back on a MRI scan in a timely fashion, especially in light of Graham complaining of symptoms associated with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

“If Graham had received the care we say he should, we believe his condition would have been diagnosed sooner and he wouldn’t have gone to suffer life-changing complications.

“Nothing can make up for Graham’s ordeal but we’re pleased to have secured this settlement allowing him to access the ongoing support he requires.

“An abdominal aortic aneurysm can be life-threatening, especially if they rupture. Therefore, it’s vital people are aware of the possible signs. Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing the condition and preventing potentially fatal complications.” Jenna Harris

Abdominal aortic aneurysm: Graham's story

Graham visited a GP on 15 January, 2018, reporting worsening back pain that had radiated into his groin. He also complained of acid reflux, appetite loss, and losing around a stone. He was advised to take painkillers while blood tests showed signs of inflammation. 

Later that month he visited a GP again. An MRI scan was arranged, but on 5 February Graham attended A&E with back and hip pain. He was sent home with painkillers and advised to visit a GP.

On 11 February and 13 February he visited an out-of-hours urgent care centre and hospital respectively but was again prescribed painkillers.

Graham underwent an MRI scan on 19 February. The results of the scan were classed as showing no aneurysm or abnormalities. 

During a GP appointment on 28 February an ultrasound was booked. The scan on 20 March, 2018, showed an abdominal aortic aneurysm and signs of a previous rupture and an eroding of his spine. Graham was taken to hospital for emergency surgery the following day.

After his bowel perforated two days after surgery, Graham underwent multiple further operations, including to wash out his abdomen.  

Graham was discharged on 4 June, 2018.

Graham reveals life-changing impact of aneurysm

He said: “I was in pain for months. It started in my back and gradually spread to my abdomen, groin, and down my left leg. 

“I could barely move and spent most of my time lying on the settee. I knew something wasn’t right and the lump I found in my stomach was pulsating in time with my heartbeat.

“When they diagnosed my aneurysm, the doctors told me it was one of the biggest they’d ever seen and I was a walking time bomb. 

“They believed it had already ruptured several times. Because it was leaking it had probably relieved some of the pressure and had stopped it fully rupturing and killing me. I was told that you could probably only fit a cigarette paper between the aneurysm and my spine and that it had worn my spine down. 

“My emergency surgery went well but afterwards I felt three pops inside me. It turned out my bowel had perforated. I needed another emergency surgery and was told I’d need a stoma. At first, I refused. I was devastated. Sarah had to convince me it was the only way to save my life.

“It wasn’t a case of staying in hospital, getting better and going home. I’ve been left with permanent nerve damage, muscle wasting in my leg, I can’t work and Sarah has had to give up her job to care for me. My stomach is unsightly and I have a stoma that can’t be reversed. I’ve been told any further surgery on my abdomen would be very risky and complicated.

“Our lives will never be the same again. I just hope that by sharing what happened to me I can help raise awareness so others don’t have to suffer.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting patients affected by care issues at our dedicated medical negligence section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.