Former NHS Worker Forced To Give Up Career After Being Diagnosed With Debilitating Spinal Condition

A former NHS worker has revealed the life-changing impact of a debilitating spinal condition - and asked lawyers to investigate.

Jess Helling, from Barrow-in-Furness, started experiencing back pain following a fall in a gym competition in May 2023. 

Over the next eight months the 31-year-old attended hospital six times complaining of worsening pain. Two MRI scans showed she had a bulging disc. 

Jess continued to suffer pain and developed weakness and a loss of sensation in her right leg. 

Jess diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome

At the end of January 2024, she felt a “pop” when standing up from the toilet. She was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome – a serious condition which sees the nerves in the lower back become compressed. 

Jess underwent emergency decompression surgery. She now suffers with ongoing back pain, weakness in her right leg affecting her mobility as well as bowel and bladder problems. 

She was forced to give up her job as an operating department practitioner because of her symptoms.

Medical negligence lawyers asked to investigate

Jess has now instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether her cauda equina syndrome could have been diagnosed earlier and help her access the specialist rehabilitation and therapies she requires. 

She has now joined her legal team in sharing her story as part of Cauda Equina Awareness Day on 16 October. 

Rosie Charlton is the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing Jess.

Expert Opinion

"Cauda equina is a serious medical emergency that occurs when the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed. These nerves supply the muscles that control the bladder, bowel and legs.

“Delays in diagnosis and treatment can result in lasting and life-long consequences.

“While nothing can make up for what Jess has been through, we’re investigating her concerns to provide her with the answers she deserves.

“In the meantime, we join her in warning of the dangers of cauda equina syndrome. By sharing her story Jess hopes to raise awareness of the condition and the support available to those who may find themselves in a similar situation.” Rosie Charlton

Cauda equina syndrome: Jess Helling's story

Jess suffered back pain when she fell during a gym competition in May 2023. After several visits to GPs and hospitals complaining of persistent pain, Jess underwent an MRI scan on 9 September, 2023. The results showed a mild bulging disc.

She continued to seek medical advice and was prescribed painkillers. On 5 December she was admitted to hospital complaining of severe pain. A second MRI scan the following day showed a worsening of her bulging disc. 

Jess was transferred to another hospital where she had an epidural rather than surgery.

After being sent home a week later, Jess’ right leg gave way at home. She visited hospital was given a boot and crutches. 

She visited hospital on 18 December and on 9 January, 2024. A third MRI was booked in for early February. 

However, on 30 January Jess reported she felt a pop in her back. She was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome. Jess underwent decompression surgery on 2 February, 2024. 

In May 2024 she was re-admitted to hospital for a further eight days for further decompression surgery. 

Because of her ongoing symptoms Jess left her job in the NHS earlier this year. She is now an optical assistant. 

Barrow woman Jess reveals life-changing impact of debilitating spinal condition

She said: “I was in pain for months and kept hoping things would get better, but they only got worse despite the various medical appointments I had and visits to hospital.

“I’ll never forget the moment I felt a pop in my back just standing up. While experienced in working in a medical environment and theatre, being diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome was terrifying. 

“Even after surgery I now struggle every day with weakness and numbness. Even simple things like walking or leaving the house are difficult. It’s completely changed my life and given the demands of my job I couldn’t carry on. 

“I absolutely loved my job as an ODP. I’d been in the NHS since I was 16, and it felt like I’d found my shine. I was ambitious, had built a great career and got so much pride and fulfilment from my job. To have to give it up has been devastating. I’d always been fit, healthy and active and I now feel like a different person and part of me is missing.”

Jess raising awareness of support available

Jess has since received support from the charity Cauda Equina Champions. She has recently organised two fundraising events – a dance night and gym day – raising nearly £2,200 for the charity and the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre which has also supported her.
 
Jess added: “The last couple of years have been incredibly difficult. There have been many emotional and upsetting times but the help I’ve received has helped me. I’m not sure I’d have coped if it wasn’t for that support. 

“I’m still upset at what happened and the least I feel I deserve is answers as to whether more could have been done to diagnose and treat my condition sooner. However, I’m also determined to try and create something positive. 

“By sharing my story I hope I can not only raise awareness of the signs of cauda equina, so others don’t have to go through what I have, but also show that support is available. People shouldn’t have to suffer alone as help is out there.”

Cauda equina syndrome: What are the symptoms and what help is available 

Symptoms of cauda equina syndrome 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 patients diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome at our dedicated cauda equina claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.

More information on the condition is also available on the website of the charity Cauda Equina Champions.