My chronic back pain was dismissed as ‘anxiety' – then my penis went numb & I was left on brink of total paralysis
AS a dad-of-three and manager of a busy butcher's shop, Mark Doe lived a normal life, keeping active and spending time with his kids.
But all that changed when he began experiencing excruciating lower back pain.
5
Mark Doe lived a fairly active lifestyle as a dad of three and manager of a butcher's shop
Credit: Mark Doe
5
But earlier this year, he was found to have Cauda Equina Syndrome, which almost left him paralysed
Credit: Mark Doe
The 36-year-old from Swindon, Wiltshire, was 34 when a painful set of symptoms began.
He started suffering pain across his lower back, pins and needles in his lower extremities, a constant ache and weakness down his left-hand side.
Mark loved his job as a butcher, but found he could no longer stand for long periods of time.
Simple things, such as playing with his kids and bathing himself, also became too difficult.
Mark's past medical
history
includes hypothyroidism,
In December 2023, eight months after his symptoms started, it all became too much, and he decided to make an appointment to see a neurologist.
During the appointment, he underwent a scan which revealed a small bulge in his L5-S1 joint - also known as the lumbosacral joint - where two regions of the spine connect.
A disc bulge or herniation is generally not considered life-threatening, but can be serious depending on the severity and whether it's causing nerve compression.
Mark says: "It made sense for my symptoms.
"They recommended no further treatment, just to carry on with my pain medication."
Unexpected everyday habits that could be causing your back pain
But Mark's symptoms became worse.
He says: "I was in pain daily in my lower back and legs. The
"I had to use a walking aid on my worse days."
'Docs told me symptoms were anxiety'
Mark made another appointment to see a neurologist - but this time was told his symptoms were related to anxiety.
"I'm on medication for my anxiety and ADHD," he says.
" I told the doctor my symptoms and he discharged me saying it's all my anxiety, despite looking at the previous scan I had a year ago.
"He didn't send me for another scan, just upped my mental
health
medication.
"I felt really let down and lost, and thought I just had to put up with the symptoms I had."
But just three months later, Mark suffered a terrifying episode of lower back pain that nearly left him paralysed.
It was very bad, I couldn't move with the immense pain.
I would scream out every time I moved
Mark Doe
In March this year, he bent over to pick up a small object off the floor and felt a pop in his lower back. The pain radiated into his buttocks and down his legs, causing pins and needles.
He also felt reduced sensation over his penis, didn't pass urine for 12 hours, and continued having no urge to pee.
He recalls: "It was very bad, I couldn't move with the immense pain.
"I would scream out every time I moved. So my wife, Leah, and kids helped me lie down flat on the floor, rang 111, they asked a load of questions, then said they'd send an ambulance as an emergency.
"They arrived, got me on
gas
and air and were constantly taking my stats.
"They tried to carry out checks, but I screamed out with tears falling down my face.
"This resulted in a second ambulance being called out that had to bring morphine."
'Could have been paralysed'
Once Mark reached the hospital, doctors suspected he had cauda equina syndrome - a rare but serious condition where the nerves at the very bottom of the spinal cord are compressed.
These nerves are responsible for controlling bladder and bowel function, as well as sensation around the genitals, back passage, bladder and bowel.
Mark says: "Through the night, things got worse.
"I had an MRI scan, then they came and had to catheterise me, I was unable to pass urine, even with a bladder stimulating machine.
"The results of my scan revealed the small bulge had grown much bigger and was crushing my nerves.
"If I'd left it any longer, I could have been paralysed and needing a catheter for the rest of my life."
I wasn't sure whether I'd ever walk again, or even be able to use the toilet
Mark Doe
Mark was diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome, and immediately feared that he'd never be able to be independent again.
He says: "I was very scared when they told me. I wasn't sure whether I'd ever walk again, or even be able to use the toilet."
By this point, Mark's condition had become very serious, and he was quickly told he'd need urgent surgery.
He added: "A surgeon spoke to me and said this had been going on for some time, and I needed emergency surgery.
"I had to fill in a consent form, then within 15 minutes I was in a surgical room.
"The operation was on my L4 and L5 joints, and the surgeon said he was glad I opted for the surgery, as it was very bad."
'Felt humilated'
Mark was in surgery for nearly five hours, and afterwards, overrun with exhaustion and still in a lot of pain.
He says: "Recovery has been very difficult. I was bed-bound for six weeks, had so much pain, and needed a Zimmer Frame to get around the house.
"My daughter was five months old and I couldn't pick her up or hold her.
"I felt very humiliated having to send my older children out of the room each time I needed the toilet, as I had to use toileting aids.
"It not only affected my life but my family's. My wife had to care for me, she would help me wash, dress, and bring me anything I needed, all while caring for a five-month-old, two older children, 14 and eight years old, two animals and the house.
5
Mark has a five-month-old daughter who he's struggled to pick up and hold
Credit: Mark Doe
5
Mark says his early symptoms were dismissed as anxiety because he was taking treatment for that at the time
Credit: Mark Doe
5
Mark isn't the only one who's been affected by what's happened - it's taken a toll on his family too
Credit: Mark Doe
"My eight-year-old struggled with the change in the home dynamics. She refused to enter the room with me at first as she was scared.
"She had to have extra support at school to understand the emotions she was feeling."
Two years on, Mark is still in pain, with aches, shocks, and pins and needles in his lower back, bottom, and legs.
He's since regained feeling in his lower extremities - he was relieved when the catheter was removed.
Mark adds: "I do still have some issues with not knowing if I've finished going for a wee.
"My symptoms haven't affected my relationship with Leah. We have a very tight bond and she's been very understanding and helpful through this whole ordeal."
What is Cauda Equina Eyndrome?
Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is compression of the spinal nerves at the tail end of the spinal cord.
These nerves are responsible for controlling bladder and bowel function, as well as sensation in and around your genitals, back passage, bladder and bowel.
When these nerves become compressed it can affect their function, and urgent attention is needed.
But the condition is rare, occurring in one to three in 100,000 people.
CES most commonly results from a massive herniated disc in the lumbar region.
A single excessive strain or injury may cause a herniated disc, however, many disc herniations do not necessarily have an identified cause.
If you have suddenly developed or noticed a rapid change in two or more of the following symptoms within the past week, you should attend A&E immediately.
Loss of feeling or pins and needles between your inner thighs or genitals
Numbness in or around your back passage or buttocks
Altered feeling when using toilet paper to wipe yourself
Increasing difficulty when you try to urinate
Increasing difficulty when you try to stop or control your flow of urine
Loss of sensation when you pass urine
Unaware of leaking urine or recent need to use pads
Not knowing when your bladder is either full or empty
Inability to stop bowel movement or being unaware of leaking
Loss of sensation when you pass a bowel motion
Change in ability to achieve an erection or ejaculate
Loss of sensation in genitals during sexual intercourse
Source: NHS
Mark is now having regular physiotherapy, but says there's no short fix for what he's been through.
Doctors have said he may not make a full recovery and may require further spine surgery.
He still has a moderate-sized bulge on his joint, below the spot where he had the surgery.
It's all to do with how long his nerves were crushed for as to how damaged they got, he adds.
He explains: "This has changed my life massively.
"If the doctor I had for the second appointment had sent me for a scan, maybe this could have been prevented or not been so bad.
"Because one of my symptoms was anxiety, doctors jumped to conclusions and said it was that when it wasn't.
"My message to others out there - don't give up, keep on at doctors, don't do it alone and seek advice and help from family friends.
"This has been seriously life-changing and I don't wish this on anyone."
When should you call 999 or go to A&E if you have back pain?
The NHS states that you should call 999 or go to A&E If you have pain and:
pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs
numbness or tingling around your genitals or buttocks
difficulty peeing
loss of bladder or bowel control (peeing or pooing yourself)
chest pain
it started after a serious accident, such as a car accident
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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
My chronic back pain was dismissed as ‘anxiety' – then my penis went numb & I was left on brink of total paralysis
AS a dad-of-three and manager of a busy butcher's shop, Mark Doe lived a normal life, keeping active and spending time with his kids. But all that changed when he began experiencing excruciating lower back pain. 5 Mark Doe lived a fairly active lifestyle as a dad of three and manager of a butcher's shop Credit: Mark Doe 5 But earlier this year, he was found to have Cauda Equina Syndrome, which almost left him paralysed Credit: Mark Doe The 36-year-old from Swindon, Wiltshire, was 34 when a painful set of symptoms began. He started suffering pain across his lower back, pins and needles in his lower extremities, a constant ache and weakness down his left-hand side. Mark loved his job as a butcher, but found he could no longer stand for long periods of time. Simple things, such as playing with his kids and bathing himself, also became too difficult. Mark's past medical history includes hypothyroidism, In December 2023, eight months after his symptoms started, it all became too much, and he decided to make an appointment to see a neurologist. During the appointment, he underwent a scan which revealed a small bulge in his L5-S1 joint - also known as the lumbosacral joint - where two regions of the spine connect. A disc bulge or herniation is generally not considered life-threatening, but can be serious depending on the severity and whether it's causing nerve compression. Mark says: "It made sense for my symptoms. "They recommended no further treatment, just to carry on with my pain medication." Unexpected everyday habits that could be causing your back pain But Mark's symptoms became worse. He says: "I was in pain daily in my lower back and legs. The "I had to use a walking aid on my worse days." 'Docs told me symptoms were anxiety' Mark made another appointment to see a neurologist - but this time was told his symptoms were related to anxiety. "I'm on medication for my anxiety and ADHD," he says. " I told the doctor my symptoms and he discharged me saying it's all my anxiety, despite looking at the previous scan I had a year ago. "He didn't send me for another scan, just upped my mental health medication. "I felt really let down and lost, and thought I just had to put up with the symptoms I had." But just three months later, Mark suffered a terrifying episode of lower back pain that nearly left him paralysed. It was very bad, I couldn't move with the immense pain. I would scream out every time I moved Mark Doe In March this year, he bent over to pick up a small object off the floor and felt a pop in his lower back. The pain radiated into his buttocks and down his legs, causing pins and needles. He also felt reduced sensation over his penis, didn't pass urine for 12 hours, and continued having no urge to pee. He recalls: "It was very bad, I couldn't move with the immense pain. "I would scream out every time I moved. So my wife, Leah, and kids helped me lie down flat on the floor, rang 111, they asked a load of questions, then said they'd send an ambulance as an emergency. "They arrived, got me on gas and air and were constantly taking my stats. "They tried to carry out checks, but I screamed out with tears falling down my face. "This resulted in a second ambulance being called out that had to bring morphine." 'Could have been paralysed' Once Mark reached the hospital, doctors suspected he had cauda equina syndrome - a rare but serious condition where the nerves at the very bottom of the spinal cord are compressed. These nerves are responsible for controlling bladder and bowel function, as well as sensation around the genitals, back passage, bladder and bowel. Mark says: "Through the night, things got worse. "I had an MRI scan, then they came and had to catheterise me, I was unable to pass urine, even with a bladder stimulating machine. "The results of my scan revealed the small bulge had grown much bigger and was crushing my nerves. "If I'd left it any longer, I could have been paralysed and needing a catheter for the rest of my life." I wasn't sure whether I'd ever walk again, or even be able to use the toilet Mark Doe Mark was diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome, and immediately feared that he'd never be able to be independent again. He says: "I was very scared when they told me. I wasn't sure whether I'd ever walk again, or even be able to use the toilet." By this point, Mark's condition had become very serious, and he was quickly told he'd need urgent surgery. He added: "A surgeon spoke to me and said this had been going on for some time, and I needed emergency surgery. "I had to fill in a consent form, then within 15 minutes I was in a surgical room. "The operation was on my L4 and L5 joints, and the surgeon said he was glad I opted for the surgery, as it was very bad." 'Felt humilated' Mark was in surgery for nearly five hours, and afterwards, overrun with exhaustion and still in a lot of pain. He says: "Recovery has been very difficult. I was bed-bound for six weeks, had so much pain, and needed a Zimmer Frame to get around the house. "My daughter was five months old and I couldn't pick her up or hold her. "I felt very humiliated having to send my older children out of the room each time I needed the toilet, as I had to use toileting aids. "It not only affected my life but my family's. My wife had to care for me, she would help me wash, dress, and bring me anything I needed, all while caring for a five-month-old, two older children, 14 and eight years old, two animals and the house. 5 Mark has a five-month-old daughter who he's struggled to pick up and hold Credit: Mark Doe 5 Mark says his early symptoms were dismissed as anxiety because he was taking treatment for that at the time Credit: Mark Doe 5 Mark isn't the only one who's been affected by what's happened - it's taken a toll on his family too Credit: Mark Doe "My eight-year-old struggled with the change in the home dynamics. She refused to enter the room with me at first as she was scared. "She had to have extra support at school to understand the emotions she was feeling." Two years on, Mark is still in pain, with aches, shocks, and pins and needles in his lower back, bottom, and legs. He's since regained feeling in his lower extremities - he was relieved when the catheter was removed. Mark adds: "I do still have some issues with not knowing if I've finished going for a wee. "My symptoms haven't affected my relationship with Leah. We have a very tight bond and she's been very understanding and helpful through this whole ordeal." What is Cauda Equina Eyndrome? Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is compression of the spinal nerves at the tail end of the spinal cord. These nerves are responsible for controlling bladder and bowel function, as well as sensation in and around your genitals, back passage, bladder and bowel. When these nerves become compressed it can affect their function, and urgent attention is needed. But the condition is rare, occurring in one to three in 100,000 people. CES most commonly results from a massive herniated disc in the lumbar region. A single excessive strain or injury may cause a herniated disc, however, many disc herniations do not necessarily have an identified cause. If you have suddenly developed or noticed a rapid change in two or more of the following symptoms within the past week, you should attend A&E immediately. Loss of feeling or pins and needles between your inner thighs or genitals Numbness in or around your back passage or buttocks Altered feeling when using toilet paper to wipe yourself Increasing difficulty when you try to urinate Increasing difficulty when you try to stop or control your flow of urine Loss of sensation when you pass urine Unaware of leaking urine or recent need to use pads Not knowing when your bladder is either full or empty Inability to stop bowel movement or being unaware of leaking Loss of sensation when you pass a bowel motion Change in ability to achieve an erection or ejaculate Loss of sensation in genitals during sexual intercourse Source: NHS Mark is now having regular physiotherapy, but says there's no short fix for what he's been through. Doctors have said he may not make a full recovery and may require further spine surgery. He still has a moderate-sized bulge on his joint, below the spot where he had the surgery. It's all to do with how long his nerves were crushed for as to how damaged they got, he adds. He explains: "This has changed my life massively. "If the doctor I had for the second appointment had sent me for a scan, maybe this could have been prevented or not been so bad. "Because one of my symptoms was anxiety, doctors jumped to conclusions and said it was that when it wasn't. "My message to others out there - don't give up, keep on at doctors, don't do it alone and seek advice and help from family friends. "This has been seriously life-changing and I don't wish this on anyone." When should you call 999 or go to A&E if you have back pain? The NHS states that you should call 999 or go to A&E If you have pain and: pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs numbness or tingling around your genitals or buttocks difficulty peeing loss of bladder or bowel control (peeing or pooing yourself) chest pain it started after a serious accident, such as a car accident
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I was on RTE's OT but I've lost 27lbs in weeks with €235 jabs and still eat burgers and pizza, it's changed my life
FROM appearing on Operation Transformation at 27 stone to trying brutal low-calorie diets, Mark Fearon has struggled with his weight for the past 15 years. But the 6 Mark appeared on Operation Transformation 15 years ago 6 Mark is happier than ever since dropping the pounds 6 Mark can still enjoy pizza and a drink Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been growing in popularity in Ireland over the last few months. By activating GIP and GLP-1 receptors, Mounjaro slows down the emptying of the stomach, making you feel fuller for longer and reducing appetite. And Mark, from Stepaside, told how while his weight has "crept" up over the years, he's starting to see real results with the drug. Now weighing 19 stone, 47-year-old told the Irish Sun: "Ever since then I have been trying to lose 10 stone and I have gotten the weight down but never the 10. "The weight kept creeping back and ever since then I decided I had to do something about it. "Weight loss is obviously one of the main side effects of Mounjaro, as I lost 27lbs in just six weeks. "I've lost weight quickly before but this is different, I'm actually eating loads of calories. "I am having around 2,500 calories a day so I am not starving myself." Mark, who appeared on hit He said: "When I tried to lose weight before, I would eat very few calories, but this resulted in me having very little energy. I went from 27 lbs in six weeks with Mounjaro after 15 years of trying to lose weight it has completely changed my life "So this time I am actually eating enough calories to keep active, so I am actually in the gym all the time. "For the first time losing weight, I am actually feeling great doing it, I'm not feeling deprived. "I'd eat well during the week and then at the weekends I'd love takeaways. "Pizza and burgers being the favourite but there isn't much I wouldn't enjoy eating. "It's amazing, but the urges for these foods are just gone being on Mounjaro. "Without Mounjaro I'd be saying, 'Well I had a burger so there's no point eating well for the rest of the day' and would throw in ice cream and chocolate. Now I eat without any urges of a binge. "In the past six weeks I have eaten out a few times where I had a pizza and a burger but the difference is that I had them and that satisfied me." Speaking about the side effects, he said: "I get heartburn a bit more but I just pop two Rennies and it's gone. "Obviously, there is the risk of stopping taking it and putting the weight back on but is that not the case with every single diet?" 'BIG DIFFERENCE' And Mark hit back at the haters calling it the "lazy way out" as he revealed he has so much energy that he does not even watch television anymore. He said: "I'm up at 5am every morning before work so I can go to the gym and this is while I'm losing serious amounts of weight. "The big difference with Mounjaro is I am still able to eat, but I eat what I need, no more, as the desire to overeat is gone. "I have so much energy now and it has made me so active that I don't even watch TV anymore, as when I sit down all I want to do is get up and be active." When asked on the financial aspects of the weight loss jab, Mark said he was "just swapping one thing he spent money on for another" in relation to takeaways, dinners and drinks. He said: "I'd spend easily €50 per week on takeaways, plus throw in tubs of Ben and Jerry's. "Mounjaro costs me €250 per month from the North. This includes the monthly consultation, the Mounjaro and the tracked delivery to my home. "The greatest thing about the price is that no matter the higher dosage you go on, the cost stays the same. "And that cost is easily what I spent on food I didn't need to eat and no longer do on Mounjaro." Mark said he has full support from his doctor, adding: "I do get my Mounjaro from the North but my GP is fully aware of it and is also very supportive of me being on it." SUPPORT SYSTEM Mark has been sharing his weight loss journey for more than 15 years on Facebook, Instagram and more recently on TikTok. He said: "I get a lot of private messages from people asking questions especially about Mounjaro. "Some people want to do it, but really do not want anyone to know." WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF WEIGHT LOSS JABS? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections include: Nausea : This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting : Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea : Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation : Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort : Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite : This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion : Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Pancreatitis : In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems : There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors : There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems : Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) : Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. But Mark has no shame or secrecy when it comes to his journey and said his family have been "very supportive of him". He said: "I have been trying for 15 years to get my weight to a place I'd be happy with. "I set myself a target of losing 10 stone, then I've never accomplished it, I'm now 19st 13lbs and I've lost 27lbs in six weeks on Mounjaro. "I know I will get to my goal of that 10 stone down now with the help of Mounjaro. "My friends and family know how important that is to me, and they are very supportive of me being on Mounjaro." The latest weight loss drug was only approved for use in Ireland in early 2025, being licenced for use as a treatment for both type 2 diabetes and obesity. And Mark is not the only Irish person seeing big health changes since trying the fat jab. EATING 'ADDICTION' Irish mum Sandra Keogh spent hundreds of euros every month on Doritos as her The former weight loss consultant, 37, said she needed to urgently make a change but had already tried all of the usual routes. She said: "I felt unable to find the will to care what I was shoving in my mouth. "It was compounded by the fact that I knew what I should be doing I just felt useless. I had to try something else." But she had a light bulb moment one day after sitting down to watch a bit of reality TV. The "So after a while when I heard about availability here, I went and spoke to my doctor because I haven't had diabetes but I just needed something. "I knew what had to be done, but I didn't have the willpower or the motivation to do anything. "I started Ozempic in November 2023 after the doctor thought it was a great idea. "I was on it until February this year and when I heard Mounjaro was coming in, I was eager to swap because I had lost 33 pounds on Ozempic and I kind of had stalled. "When I heard that Mounjaro was going to be approved for weight loss here in Ireland, I thought, 'Right, I'm going to try and get it'. "I started taking it on the 25th of March and I began losing weight again." 6 Mounjaro was Mark's last resort to help him lose the weight 6 He documents his journey on his TikTok account 6 Mark is also working hard at the gym
Irish Independent
17-06-2025
- Irish Independent
AI technology in major Dublin hospital is ‘life-saving and speeding up' patient diagnosis
The Mater Hospital in Dublin has become the first hospital in Ireland to establish a centre for AI and Digital Health. Prof Joe Galvin, consultant cardiologist at the Mater said: 'AI has the potential to enhance the accuracy of an electrocardiogram ( ECG) and radiology scan analysis, reducing the time that a patient has to wait for the results of their diagnosis and, if required, starting their treatment sooner. 'If a patient suffers from cardiovascular disease, stroke or cardiac arrest, every minute counts. 'AI's ability to increase accuracy and speed may be life-saving. 'The new hub, which will be based at the Pillar Centre for Transformative Healthcare, will utilise AI to solve clinical problems across the hospital and, through research, develop AI-driven solutions to improve patient care and outcomes.' Research projects in the hospital include AI-driven automation which will help to identify suitable patients for clinical trials in oncology. This will significantly reduce the 16 hours per week it currently takes a nurse to manually scan these lists, speeding up patient access to clinical trials. Another involves the reduction in the number of cardiac fluoroscopy video x-ray images, and subsequently the radiation exposure to both the patients and clinical staff, through real-time AI generated images. The synthetic spinal imaging project, which has developed a generative AI that can convert lumbar spine CT images into synthetic MRI images for Cauda Equina Syndrome presentations, allowing for better and more robust out-of-hour or emergency care planning and treatment. A spokesman said the centre's work is already proving invaluable, with AI solutions contributing to the reduction of emergency department waiting times and optimising hospital workflows in the Mater's radiology department. ADVERTISEMENT It is 'assisting in the rapid notification of suspected pathologies, like stroke and fractures, which are being correctly flagged by AI within two to three minutes of the scan being completed, with an accuracy rate of over 90pc'. Mater Hospital radiologist Prof Peter MacMahon said: 'Our experiences have underscored the tangible benefits of AI, notably in expediting critical diagnoses and reducing turnaround times by rapidly flagging anomalies detected in scans.' Hospital chief executive Josephine Ryan Leacy pointed out that 'AI in healthcare must be implemented with care, accountability, and a clear focus on improving patient outcome'. 'The Mater Hospital's Centre for AI and Digital Health is focused on ensuring that AI is developed and deployed in a way that prioritises patient safety, transparency and real clinical benefits,' she said.
