Dad left with football-sized hernia wins payout after doctors dismissed symptoms
Graham Shepherd developed the large hernia after an aneurysm, described as the biggest doctors had ever seen, that had been undetected for nine weeks, ruptured.
The 65-year-old from Stourbridge had visited his GP multiple times and gone to hospital twice, complaining of severe back pain, as well as weight loss and other symptoms.
Mr Shepherd said a lump on his stomach was also pulsating - but doctors failed to carry out a full examination and sent him home with painkillers.
The result of a later MRI scan was incorrectly recorded as clear before he was eventually diagnosed with an 11.5cm abdominal aortic aneurysm 64 days later.
The dad-of-one was told by doctors he had been a "walking time bomb" and underwent emergency surgery.
However, Mr Shepherd spent more than seven weeks in intensive care after suffering complications and has been left permanently disabled as a result of his ordeal, unable to work with mobility problems and a stoma.
Mr Shepherd 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.
Mr Shepherd's hernia seen protruding under his T-shirt (Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS) "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.'
He added: '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.'
Mr Shepherd's wife, Sarah, has also been forced to give up her job as a healthcare assistant to become his full-time career.
He first visited a GP in January 2018, reporting worsening back pain that had radiated into his groin, however, did not get the correct diagnosis until March 20 and was taken to hospital for emergency surgery the following day.
After his bowel perforated two days after surgery, Mr Shepherd underwent multiple further operations, including to wash out his abdomen.
Lawyers have now secured him an undisclosed settlement after two doctors and a hospital trust involved in his care denied liability.
Jenna Harris, the lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Mr Shepherd, said: '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.'
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