I spotted sign of serious condition in my girl, 5, while sitting on bed – history is repeating itself & we need help
MOTHER'S FEAR I spotted sign of serious condition in my girl, 5, while sitting on bed – history is repeating itself & we need help
CAROLANN Walsh was sitting on her bed with her five-year-old daughter when she noticed history repeating itself - a subtle, but unmistakable, sign of a serious condition she knew all too well.
The 32-year-old, from Co Kilkenny, first noticed Hannah's symptoms nearly three months ago when she saw one of her shoulder blades protruding more than the other.
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Mother-of-three Carolann has told how her daughter could be waiting a year for an MRI scan
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Five-year-old Hannah Walsh was diagnosed with scoliosis earlier this year
Carolann recognised the signs immediately, as she herself had been diagnosed with scoliosis as a child.
The GP confirmed the five-year-old's scoliosis and referred her for an MRI, which has now been scheduled for a lengthy eight to 12 months' time.
The delay in scans and treatment has created major concern for the Kilkenny family, as Hannah is now experiencing nightly pain, headaches, and migraines due to her spinal curvature.
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Carolann said: 'About two and a half months ago, she was sitting here on my bed after getting out of the shower, and I noticed that one shoulder was higher than the other.
'I said to her, 'Hannah, sit up straight,' but she was sitting straight – and that's when I realised it, because I grew up with scoliosis myself.
'We brought her to the GP a week later, and the doctor confirmed that she had scoliosis. He said he would refer her for an MRI.
'A few weeks passed, and when no appointment came through, I rang the hospital to check her position on the waiting list. They confirmed it would take eight months to a year.'
Carolann is acutely aware of the risks of untreated scoliosis, having undergone extensive treatment herself since early childhood.
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She was diagnosed at two and a half years old and began wearing body casts that severely limited her mobility.
By the age of 14, her spine had curved to 65 degrees, and eventually, she underwent a highly publicised spinal fusion surgery in 2009 after repeated delays and cancellations.
SYSTEM ISSUES
The mum-of-three said the healthcare system continues to be problematic 17 years on from her treatment, with long waiting lists and other barriers an issue.
She said: 'I was diagnosed at around two and a half, so I would've been even younger than Hannah. When I was first diagnosed, things were much easier. I got an MRI straightaway.
'As time went on, I was in casts and braces growing up. I couldn't take a bath. I couldn't even shower. I couldn't do PE in school.
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'When I was 14, they took the brace off me to see if my spine would stay straight by itself. Within a year, I was told I needed spinal fusion surgery.
'But the waiting list caused delays. Things got so bad that I ended up being on Prime Time over it. I was in every paper before finally getting the surgery in September 2009.
'Now, in 2025, things are just getting worse and worse.'
WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS?
A TWIST or curve of the spine to one side has been medically defined as scoliosis.
Although the condition most commonly affects children aged 10-15, it can strike people of any age.
It's unlikely for cases of scoliosis to improve without surgery, so it's always important to contact your GP if you or your children spot tell-tale symptoms.
What causes scoliosis?
In around 80 per cent of cases, doctors can't identify the cause of scoliosis.
Despite this, there are some triggers of the condition…
Congential scoliosis: When the spinal bones don't form properly in the womb
Neuromuscular scoliosis: It may be an after-effect of a muscle or nerve condition, such as cerebral palsy
Degenerative scoliosis: Where the spine is damaged because of general wear and tear that comes with age
What are the symptoms of scoliosis?
Back pain is a common symptom of scoliosis, especially for adult sufferers.
There are six other signs to look out for: a visibly curved spine
leaning to one side
uneven shoulders
one shoulder or hip sticking out
the ribs sticking out on one side
clothes not fitting well
Tragically, Hannah's case is not the only one highlighting the seriousness of such delays.
Harvey Morrison Sherratt, from Dublin, who suffered from spina bifida and scoliosis, tragically died after waiting over three years for spinal surgery.
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The nine-year-old's parents campaigned publicly and brought the case to the Dail, but he was removed from the urgent surgery list without their knowledge.
Harvey eventually received surgery in late 2024, but his health deteriorated, and he sadly passed away last month.
FLAWED SYSTEM
Carolann is now navigating the flawed system, not only for Hanna but also her other children, adding to the daily chaos of appointments, waiting lists, and constant worry.
Her eldest child, Nessie, has generalised epilepsy and requires ongoing care.
Her youngest, Jackson, 2, has sensory issues and limited speech development, which requires specialist support. He is now on a year-long waiting list for speech therapy.
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Carolann herself is waiting nine months to see a mental health counsellor, revealing that system delays are affecting people with all types of issues.
She said: 'I'm finding it all so hard. I'm a single parent to three children with disabilities.
'WHAT CAN I DO?'
'My eldest daughter has generalised epilepsy, my middle child has scoliosis, and my two-year-old son has sensory issues and is now on a year-long waiting list. My hands are so full.
'Even regarding my own mental health, I recently tried to see a counsellor, but there's a nine-month waiting list. What can I do?
'There's a girl in my area whose son suffers from epilepsy, and she said there's also a massive waiting list for him. So many others are in the same situation.'
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Carolann's family is now trying to manage multiple ongoing health issues while navigating slow access to treatment for each child.
The lengthy MRI wait for Hannah is particularly concerning given her age and the severity of her symptoms – a battle Carolann knows all too well.
NO CHILD SHOULD WAIT
Carolann is now urging that no child should have to wait in pain for essential treatment, adding that there is a systemic need for faster pathways to medical care.
Across the country, parents like Carolann have repeatedly said that the backlog of children waiting for spinal assessments and treatment is causing avoidable suffering.
Despite repeated promises to improve care, Carolann revealed that the same challenges faced in the past are being repeated today, with long waits and obstacles continuing to affect those in need.
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"I'm finding it all so hard. I'm a single parent to three children with disabilities."
Carolann Walsh
She is now calling on the government to reduce waiting times before her daughter's and other children's conditions deteriorate further.
She added: 'It's clear that people aren't doing their jobs.
'And, you know, the system is failing in nearly every aspect, whether it's mental health or children's health. It's absolutely falling apart.
'It's definitely getting worse. I'm not the only person saying this. There are so many people out there who feel the same way – something needs to change.'
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Hannah's sister Nessie is also facing issues with the healthcare system due to her epilepsy diagnosis
Credit: Journalist Collect
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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I spotted sign of serious condition in my girl, 5, while sitting on bed – history is repeating itself & we need help
'I know that there are many people out there who feel the exact same way - something needs to change' MOTHER'S FEAR I spotted sign of serious condition in my girl, 5, while sitting on bed – history is repeating itself & we need help CAROLANN Walsh was sitting on her bed with her five-year-old daughter when she noticed history repeating itself - a subtle, but unmistakable, sign of a serious condition she knew all too well. The 32-year-old, from Co Kilkenny, first noticed Hannah's symptoms nearly three months ago when she saw one of her shoulder blades protruding more than the other. Advertisement 4 Mother-of-three Carolann has told how her daughter could be waiting a year for an MRI scan 4 Five-year-old Hannah Walsh was diagnosed with scoliosis earlier this year Carolann recognised the signs immediately, as she herself had been diagnosed with scoliosis as a child. The GP confirmed the five-year-old's scoliosis and referred her for an MRI, which has now been scheduled for a lengthy eight to 12 months' time. The delay in scans and treatment has created major concern for the Kilkenny family, as Hannah is now experiencing nightly pain, headaches, and migraines due to her spinal curvature. Advertisement Carolann said: 'About two and a half months ago, she was sitting here on my bed after getting out of the shower, and I noticed that one shoulder was higher than the other. 'I said to her, 'Hannah, sit up straight,' but she was sitting straight – and that's when I realised it, because I grew up with scoliosis myself. 'We brought her to the GP a week later, and the doctor confirmed that she had scoliosis. He said he would refer her for an MRI. 'A few weeks passed, and when no appointment came through, I rang the hospital to check her position on the waiting list. They confirmed it would take eight months to a year.' Carolann is acutely aware of the risks of untreated scoliosis, having undergone extensive treatment herself since early childhood. Advertisement She was diagnosed at two and a half years old and began wearing body casts that severely limited her mobility. By the age of 14, her spine had curved to 65 degrees, and eventually, she underwent a highly publicised spinal fusion surgery in 2009 after repeated delays and cancellations. SYSTEM ISSUES The mum-of-three said the healthcare system continues to be problematic 17 years on from her treatment, with long waiting lists and other barriers an issue. She said: 'I was diagnosed at around two and a half, so I would've been even younger than Hannah. When I was first diagnosed, things were much easier. I got an MRI straightaway. 'As time went on, I was in casts and braces growing up. I couldn't take a bath. I couldn't even shower. I couldn't do PE in school. Advertisement 'When I was 14, they took the brace off me to see if my spine would stay straight by itself. Within a year, I was told I needed spinal fusion surgery. 'But the waiting list caused delays. Things got so bad that I ended up being on Prime Time over it. I was in every paper before finally getting the surgery in September 2009. 'Now, in 2025, things are just getting worse and worse.' WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS? A TWIST or curve of the spine to one side has been medically defined as scoliosis. Although the condition most commonly affects children aged 10-15, it can strike people of any age. It's unlikely for cases of scoliosis to improve without surgery, so it's always important to contact your GP if you or your children spot tell-tale symptoms. What causes scoliosis? In around 80 per cent of cases, doctors can't identify the cause of scoliosis. Despite this, there are some triggers of the condition… Congential scoliosis: When the spinal bones don't form properly in the womb Neuromuscular scoliosis: It may be an after-effect of a muscle or nerve condition, such as cerebral palsy Degenerative scoliosis: Where the spine is damaged because of general wear and tear that comes with age What are the symptoms of scoliosis? Back pain is a common symptom of scoliosis, especially for adult sufferers. There are six other signs to look out for: a visibly curved spine leaning to one side uneven shoulders one shoulder or hip sticking out the ribs sticking out on one side clothes not fitting well Tragically, Hannah's case is not the only one highlighting the seriousness of such delays. Harvey Morrison Sherratt, from Dublin, who suffered from spina bifida and scoliosis, tragically died after waiting over three years for spinal surgery. Advertisement The nine-year-old's parents campaigned publicly and brought the case to the Dail, but he was removed from the urgent surgery list without their knowledge. Harvey eventually received surgery in late 2024, but his health deteriorated, and he sadly passed away last month. FLAWED SYSTEM Carolann is now navigating the flawed system, not only for Hanna but also her other children, adding to the daily chaos of appointments, waiting lists, and constant worry. Her eldest child, Nessie, has generalised epilepsy and requires ongoing care. Her youngest, Jackson, 2, has sensory issues and limited speech development, which requires specialist support. He is now on a year-long waiting list for speech therapy. Advertisement Carolann herself is waiting nine months to see a mental health counsellor, revealing that system delays are affecting people with all types of issues. She said: 'I'm finding it all so hard. I'm a single parent to three children with disabilities. 'WHAT CAN I DO?' 'My eldest daughter has generalised epilepsy, my middle child has scoliosis, and my two-year-old son has sensory issues and is now on a year-long waiting list. My hands are so full. 'Even regarding my own mental health, I recently tried to see a counsellor, but there's a nine-month waiting list. What can I do? 'There's a girl in my area whose son suffers from epilepsy, and she said there's also a massive waiting list for him. So many others are in the same situation.' Advertisement Carolann's family is now trying to manage multiple ongoing health issues while navigating slow access to treatment for each child. The lengthy MRI wait for Hannah is particularly concerning given her age and the severity of her symptoms – a battle Carolann knows all too well. NO CHILD SHOULD WAIT Carolann is now urging that no child should have to wait in pain for essential treatment, adding that there is a systemic need for faster pathways to medical care. Across the country, parents like Carolann have repeatedly said that the backlog of children waiting for spinal assessments and treatment is causing avoidable suffering. Despite repeated promises to improve care, Carolann revealed that the same challenges faced in the past are being repeated today, with long waits and obstacles continuing to affect those in need. Advertisement "I'm finding it all so hard. I'm a single parent to three children with disabilities." Carolann Walsh She is now calling on the government to reduce waiting times before her daughter's and other children's conditions deteriorate further. She added: 'It's clear that people aren't doing their jobs. 'And, you know, the system is failing in nearly every aspect, whether it's mental health or children's health. It's absolutely falling apart. 'It's definitely getting worse. I'm not the only person saying this. There are so many people out there who feel the same way – something needs to change.' 4 Hannah's sister Nessie is also facing issues with the healthcare system due to her epilepsy diagnosis Credit: Journalist Collect Advertisement
Irish Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Mum fears for five-year-old facing year-long MRI wait for scoliosis
A worried mum, whose five-year-old daughter who has recently been diagnosed with scoliosis, has been told they may have to wait eight months to a year just to get an MRI scan. Carolann Walsh from Kilkenny - who as a teenager fought her own battle with the health service after her planned spinal fusion surgery was cancelled in 2009 due to ward closures - now says she is 'fighting the exact same fight' - this time for her own daughter, Hannah.. Her daughter Hannah was recently diagnosed with scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves abnormally. In Hannah's case, Carolann says the pressure on her spine is causing relentless headaches, sometimes escalating into migraines. 'Yet we have been told it will be nine to twelve months before she can have the MRI scan needed to guide her treatment,' Carolann told Irish Mirror. At the time Carolann's planned surgery was cancelled back in 2009 she couldn't even get an X-ray. 'It took media attention and a huge public outcry before I finally got my surgery date,' Carolann recalls. That was September 2009 — and it changed my life. " But now, 16 years later, I'm fighting the exact same fight — this time for my own child.' 'I am terrified for her future,' says Carolann. 'I've lived this. I know what untreated scoliosis can do. I've already got one child with generalised epilepsy, another with sensory issues — and now my middle child is facing what I went through. How can it be that nothing has changed after all these years?' Carolann is calling for urgent action to address the growing backlog of children waiting for spinal assessments and treatment. 'No child should have to wait in pain. No parent should have to beg the system for care. If the health service could find a way in 2009, it can find a way now.' Children's Health Ireland said in a statement to this paper: 'I cannot comment on individual cases. Every child's care plan is different. An MRI may be postponed to allow for a growth spurt or other clinical factors - these are clinical decisions. There is no waiting list for an urgent MRI for scoliosis treatment.' However, Carolann argues there 'absolutely is' a waiting list. 'My five-year-old experiences headaches every single night, and sometimes they escalate into migraines, caused by her spine putting pressure in the wrong place. 'I went through the same thing as a child and needed an MRI at just four years old. In this case, an MRI is indeed essential. 'When I rang Waterford hospital it stated her GP referred her for an MRI and I asked where she was on the waiting list - I was told there was a waiting list from 8 months to a year, and that was the fastest list available to her I was told.' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
The Irish Sun
04-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
I've been left with a gigantic hernia the size of a football – docs said my symptoms were just a ‘bad back'
Find out everything you need to know about Graham's condition below FOBBED OFF I've been left with a gigantic hernia the size of a football – docs said my symptoms were just a 'bad back' GRAHAM Shepherd has been left with a hernia the size of a football after doctors dismissed his symptoms as a "bad back". While the 65-year-old has been awarded a payout after suing the NHS, he's said his and his family's lives "will never be the same again". 5 Graham Shepherd started suffering with back pain, but doctors just treated him with painkillers Credit: SWNS 5 He was eventually diagnosed with an 11.5cm abdominal aortic aneurysm Credit: SWNS 5 As part of complications he's been left with a stoma, mobility problems and a large abdominal hernia Credit: SWNS Graham developed the gigantic bulge - described as the biggest doctors had ever seen - when it ballooned after an aneurysm ruptured. He had visited his GP multiple times and gone to hospital twice complaining of severe back pain as well as weight loss over a nine week period. Graham 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 an MRI scan was incorrectly recorded as clear before he was eventually diagnosed with an 11.5cm abdominal aortic aneurysm 64 days later. Read more on hernias AGONISING Man faces 20-month wait to remove giant hernia that makes him look pregnant The dad-of-one was told by doctors he had been a "walking time bomb" and underwent emergency surgery. But he developed complications, including a torn bowel, suspected to have been caused by painkillers he had been advised to take for his back pain. Graham spent more than seven weeks in intensive care and has been left permanently disabled as a result of his ordeal. The former chief foreman is unable to work after being left with a stoma, mobility problems and the large abdominal hernia. Graham's wife, Sarah, 44, has also been forced to give up her job as a healthcare assistant to become his full-time carer. Lawyers have now secured Graham an undisclosed settlement after two doctors and a hospital trust involved in his care denied liability. I lost 14 stone and finally had my loose skin removed, but it was totally botched and I look like I've been left with a permanent hernia Graham, of Stourbrige, West Mids., 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. I knew something wasn't right and the lump I found in my stomach was pulsating in time with my heartbeat Graham Shepherd "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." Graham's emergency surgery went well, but afterwards he felt three pops inside of him. It turned out his bowel had perforated. He continued: " 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." 5 After suing the NHS Graham has now been awarded a payout Credit: SWNS 5 Graham has been told further surgery on his abdomen would be very risky and complicated Credit: SWNS Jenna Harris, the lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Graham, 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. "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."
