Latest news with #GrahamShepherd
Hindustan Times
06-08-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
65-year-old man with ‘football size' hernia wins payout after suing NHS as doctors dismissed his symptoms as 'bad back'
Graham Shepherd, a 65-year-old father from Stourbridge in the United Kingdom, has reportedly been awarded a payout after suing the NHS (National Health Service, the publicly funded healthcare systems in the UK) for negligence in diagnosing a large hernia, which was initially dismissed as a 'bad back' by doctors. He had to reportedly spend more than seven weeks in intensive care and has been left permanently disabled due to the misdiagnosis. Also read | Doctor reveals 6 new hernia treatments that could save you from a lifetime of pain Graham Shepherd's case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and timely medical intervention. (Pics courtesy: SWNS and The Sun UK) More about the case Graham's case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and timely medical intervention. His experience with a large hernia led to significant health complications and a lawsuit against the NHS, resulting in a payout, as per an August 4 report on The payout awarded to him acknowledges the significant impact on his life and his family's well-being. The report said that Graham started suffering from back pain, but doctors just treated him with painkillers before he was eventually diagnosed with an 11.5cm abdominal aortic aneurysm. '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,' the report said. It added, '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 a large abdominal hernia.' Graham's wife, Sarah, 44, has reportedly also been forced to give up her job as a healthcare assistant to become his full-time carer, and his lawyers have now secured him an undisclosed settlement after two doctors and a hospital trust involved in his care denied liability, the report said. Types of hernia Is that lump on your belly dangerous? In an April 2025 interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker (consultant bariatric and laparoscopic Surgeon at MetaHeal Laparoscopy and Bariatric Surgery Center in Mumbai and Saifee, Apollo and Namaha Hospitals in Mumbai, revealed three kinds of hernias and when to rush to the hospital. Hernia surgery is among the most crucial operations for correcting hernial abnormalities – it means returning an organ or tissue to its previous location where it pushed through a weak area in the muscle or connective tissue, she said. According to Dr Govil Bhasker, hernias are classified into several kinds depending on their severity and impact: ⦿ The intestines push through the peritoneum without being trapped in simple hernia. ⦿ Incarcerated hernia: The intestines push through a weak point and become trapped, thereby requiring urgent medical intervention. ⦿ A major condition called strangulated hernia occurs when the trapped tissue stops getting blood flow, which could cause intestinal gangrene. A medical crisis calls for immediate surgery. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dad left with football-sized hernia wins payout after doctors dismissed symptoms
A DAD who has been left with a hernia the size of a football after doctors dismissed his symptoms as a bad back has won a payout after suing the NHS. 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.'
The Irish Sun
04-08-2025
- Health
- 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."
Scottish Sun
04-08-2025
- Health
- Scottish 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. 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."
The Sun
04-08-2025
- Health
- The Sun
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 5 5 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. 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. "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 5 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." What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm? AN abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling in the aorta, the artery that carries blood from the heart to the tummy (abdomen). Most aneurysms do not cause any problems, but they can be serious because there's a risk they could burst (rupture). They often have no symptoms, but when they get bigger, you might notice: tummy or back pain a pulsing feeling in your tummy You should see a GP if: you have tummy or back pain that does not go away or keeps coming back you feel a lump in your tummy These symptoms can be caused by lots of things and do not mean you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, but it's best to get them checked. Call 999 if you or someone else: have sudden, severe pain in your tummy or back are struggling to breathe or have stopped breathing have pale or grey skin (on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet) lose consciousness These could be signs of an abdominal aortic aneurysm bursting (rupturing). This is a life-threatening emergency that needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible. Source: NHS
