Jess Helling, from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, quit her role as a health practitioner after an MRI scan showed she had a “bulging disc” sustained after using her gym
A woman had to give up her job after an accident at the gym spiralled into a debilitating spinal condition.
Jess Helling suffered back pain following the fall during a competition at the health club, and went to hospital six times in the eight months which followed. The 31-year-old woman underwent an MRI scan which showed she had a “bulging disc” and was prescribed painkillers.
But a later scan showed the condition had worsened, and Jess was sent to another hospital where she had an epidural – rather than surgery – and soon, at home, she said felt a “pop” when standing up from the toilet.
Jess, who is from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome – a serious condition which sees the nerves in the lower back become compressed.
She underwent emergency decompression surgery, but now suffers with ongoing back pain, weakness in her right leg affecting her mobility as well as bowel and bladder problems.
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Jess was even forced to give up her job as an operating department practitioner (ODP) because of her symptoms. 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 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 specialist rehabilitation.
She wanted to share her story as part of Cauda Equina Awareness Day on October 16. Rosie Charlton, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Jess, said: “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.”
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.”
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.