Young woman paralysed after delay in diagnosing tumour in spine
- 23.03.2022
- EmmaArnold
- Clinical-negligence
After initially attending hospital with pain in her back, Jodie Cox was reportedly told she was suffering with kidney stones. She attended hospital again when the pain became excruciating and was sent home with a diagnosis of acid reflux.
It was only after a third visit to A&E that she was then transferred to the Oswestry centre for Spinal Injuries where they found an aggressive type of osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer.
Since the life-changing cancer diagnosis, she underwent intensive chemotherapy and has lost feeling in both her legs.
The cancer led to a T10 incomplete spinal cord injury and medics also found small tumours in her lung. She is currently attending hospital in Manchester for a second course of treatment.
As well as not being able to walk, Jodie also suffers from nerve pain which leaves her in agony from the waist down. Jodie has been receiving physiotherapy which has helped with her independence and strength.
Although beginning to be able to move her toes recently, doctors have said it is unlikely she will be able to walk again.
Helen Budge, Senior Solicitor in our Clinical Negligence Team said:
Jodie’s tragic situation demonstrates just how devastating a spinal cord injury can be and the importance of rare conditions like osteosarcoma being diagnosed as early as possible.
Helen Budge is a Senior Solicitor in clinical negligence here at Potter Rees Dolan. Should you have any queries about late diagnosis of cancer, spinal injury or indeed any other aspect of clinical negligence and wish to speak to Helen or any other member of the team, please contact us on 0800 027 2557 or contact Helen directly.