Mother is left incontinent, needing crutches to walk and in constant agony after A&E doctors missed serious spinal condition

Michelle Turner, 41, from Reading, says her life has been 'devastated' after doctors missed signs of cauda equina syndrome, a spinal condition which requires emergency surgery. 


The condition causes the nerves in the lower back to suddenly become compressed and requires emergency surgery as it can result in nerve damage, paralysis and incontinence if not treated. She has been left incontinent and says she is a 'shadow of her former self' as the mistake caused the breakdown of her 12-year relationship and means she is unable to play with her four children. The hospital has admitted liability for the mistake - and she is awaiting a compensation settlement. She said: 'I put on a brave face for my kids and try to make the best of things, but inside I am really struggling and it has changed me as a person.'