Mum says she has had four years of pain after op
ARUNCORN couple have told how an operation to correct a slipped disc in her neck led to a four-year nightmare of debilitating pain.
Aveesha, 33, and Dave Collins, 39, now fear a metal insert placed in Aveesha’s neck four years ago is precariously close to a major vein and pinching nerves causing spasms that stop her swallowing and are a choking risk.
After two years of symptoms, she was first operated on at The Walton Centre in 2013.
The couple claimed this resulted in a loose metal frame in her neck causing more problems.
A follow-up operation took place in 2015 and failed to correct the issues.
They said their lives have been turned upside down, with the loss of Aveesha’s job, and the need to sell their house at a loss and move.
Aveesha now uses a mobility scooter and the couple are trying to find a consultant to carry out more surgery.
Such was Aveesha’s suffering that she walked into Warrington Hospital’s accident and emergency one night and ‘ camped out’ until someone would see her, resulting in a transfer of her case from Walton to Warrington Hospital. ●
Their hope was shortlived though because Warrington And Halton Hospitals NHS Trust (WHH) then suspended all spinal surgery following ‘four serious incidents’ including two deaths in six months.
The couple were told Aveesha’s case would be referred to Salford Royal, but when they rang, they were told there had been no notification of referral.
Speaking at home in The Calvers, they said they did not know where to turn but Dave was keen to stress that they are not seeking legal redress or compensation – they just want it sorted out.
“Honest to God, you feel like you’re going mad – why is no-one helping?
“She’s always said ‘I’m not expecting a miracle’ but just to be able to do the basics.”
A Walton Centre spokesman said: “We’re declining to comment.”
Professor Simon Constable, WHH executive medical director, said the trust can confirm Mrs Collins’s referral has been received at Salford Royal and she will be seen in the New Year.
He said: “We sincerely apologise to Mrs Collins and indeed all patients affected by the continued, temporary suspension of our spinal services.”
A Salford Royal spokeswoman said the hospital has created extra clinics to take on Warrington’s workload.