What started as back pain became a permanent disability after Toni-Claire Miller developed Cauda Equina Syndrome. Now Toni-Claire is speaking out to raise awareness of the critical red flags so that no other family has to face the same life-changing consequences.
Toni-Claire’s story
In July 2018, Toni-Claire Miller, then a 32-year-old single mum from Kent, began experiencing severe back and leg pain, numbness, and difficulties with bladder and bowel function. She had three appointments with different GPs from the 1st to 10th August, where she complained of her symptoms, emphasising the unbearable pain she was experiencing. In these interactions, she had not been physically examined but was told in her second appointment that she would be referred for an MRI, but this referral was mistakenly delayed due to a scheduling error.
Her condition deteriorated on August 11th, to the point where she lost control of her bladder and bowels. After finding her in the bathroom, unable to move, Toni-Claire’s son, who was 6 at the time, sought the help of his grandmother. She was then rushed to A&E where an MRI scan revealed a ruptured disc compressing her spinal nerves. Toni-Claire underwent surgery to relieve the pressure, but the delay in her treatment led to her developing Cauda Equina Syndrome. She remained in hospital for 8 months, but her condition showed no improvement. Now she has permanent paralysis of her bladder and bowels, pain and mobility issues, and the added frustration, anxiety and isolation that comes with living with a disability.
Seven years on, Toni-Claire is sharing her story, in the hopes of educating the public and healthcare providers so that other patients do not have to endure the same preventable deterioration.