A mother alleges that doctors in Egypt mistakenly removed her appendix after she became seriously ill during a vacation. Sian Irving, a 29-year-old from Paignton, Devon, accompanied by her partner Jack Jackson, experienced sudden and severe stomach pain, vomiting, and a high fever while on a £2,000 trip to Sharm El Sheikh. Medical professionals in Egypt suspected appendicitis and performed surgery to remove her appendix. However, upon returning to the UK, British doctors informed her that the appendix removal was unnecessary and that her illness was likely due to food poisoning, resulting in colitis, an inflammation of the large intestine, which now restricts her diet.
Sian recounted the intense pain and discomfort she endured, including high fever and vomiting, during her hospitalization in Sharm El Sheikh for four to five days before being allowed to return home. Despite the surgery, her symptoms persisted, leading to her eventual return to the UK on October 5, beyond their planned departure date. Upon admission to Exeter Hospital, she was diagnosed with ongoing colitis and received treatment with antibiotics and steroids.
The condition has significantly impacted Sian’s life, causing her to avoid certain foods like dairy and gluten, resulting in weight loss and fatigue. She expressed the challenges of managing her condition, including bloating and digestive issues even with simple foods like egg on toast. The illness also affected her ability to care for her children during her recovery, highlighting the physical and emotional toll it took on her.
Sian is still coping with the aftermath of the unnecessary surgery, living with ongoing colitis and a visible scar. The incident has profoundly altered her daily routines, forcing her to adapt to a new way of eating and living. Despite the ordeal, she remains resilient, managing the condition on a daily basis nearly a year later. Sharm El Sheik International Hospital has not provided a response to inquiries regarding the incident.
