Support Nikki’s Journey

A victim of hospital negligence and now suffering not just physically but financially, emotionally and mentally.

without the correct treatment I could loose the use of my arms and legs, it can affect my vision too.

update: on the 1st August I was admitted into hospital where I had an intracranial bolt monitoring - a device that is drilled and fed through the hole of your brain and monitors the fluid (CFS) around the brain.

my follow up appointment isn’t until December 2025!!

Hi my names Nikki.

This is my story.

Im 34 years old, a mama to three children. I have always been an independent woman, working towards a better future of buying my own home, opening my own business and living a happy life with my 3 children and partner of 17 years.

In 2024 we were looking forwards to welcoming our 3rd and last baby. As my previous two babies were premature the hospital decided the safest option for my 3rd pregnancy was to have my cervix stitched close. At 36 weeks pregnant those stitches would be removed to allow labour to start naturally.

During labour 6hours in, the midwife found that half of my cervix’s were still stitched closed and due to the stitch imbedded into the cervix and ripping an epidural had to be inserted to remove the remaining stitch! (5cm long stitch) I had attended the maternity unit every day for 6 days prior labour stating something was not right due to an infection. The stitch was missed on every examination by 6 different doctors!

Fast forwards 6 weeks later, still with an infection and now on antibiotics for 7 weeks I had developed a chronic headache for 9 days straight, I was unable to open my eyes at times, my balance would go, i couldn’t bend, move my head quick, cough or at times even talk!

I contacted my GP who advised me due to just having a baby, having a heart condition and being on blood thinners she wanted to write a letter to A&E for an urgent CT scan.

I attended A&E on the 6th March 2024 where I spend the following month admitted in hospital.

They done a MRI scan which showed I had Chiari Malformation and comparing from a previous MRI 8 years ago I was diagnosed with C1M then. However, this was never documented nor was I aware of this condition but having an epidural during labour had now made the condition flare up and herniate further down.

(this means a part of the brain drops down onto the spinal cord causing various symptoms - it’s a birth defect that is normally picked up in childhood or early adulthood unless triggered - someone with C1M should not have any spinal injections IE an epidural)

I had swelling on my optical nerves at the back of my eyes which showed intracranial pressure.

It was a long and awful time unable to care for my children and new born baby. I was referred to the neurosurgeons shortly after discharge from hospital on 4th April 2024. I had undergone surgery on the heart as it started to drop making me unconscious which the cardiologist believed it could be the stress my body was under from the neuro side of things.

we are 13 months on since my referral to the neurosurgeons. My symptoms have got worse and with an appointment booked for July 2025 just to speak with them, I’m struggling! I spoke to them in December 2024 after countless of emails from myself and my neurologist I finally got to speak to someone. However, he wanted an update MRI scan (understanding) and then he wanted to see me 3 months from then. I had my up to date MRI in January 2025 and an appointment booked to re speak to him in July. 7 months after an up to date MRI!

due to the worsening condition deteriorating which leaves me most days without balance, difficulty swallowing, chronic headaches, neck pain, hearing loss in my right ear, weakness in my hands (I drop things), drop attacks - legs giving way, blurry vision, facial pain, brain fog, trouble remembering simple words, head pulsating, chronic head pains where I am unable to move or speak and ringing in my ears. I rely on my partner and family to help care for the children some days as I cannot do it, I am bedridden on my worst days as I can’t stand up without being dizzy and falling.

this has left me with no option but to close my business down as I am no longer able to work. My partner has to ensure he is working as he is the only one who is currently keeping a roof over our heads and food on the table. But juggling my condition and our children it is becoming difficult. Financially, emotionally and mentally.

I am hoping people can help raise the money with me so I can book to see a private consultant and to have the surgery. I want my life back. I want my independence. I’m suffering from hospital negligence and now having to suffer by having to wait.

my last MRI showed the following:

(a normal measure is between 4-5mm)

Im hoping to raise some money to pay towards treatment for Chiari 1 Malformation due to hospital negligence that has triggered a brain condition.

Please donate if you can, if you can’t please share. I know times are extremely hard but I appreciate all the support I can get. As a proud woman this is difficult to do.

I also have an instagram where you can follow my journey.

https://www.instagram.com/nikkis_cm_journey?igsh=ZnlwYm9yb3VzZ2Jl&utm_source=qr