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Holiday Horror: Unnecessary Appendix Removal Leads to Colitis
22 Jun
Summary
- A British woman's appendix was wrongly removed during a holiday in Egypt.
- Doctors later determined her severe illness was likely due to food poisoning.
- The unnecessary surgery left her with colitis, a chronic digestive condition.
A celebratory trip to Sharm El Sheikh for a British couple in September 2025 became a devastating ordeal for 29-year-old Sian Irving. What began as a 10-day birthday getaway quickly devolved into a medical emergency.
Irving developed severe stomach pain, vomiting, and a high fever of 41C. Local doctors suspected appendicitis and performed an unnecessary appendix removal. Despite the surgery, her symptoms persisted, leading to fears for her life.
Upon returning to the UK on October 5, 2025, Irving was admitted to Exeter Hospital. UK doctors determined her appendix removal was unwarranted and that her illness was most likely triggered by food poisoning.
She was diagnosed with colitis, a chronic condition causing inflammation of the large intestine. This has significantly impacted her life, requiring a strict diet and causing ongoing pain, fatigue, and significant weight loss.
Nearly a year later, Irving continues to manage the consequences of the ordeal, including a permanent scar and the daily challenges of living with colitis, a stark contrast to the cherished memories she had hoped to create.
