Back Pain Misdiagnosis: Mum's Shock Leukaemia Diagnosis

Gabrielle Altoft, a 32-year-old mother of three, initially experienced severe lower back and shoulder pain in November 2025, which she attributed to swapping mattresses with her son. Her symptoms, including extreme tiredness and shortness of breath, were not immediately alarming to medical professionals. After initial consultations, her pain was dismissed as a potential injury, with physiotherapy suggested.

Despite purchasing a new mattress, Gabrielle's pain worsened significantly, rendering her nearly immobile. A subsequent visit to her GP at the end of November for symptoms she believed were flu-like also did not lead to a cancer diagnosis. It was during a separate gynaecology appointment in December 2025 that a doctor ordered further blood tests.

These tests, conducted on December 16, 2025, prompted an urgent referral to A&E the following day, December 17, 2025. There, Gabrielle received the devastating news that she had acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), an aggressive form of blood cancer. She was admitted to the hospital by December 18, 2025, and began intensive chemotherapy treatment on December 28, 2025.

Gabrielle is now advocating for others to persistently seek medical answers if they feel something is wrong with their health. She expressed disappointment that her condition was not identified earlier, emphasizing the rapid progression of AML and the critical window for treatment. Her experience highlights the importance of thorough investigation when symptoms persist or worsen.