WARNING – GRAPHIC CONTENT: Julie Coleman, from Scotland, has urged patients to not back down when it comes to disputing a doctors opinion – it comes after a tumour went undetected for ten years despite her pleas for help
A mum endured excruciating back pain before being diagnosed with a paralysing tumour – despite begging for help for 10 years. Julie Coleman, 33, from Glasgow, complained to doctors that she had increasing pain in her back and legs after becoming pregnant in 2014 – but health professionals told the mum she had sciatica and it would likely subside after birth.
The mother, who lives with her fiancé, Stephen, 35, and their 10-year-old son, Connor, said she spent a decade fighting for answers after her “shooting” pains persisted. Despite her pleading for help from her GP, the mum was only given physiotherapy and painkillers.
Julie, who used to work for Alzheimer’s Scotland but is now starting a remote customer service job due to her health, says she “lost trust” in her GP surgery. In November 2024, she was finally referred for an MRI scan which revealed a devastating diagnosis.
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The scan had detected a large, benign tumour growing inside her spinal cord, which has now left her unable to walk without aids. Speaking about the initial symptoms she experienced, Julie said: “I spent the last six months of my pregnancy sitting up in bed. I couldn’t lie down because it was too painful. I was told it was sciatica caused by a slipped disc in my back. They said there’s no point sending you for any scans because the back surgery is too dangerous.
“It was extremely frustrating and it got to the point where I probably lost trust in my GP because I knew they weren’t going to do anything. I was going to several different GPs within the same practice and they were all saying the same thing. I just thought this is me for the rest of my life.”
She also started experiencing numbness in her right foot in 2022, which started in her toes. In November 2024, Julie had another appointment with a new physiotherapist, where she was finally referred for an MRI scan on her lower back, which took place on December 24 at the Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow.
Julie said her physiotherapist called her on New Year’s Eve to say the scan had revealed “changes in my spinal cord”. On January 9, Julie had an appointment with a neurosurgeon at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, where she had a full MRI scan on her spine and head.
Later that day, she was told a large tumour was growing inside her spinal cord – the suspected cause for the symptoms she had been experiencing for the last 10 years. “I was really shocked as I had been trying to say something was wrong the whole time,” she said.
Julie had the operation to remove the tumour on January 28 at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and said she was “very grateful” to the doctors who treated and supported her. Tests were also conducted on the tumour where it was found to be a schwannoma, an uncommon non-cancerous tumour that covers nerves.
Despite the success of the operation, the damage to Julie’s nerves may have been done – as she was diagnosed with a spinal cord injury while in hospital and now cannot feel anything below her right knee. Since returning home on February 18, Julie uses a Zimmer frame to move around her home and needs a wheelchair for longer distances. “I have random patches on my legs and stomach that are completely numb,” she said. “Most of my pain was down my right leg so that has obviously had the most damage to the nerves.”
Julie added it could take up to two years to determine whether her symptoms will be permanent as there is a chance her feeling could return. She and her fiance, Stephen, are due to tie the knot in July – and Julie said her son will be walking her down the aisle where she will use crutches.
Speaking about her plans, Julie said: “Of course, I hadn’t imagined this would be how I would walk down the aisle and no-one grows up thinking one day they won’t be able to walk down the aisle unassisted.
“I was determined to walk down the aisle if it was a possibility and I’m very grateful I’m able to walk down – even if I do need a walking aid. I think we take our bodies for granted and if you feel something isn’t right, keep pushing for answers.”
Julie has also launched a GoFundMe page to help her and her family with any unexpected costs due to her condition, raising £225 so far. To donate visit here.
