A Solihull mother has been left unable to walk unaided after postponing medical advice while balancing the demands of work and family life.
Sarah Lewis, 46, began experiencing intermittent difficulties with swallowing and typing in early 2021. Alongside these symptoms, she noticed occasional pins and needles affecting her face, chest, and left side, as well as a general feeling of weakness and fatigue.
Despite these warning signs, Sarah-mother to Lily, 18, and Henry, 11-attributed her symptoms to lifestyle factors such as eating too quickly, poor sleep, prolonged sitting, and low iron levels. Her busy routine as a management accountant and mother left little time to seek medical advice, and she focused her energy on attending school events and caring for her children.
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It was not until April 2023, when she began suffering severe migraines and difficulty walking, that Sarah sought help from her GP. She was promptly referred to A&E, where she spent ten days undergoing tests at Birmingham’s Heartlands Hospital.
Ultimately, she was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND), a condition in which communication between the brain and the body malfunctions, leading to issues such as seizures, weakness, movement problems, sensory changes, and speech difficulties.
Now reliant on a wheelchair for longer journeys and needing her mother’s support at home, Sarah believes her condition may have worsened due to the delay in seeking treatment. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “I didn’t take time to stop and evaluate the situation. Being a working parent means you have to put yourself last because there’s always something else that needs doing.”
Research from Bupa health insurance highlights that Sarah’s experience is common. A survey of 2,000 parents with children under 16 found that 73 per cent admit to neglecting their own health while prioritising their children’s wellbeing. Half have ignored symptoms, and a third delayed seeking medical assistance. Additionally, many have cancelled appointments, postponed screenings, or put off treatment. Two-thirds of working parents avoided taking sick days, fearing they must save them for when their children are ill. Consequently, 71 per cent reported their conditions worsened as a result.
Dr Naveen Puri, medical director at Bupa Insurance, emphasised the importance of parents looking after their own health: “Parents often juggle caring for unwell children, work, and household duties, but it is vital that they don’t neglect themselves. Prioritising one’s own wellbeing ensures parents can continue to care effectively for the entire family.”
Bupa Family Health Insurance offers services including digital GP consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health support, providing families with timely and convenient access to healthcare.