A mother from Coventry, West Midlands, has opened up about her four-year-old son’s harrowing experience with spinal tuberculosis, a rare condition that went undiagnosed for months. Megan West initially sought medical advice when she noticed peculiar symptoms, including an unusual gait that caused her son, Elliot, to walk with his feet flared outward and his arms swinging.
Elliot’s symptoms began in December 2024. Despite repeated visits to their general practitioner, Megan was told that her son was likely seeking attention or suffering from common viral infections. It was not until June 2025 that an X-ray revealed the true nature of Elliot’s condition, which is associated with severe bacterial infections affecting the spine.
Megan described her frustrations with the medical responses she received. “He’d walk and run funny, with his hips swinging and knees touching,” she recalled. After noticing significant weight loss and weakness in Elliot’s legs, Megan insisted on further examinations. The X-ray ultimately showed calcified lymph nodes in his lungs, confirming a diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Spinal tuberculosis is a rare form of the disease, particularly in developed countries, and is often linked to overcrowded living conditions of the past. The NHS notes that if left untreated, TB can lead to severe complications. Megan acknowledged the rarity of the condition, which may have contributed to the initial oversight. “It is a disease from very long ago,” she said, reflecting on how doctors may have underestimated the seriousness of Elliot’s symptoms.
Once diagnosed, Elliot required immediate medical intervention, including surgery and a rigorous course of antibiotics to control the infection. “It was a lot to process,” Megan stated, highlighting the emotional toll the diagnosis took on her family. Currently, Elliot is limited in his activities and is primarily recovering at home, as he cannot walk long distances.
Megan’s experience underscores the importance of listening to parental concerns in medical settings. “I do not blame his GP for any of this,” she noted, emphasizing the complexities involved in diagnosing such conditions in children. However, she wishes that her concerns had been taken more seriously during their earlier visits.
As Elliot continues his recovery, he faces the possibility of another surgery within the next six months if the mass on his spine does not sufficiently shrink. His story serves as a reminder for parents to advocate for their children’s health and to seek further opinions when they feel something is wrong.
Parents are encouraged to be vigilant and proactive in monitoring their children’s health. The NHS outlines key symptoms of tuberculosis, which can extend beyond respiratory issues to include swollen glands, body aches, and more. Anyone suspecting TB in themselves or their children should seek medical advice promptly to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
