A young father died of a brain tumor that doctors mistakenly diagnosed as appendicitis, his heartbroken family has claimed.
Joshua Warner, 25, from south-east London, went to hospital in June after suffering headaches and feeling unwell for two weeks.
Doctors performed a CT scan on the carpenter and determined that he had appendicitis, before undergoing surgery to remove his organs.
As he was still unwell, further tests revealed that he had brain abnormalities. However, this was reportedly ignored as a computer error.
It was only a few weeks after he collapsed and was taken to the hospital that a brain tumor was confirmed. He died 12 days later.
Warner’s family described him as a “kind-hearted” and “amazing father” and said they were sharing his story in the hopes that others would not go through the same experience.
Joshua Warner and son Andrew, from Crayford, south-east London
Doctors performed a CT scan on him and told him he had appendicitis and underwent surgery to remove the organ.
Mr Warner visited Darent Valley Hospital in late June to undergo surgery for appendicitis, a painful swelling of the appendix.
However, a few hours after returning home, he still felt unwell and was readmitted to the hospital.
His mother Eve Pateman, from Bexleyheath, said when she met the medical team the next day they told her there was “nothing wrong” with her appendix.
Another scan revealed abnormalities in his brain. But his family said doctors said it was a computer error and discharged him.
Trips to and from A&E at Darent Valley Hospital ensued, and Mr Warner was repeatedly turned away.
But just a few weeks later, he collapsed. He went to his grandparents’ bathroom and was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich for another CT scan.
The results matched previous scans, and within 24 hours Warner was told he had a large brain tumor that had spread from the right side of his brain to his back and brainstem.
He was transferred to the oncology ward.
He underwent a biopsy on September 5th and was diagnosed with midline glioma, a highly malignant brain tumor.
Grade 4 tumors (cancerous tumors that often recur after treatment) grow quickly, are more likely to spread, and are difficult to remove by surgery.
Headaches, nausea, and fatigue are the main symptoms, along with problems with walking, coordination, and balance, and weakness in the arms and legs.
On average, patients survive 8 to 11 months after diagnosis.
Warner’s family was given three months to live, but he died just 12 days later at Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice.
His mother said, “He wanted to share his story because he didn’t want others to believe.” He wanted to highlight the symptoms of a brain tumor. ”
She said: “Josh was fun and loved making people laugh.
“He was a mischievous person, and he had a beautiful soul and a really kind heart. I think that’s why most people liked him.” He touched people’s hearts.
“He was a great father, brother and great son. He was just a great person.
“I can’t tell you how brave he was through all of this because he was so brave. He never moaned. I think if it were me I would feel sorry for myself, but he never did that.” I didn’t.”
The self-employed carpenter was still unwell, and further tests revealed he had brain abnormalities.But this was ignored as a computer error
It was only a few weeks after he collapsed and was taken to the hospital that a brain tumor was confirmed.he died 12 days later
His family (father David Warner and mother Eve Pateman, pictured) said Mr Warner was an “amazing father” and “amazing person” and told his story in the hope that others would not go through the same experience. said that they share
Pateman added: “He didn’t want anyone else to go through what he went through.” We immediately started working on brain tumor research. Even in the most difficult times, he just wanted to give. ”
The coroner told Pateman a report was being sent to the coroner’s office.
“There is no question as to the cause of his death, but it was due to medical treatment and to see if there was a missed opportunity,” Pateman said.
The fundraising page has raised nearly £20,000 for Warner’s treatment, which will now be donated to a fund for his four-year-old son Andrew.
“We’ve had so much support from the community and families. People have been incredibly generous. I’ve just been overwhelmed by the generosity of businesses and people,” Pateman said.
“It was Joshua’s wish that the funds raised be donated to a trust fund for his son. It is a truly beautiful legacy that he left behind.
“He loved his son so much. It was heartbreaking to see Andrew ask where his father was.”
When he was diagnosed, his family felt let down by Darent Valley Hospital and had just lodged a complaint about his treatment.
A spokesperson for Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust told MailOnline: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Mr Warner’s tragic death and extend our deepest sympathies to his family.”
“After learning of Mr Warner’s experience at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, we took immediate steps to understand what happened to address these concerns. We are committed to providing quality care to all of our patients and learning from incidents like this.”