A man is calling for lessons to be learned after having to have his leg amputated more than five years after medics failed to refer him for further tests. Len Bruno, 71, was referred to Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend after he visited a GP complaining of pain in his right big toe and that his right foot was turning black.
He had an aneurysm behind both knee joints but was told by doctors that he probably had a small clot in his right leg that had resolved itself. Over the coming years, however, Len, of Aberavon, Port Talbot, developed pain, including cramps, in his left leg. The dad-of-one and granddad-of-four was referred by a GP to hospital for further tests. These confirmed he had aneurysms measuring 3.6cm and 3.4cm behind his left and right knees respectively, which were restricting blood flow.
A treatment plan was due to be drawn up. But, Len, a former steeplejack, continued to experience pain. Around two months after the aneurysms were confirmed he went to hospital again, only to receive the devastating news from surgeons that his left leg was unsalvageable because of reduced blood flow. You can get more Bridgend and Port Talbot news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
He required an above the knee amputation of his left leg, followed by surgery to repair the right aneurysm. Len spent more than three months in hospital and, following his ordeal, he got expert medical negligence lawyers to investigate his care under Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, which runs Princess of Wales Hospital.
The Board admitted liability, and that a knee aneurysm should have been considered during Len’s initial appointment five years before they were diagnosed. If so, Len would have had further tests and would have been offered treatment which would have avoided his amputation. Irwin Mitchell said it had secured an interim payment to help fund Len’s ongoing care and rehabilitation needs.
The legal experts and the health board are now working towards a final settlement which will aim to ensure Len has access to the lifetime support he requires. And he has now joined his legal team at Irwin Mitchell in supporting Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month to speak for the first time about the impact of his injuries and determination to regain more of his independence.
The health board said today it apologised to Len and his family for what he had been through and the challenges he now faced.
Len was referred to Princess of Wales Hospital in July, 2012. After an appointment the following month he was discharged from the health board’s care. But, he continued to experience pain and discomfort. He started experiencing pain and cramp in March, 2017, after a few minutes of walking. He was again referred to hospital.
He was seen by the vascular team that September, and aneurysms behind his knees were confirmed in November, 2017, with a treatment plan due to be drawn up. Len continued to suffer with pain and swelling in his left calf. He attended hospital twice more and on the second visit in February, 2018, he was admitted. Doctors amputated his left leg on February 5 and Len underwent surgery on his right knee aneurysm 11 days later.
He was discharged from hospital on May 24, 2018. Before his amputation, Len said he enjoyed running on the beach and would go to the gym several times a week. He said he enjoyed walking and taking photographs.
Now he has a prosthetic leg fitted that is not specifically designed for his body so struggles to walk long distances or on uneven ground.
As part of his recovery, Irwin Mitchell has appointed a support and rehabilitation co-ordinator to help Len access ongoing therapies as well as support from charities and other organisations. He has started attending sessions with Port Talbot-based walking Marauders Men’s Health which Len said had improved his mental health by having people he could talk to.
He is also due to undergo private assessment for a specially designed prosthesis which will help him get back running, walking further and taking photos.
Len said: “Before all this I was extremely active. I’d always be out and about. I’d walk for hours, loved running and going to the gym. However, all that changed. I knew something wasn’t right but when I visited hospital the doctors never gave me the impression there was anything to be worried about. I had no reason to dispute what they were saying.
“It was only in 2017 that things started to develop. Despite this, nothing prepared me for the news that my leg would have to be amputated. Following surgery there was a lot of time when I was by myself when it was difficult not to think about what had happened and how my life was never going to be the same.
“Coming to terms with this while having concerns about my care was difficult and there were some hard times. Once back home I was initially faced with a situation I didn’t know how to deal with. I wanted to join a support group but I couldn’t find any and struggled to know what to do.
Len added: “I’ll always be upset by what’s happened to me and how it shouldn’t have happened but I can’t turn the clock back. My focus is now on looking to the future. My family have been amazing and done so much for me to help the best they can but the specialist support team I now have round me have been unbelievable.
“They’ve put me in touch with the walking club. While I still struggle and can’t walk far or on uneven ground, getting out and about once more has really helped both physically and mentally. I’m now setting myself goals and ambitions. I know I have a long way to go but being able to get prostheses personally designed for me will mean so much. It will mean I can start trying to run again, get out more and regain more of my old life.
“I just hope that by speaking out, others in a similar situation don’t feel they have to go through it alone. There’s a lot of support out there.”
Elise Burvill, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Cardiff office representing Len, said: “The last few years and coming to terms with the avoidable and life-changing consequences of Len’s care have understandably been extremely difficult for him and his family. What happened to Len vividly highlights the repercussions of what can happen when patient care falls below expected standards.
“While nothing can make up for what’s happened, we welcome the health board’s admission. We’re pleased to have secured Len vital funds that will help with his ongoing care and rehabilitation to regain more of his independence as soon as possible.
“Len hopes that by sharing his story he can help improve patient care. It’s vital that lessons are learned so others don’t have to endure what he has. We join Len in supporting Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, an important campaign to highlight not only how people can be affected by such issues but also recognise help and support is available.”
A spokesperson for Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB said: “We have extended our sincere apologies to Mr Bruno and his family, and we do not underestimate the life changing challenges he now faces as a result of his late diagnosis."
Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Months runs throughout April and aims to highlight the impact of such conditions and how those affected are rebuilding their independence. The charity, Steel Bones, supports amputees and their families. For more information visit www.steelbone.co.uk
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