Sian Irving, 29, from Paignton, Devon, claims doctors in Sharm El Sheikh removed her appendix unnecessarily after she fell ill with severe stomach pain, vomiting, and a temperature of 41 degrees Celsius during a holiday in Egypt. The mother of two says UK doctors later determined her illness was likely food poisoning, not appendicitis, and she now suffers from colitis, a chronic inflammatory condition of the large intestine.
Holiday turned nightmare
Irving traveled to Sharm El Sheikh with her partner Jack Jackson, 29, between September 19 and September 26, 2025, for a 10-day break costing £2,000. Halfway through the trip, she developed intense abdominal pain. "The pain was unbelievable. It felt like my insides were being stabbed and ripped apart at the same time," she said. She was admitted to Sharm El Sheikh International Hospital, where scans initially showed nothing. Doctors first suspected gas, then diagnosed appendicitis and performed surgery.
After the operation, Irving's symptoms persisted. "At one point, I was told I could die if my condition didn't improve. After the surgery, I still had the same symptoms," she said. She spent four to five days in the Egyptian hospital before being allowed to fly home on October 5, six days after her scheduled return.
Return to UK and diagnosis
Upon landing in Britain, Irving was admitted to Exeter Hospital on October 5, where she stayed for five nights. UK doctors diagnosed her with colitis and treated her with intravenous antibiotics and steroids. They concluded that her appendix removal was unnecessary and that her illness was most likely caused by food poisoning. Irving said, "I'd never even heard of colitis before. It affects your large intestine and causes inflammation."
The condition has dramatically altered her life. She can no longer tolerate dairy or gluten, and has experienced significant weight loss, dropping from a size 10 to a size six. "If I eat certain foods, I can end up looking nine months pregnant because of the bloating. Even things like egg on toast can make me sick," she said.
Ongoing impact
Irving says the ordeal has left her with permanent scarring and ongoing pain. "I still have the scar and I still have the condition. I never imagined to have all of this. It's nearly a year later, and I'm still dealing with it every single day," she said. The fatigue has been debilitating, and she struggled to care for her children during the worst stages. "There was a point where I couldn't even pick my kids up," she added.
Sharm El Sheik International Hospital has not responded to a request for comment. Irving's experience highlights the risks of misdiagnosis abroad and the lasting consequences for patients.
