A British mother of two has alleged that her appendix was mistakenly removed after she fell ill while on holiday in Egypt. Sian Irving, 29, from Paignton, Devon, travelled to Sharm El Sheikh with her partner Jack Jackson, 29, in September 2025 for a 10-day break costing £2,000 to celebrate his birthday.
Sudden onset of severe symptoms
Halfway through the trip, Irving developed intense stomach pain, vomiting and a temperature of 41 degrees Celsius. She described the pain as “unbelievable,” saying it felt “like my insides were being stabbed and ripped apart at the same time.” She was admitted to Sharm El Sheikh International Hospital.
Doctors initially suspected appendicitis and performed surgery to remove her appendix. Irving spent four to five days in hospital before being allowed to fly home. She said: “At one point, I was told I could die if my condition didn’t improve. After the surgery, I still had the same symptoms.”
UK diagnosis contradicts Egyptian treatment
Upon returning to the UK on October 5 – six days later than planned – Irving was admitted to Exeter Hospital for five nights. She claims UK doctors told her she did not need her appendix removed and that her illness was most likely caused by food poisoning. She was diagnosed with colitis, a condition causing inflammation of the large intestine.
Irving said: “They did scans and said they couldn’t really see anything. At first they thought it might be gas and then they told me it was appendicitis.” She received intravenous antibiotics and steroids for the colitis.
Long-term impact on health and confidence
Irving now says she lives with ongoing colitis and struggles to eat many everyday foods such as chocolate. “I can’t believe they took my appendix out, it’s left me in constant pain and also I hate my stomach now – I have no confidence anymore,” she said.
Nearly a year later, she continues to deal with the consequences daily. “It’s nearly a year later, and I’m still dealing with it every single day,” she added.
Sharm El Sheikh International Hospital did not respond to a request for comment.
