38-Year-Old Mom Discovers She’s Had Brain Tumor for 15 Years After Doctors Dismissed Her Headaches as Postpartum Anxiety

**Wales Mother’s Journey of Misdiagnoses Leads to Brain Tumour Discovery**

In a distressing account of a healthcare oversight, Jodie Boulton, a 38-year-old mother from Wales, discovered she had a brain tumour after living with untreated symptoms for six years. Initially, her recurring headaches were attributed to postpartum anxiety, a common concern for new mothers. However, the reality was far more serious than she had ever anticipated.

Boulton gave birth to her son, Cooper, in 2020, and shortly after, began experiencing persistent headaches. Despite her pleas for further investigation, her concerns were repeatedly dismissed by her doctor, who insisted that anxiety was the cause. Recalling her experience, Boulton shared, “I went back and forth to my GP numerous times over six years, and it was repeatedly put down to anxiety after having a baby. I trusted that explanation, but deep down I knew something wasn’t right.”

It was only in March 2025, following a referral to another doctor prompted by the cessation of her menstrual periods, that Boulton underwent an MRI scan. The results were alarming; a mass described as “as big as a satsuma” had formed in her pituitary gland. The diagnosis confirmed her fears: she had been living with a low-grade meningioma, a type of brain tumour, for many years. “When I was finally told there was a mass, I felt angry and relieved at the same time,” she recounted. “Angry that I had suffered for six years without answers, but relieved that I finally knew the cause and hoped something could be done.”

Medical professionals at the University Hospital Cardiff informed Boulton that the tumour had likely been present for 15 to 20 years. Its effects on her hormones were blamed for her menstrual cycle issues, leaving her health in a precarious state. As her condition progressed, she began experiencing further symptoms, including balance problems and double vision.

In June 2025, Boulton underwent a significant surgical procedure that lasted 12 hours, during which 85% of the tumour was successfully removed. However, 15% remains entwined with her optic nerve and could not be excised. Thankfully, the removed tumour was confirmed to be low-grade, which is a promising indication of its non-cancerous nature.

Meningiomas are noted for being the most prevalent type of brain tumour in adults, accounting for approximately 30-37% of all cases within adult central nervous system tumours. They develop in the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Following her surgery, Boulton was advised that radiotherapy might be necessary to address the residual tumour.

Unfortunately, complications soon arose. Ten days after her operation, Boulton encountered a severe infection at the surgical site, requiring immediate medical attention. “My wound started oozing…I raised my concerns during a follow-up call with my consultant, and was invited back to Cardiff to be checked,” she explained. Upon inspection, her consultant expressed shock at the state of her wound, which had been inadequately dressed and showed clear signs of infection.

Duress escalated when Boulton had to undergo emergency surgery to address the infection that had infiltrated her skull. Following this harrowing experience, she is currently recovering and awaits the installation of a titanium plate to help restore her skull.

Boulton’s ordeal has drastically altered her life and well-being. “I have to wear a hard hat everywhere I go to protect my skull,” she lamented. The necessary precautions have complicated her daily life, especially as a mother of a six-year-old child. “I can’t work because of the health and safety risks, and I feel like I’ve lost my independence,” she added, revealing the profound impact of her medical journey on her personal identity.

Reflecting on her experience, Boulton expressed frustration regarding the accountability of her initial misdiagnosis. “I feel angry that if the wound had been treated properly, my life might already be back to normal,” she concluded.

Her story underscores the importance of thorough examinations and listening to patients when they express concerns about their health. As Boulton continues her recovery, she exemplifies the resilience required to navigate the uncertainties of a serious medical condition, igniting discussions about awareness and advocacy regarding brain tumours and proper medical care.