Woman sues hospital for negligence after shocking discovery was made 35 years later

In 1989, Deborah Lowe, a Milwaukee resident, underwent an emergency C-section at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Milwaukee.

During the delivery, there were severe complications, which resulted in the death of her twins and required her to undergo a hysterectomy at 25 years old.^[]

Since then, Lowe says she experienced chronic abdominal pain, swelling, and unexplained gastrointestinal issues. Despite seeking medical attention repeatedly over the years, doctors constantly dismissed her symptoms.

That changed in April 2024, when a surgeon performing a colon procedure made a shocking discovery: The feeding tube from 35 years ago was still inside her body.^[]

Now, Lowe is suing the hospital for malpractice, alleging that medical negligence during her C-section and post-operative care led to decades of preventable suffering.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and health complications she endured for over three decades.

Her story, recently shared by @essenceofblackculture on Instagram, sheds light on more than just one case of medical error—it speaks to the broader issue of racial disparities in healthcare and the need for accountability.

Black women are already three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, according to the CDC.^[]

Lowe’s case adds to the growing body of evidence that Black women’s pain and symptoms are often overlooked, dismissed, or misdiagnosed.

Her lawsuit is more than a legal action—it’s a call for justice, a demand for better care, and a warning that the cost of inattention in medicine can linger for a lifetime.