A YORK grandfather has won compensation after the medicine he was prescribed by his GP left him fighting for his life.

Albert 'Fred' Thomas, 65, of Fred’s Bakery in South Bank, was rushed into surgery at York Hospital after experiencing acute pain in his stomach caused by a perforated ulcer.

His family was warned to expect the worst after he was taken in for emergency surgery.

Mr Thomas had taken the anti-inflammatory drug Naproxen for more than a year after it was prescribed by his GP to treat his osteoarthritis.

But he should also have been prescribed a medicine alongside this to prevent gastrointestinal problems.

“I was in tears with the pain, it was that bad,” said Mr Thomas. “I still can’t do what I used to, I’m frightened of putting anything on my stomach, which looks awful – I’ve got a very big scar.”

He won his medical claim against his GP after experts said that on the balance of probabilities, had Mr Thomas been prescribed a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to prevent gastrointestinal problems, he would not have suffered the perforated ulcer.

Mr Thomas, who lives in Holgate, is now warning other patients who are prescribed Naproxen to check they are also prescribed a PPI.

He said: “Since this happened to me I know several people on Naproxen who have gone back to their GPs to check they have been prescribed a PPI. I’ve had a terrible experience following the surgery and I’m glad the case is over but I really don’t want this to happen to anyone else.”

York-based Langleys Solicitors acted for Mr Thomas in his claim which was settled by his GP’s insurer following the incident in December 2012.

Andrew Cragg, of Langleys, said: “Mr Thomas was prescribed the maximum dose of Naproxen over a prolonged period and as a result, was at high risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events.

“This was a frightening experience, which Mr Thomas is still very much affected by. He would very much like to avoid such an experience happening to anyone else. Anyone with concerns over their medication should seek advice from their GP or treating medical practitioners.”

Mr Thomas owned Fred’s Bakery for 35 years but has now handed the business on to his sons, Andrew and Paul, and daughter, Kay.

He added: “I’ve had to slow down a lot since the operation and can’t do as much as I used to. The boys and Kay want to carry on with the bakery which is good and I will support them all I can.”