I don't see any of the normal issues and your iMac otherwise appears to be operating just fine. I'm not sure if you got the Sandisk to use as your Time Machine backup. The reason I bring this up, is it appears you are not backing up the computer. If that is correct please being using Time Machine ASAP to safeguard your data. Operating any computer without a sound backup plan is shortsighted and a guarantee of losing data at some point. Please refer to Back up your Mac with Time Machine.
Another option is to return the Sandisk and get another one in exchange and test the new one. If it works that simply proves that you may have purchased a defective one. If the problem persists then it could be a compatibility issue. In that case you can try another solution.
If you want to persist with the Sandisk then I would recommend contacting AppleCare and Sandisk for support as I'm out of ideas.
I saw that you did not like the pricing for the first OWC solution I offered. Another is the:
OWC Mercury On-The-Go Pro: Get Maximum Storage Within Minimum Space (macsales.com) and a
5V 2.0Amp Barrel Style AC Power Adapter for OWC Mercury On-The-Go (macsales.com)
Finally as you are in the UK, you can use an OWC UK vendor. To locate one please use High-Performance Workflow Solutions - OWC Digital
You will need a USB adapter which you can find at Amazon for about $10.