EXCLUSIVE: Stroke sufferer Paige desires to spotlight the situation which may initially be misdiagnosed earlier than signs worsen.
Paige Carr, 26, from the Wirral, earlier than her stroke (Picture: Stroke Affiliation)
A mum-of-three misdiagnosed with sinusitis when having a stroke simply two weeks after giving delivery has revealed she remains to be struggling to even maintain her new child child. Paige Carr, 26, from the Wirral, Merseyside, felt unwell, dizzy and unsteady in August 2025 however was reassured by medical doctors it was seemingly only a sinus an infection and despatched away with antibiotics.
Fortunately – as her situation worsened – a stroke nurse insisted on a CT scan which revealed a clot on her lung and others on her mind, sparking fast blood-thinning injections and admission to a stroke ward. Now 9 months later Paige remains to be struggling to do fundamental duties like holding her child or cooking – telling us her story to assist the Stroke Affiliation’s ‘Make Could Purple’ marketing campaign.
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In 2023 your Categorical launched our ‘Let Stroke Sufferers Thrive’ marketing campaign, for higher aftercare and entry to miracle process thrombectomy – a process to speedily take away the clot so some sufferers can return house that very same day.
Within the UK 240 folks on daily basis are struck down by life-changing strokes and it has been the third main reason behind demise for UK girls, with practically half of their strokes occurring after the age of 80.
Paige defined the principle symptom that alerted her that one thing was unsuitable along with her physique was when she felt unsteady on her toes – however medical doctors advised her she seemingly had an an infection and at first prescribed antibiotics for sinusitis.
She stated: “I bought into the bathe hoping it could make me really feel higher, however abruptly my proper arm went numb. We referred to as an ambulance, however the paramedics didn’t suppose I used to be having a stroke.
“We made our personal technique to hospital and within the A&E automotive park my proper leg felt heavy and was dragging behind me.”
Fortunately, a stroke nurse insisted that Paige get a CT scan, regardless of displaying no ‘typical’ stroke signs.
Scans revealed that Paige had a clot on her lung and clots on each side of her mind that has prompted the stroke. She was instantly began on blood-thinning injections and admitted to the stroke ward.
Much more stunning was the truth that Paige had solely simply given delivery to her daughter, Isla, whereas she already had two very younger youngsters in Lucas, three, and Jessica, 11 months.
Paige stated: “Being 26 years previous, with a two-week-old child, and abruptly discovering myself on a stroke ward felt inconceivable to understand – I couldn’t consider it.”
Regardless of being allowed house after 4 days in hospital, Paige’s restoration hasn’t been simple.
Whereas most her motion returned, she has ongoing imaginative and prescient issues and finally needed to have a lumbar puncture to take away the stress round her eyes. Sadly, this happened on her daughter, Jessica’s 1st birthday too.
Paige has additionally had ongoing issues which have made it significantly tough as a brand new mom once more.
Paige with associate Jon and youngsters Lucas, three, Jessica, one, and child Isla (Picture: Stroke Affiliation)
She added: “I’ve weak point in each arms attributable to scarring on my mind.
“I’m at present awaiting neuro physiotherapy to assist enhance this, as on a regular basis duties like holding my child or cooking meals are nonetheless tough.
“Fatigue is one other ongoing symptom for me – some days are manageable however different days I really feel fully exhausted.”
Whereas the emotional affect of her stroke has additionally been extremely tough to navigate particularly as a brand new mum.
She continued: “The primary few months after my stroke felt like I used to be dwelling in a nightmare.
“I couldn’t cease pondering, ‘How has this occurred to me at 26?’ Earlier than my stroke, I by no means imagined somebody my age. particularly simply after having a child might have one.
“I felt like a part of my life had been taken away from me. I missed Lucas’ first day at preschool, Jessica’s first birthday, and the primary few months of Isla’s life.
“I feel I’m nonetheless grieving the reminiscences and experiences I missed throughout these months. However over time, I’m slowly beginning to come to phrases with it.”
Since her stroke, Paige has needed to take management of her personal well being and began going to the gymnasium and working. It was this newfound way of life and expertise of stroke that has made her need to be a part of the charity’s Make Could Purple marketing campaign.
Paige had a CT scan that discovered the clots (Picture: Getty)
Paige stated: “In January 2026, I made a decision to make some constructive adjustments and began going to the gymnasium and taking on working by means of Sofa to 5K.
“With assist from my pals, I started actually having fun with train and began feeling stronger each bodily and mentally.
“After I appeared on the Stroke Affiliation web site, I realised Could was Stroke Consciousness Month and found the Make Could Purple marketing campaign. It truthfully felt like every thing had aligned completely.
“With the assistance of my household and pals Jen and Sarah, who’re additionally working the 5K with me, we’ve already raised a major amount of cash and are hoping to lift much more earlier than race day.”
The charity’s Make Could Purple marketing campaign takes place throughout Stroke Consciousness Month and challenges supporters to do one thing daring, vibrant and significant, to assist the 1.4 million folks affected by stroke within the UK.
Jen Gardner, affiliate director for the North West on the Stroke Affiliation, stated: “Whether or not it’s baking, biking or bingo this Could, you are able to do something to lift consciousness and very important funds – simply don’t neglect to put on your purple with delight.
“Day-after-day all through Could, one other 240 folks will get up to the life-changing affect of a stroke. It’s a traumatic, life-changing occasion that robs survivors and their households of the life they knew.
“When that occurs, we’re right here with stroke assist for each survivor and their family members, for nevertheless lengthy it takes.
“However we will solely try this with the beneficiant assist of individuals like Paige. We’re all wishing her one of the best for her problem and ongoing restoration.”
The funds raised by means of Make Could Purple will assist stroke survivors to search out energy by means of the Stroke Affiliation’s specialist companies, and fund pioneering stroke analysis that may enhance prevention, remedy and care.
And the way is Paige feeling now?
“Though I nonetheless have an extended highway forward by way of restoration, I really feel extremely grateful for the way far I’ve come already. I’m making an attempt to take every day because it comes and deal with being one of the best mum and associate, I may be for my household.”
This Stroke Consciousness Month, assist Make Could Purple to lift consciousness and fund very important assist for all folks affected by stroke. To search out out extra, go to www.stroke.org.uk/mmp
You can too nonetheless sponsor Paige by visiting – https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paige1773756919835
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