A mum’s dream trip to Cyprus turned into a holiday from hell when she became paralysed while washing her hair in the shower. Caroline Burson, 53, was left paralysed by what doctors later diagnosed as a spinal stroke, not sunstroke as initially thought. The incident occurred during her week-long holiday in Paphos in June last year. Caroline suddenly lost feeling in her left arm while showering. Concern heightened when she started to lose feeling in her right arm too. By the time a taxi arrived to take her to the hospital, Caroline was completely paralysed from the neck down.
Doctors in Cyprus initially attributed her symptoms to severe sunstroke, assuring her she would feel better by morning. However, when there was no improvement, Caroline’s partner, Richard, began arrangements to repatriate her to the UK. She was flown to University Hospital Southampton, where it was revealed she had suffered a spinal cord stroke. This dangerous condition occurs when blood flow to the spine is disrupted, often due to a blood clot or bleed.
Despite being told she may never walk again, Caroline defied the odds and took her first steps after seven months of intense rehabilitation at a spinal centre in Salisbury. She was determined to regain her mobility, focusing on her recovery goals. In February, Caroline walked out of the clinic and returned home.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Caroline expressed gratitude for her recovery and the closure of a heart defect that contributed to her stroke. Her resilience and determination to overcome the challenges she faced serve as an inspiration. Caroline’s journey from holiday paralysis to walking again showcases her strength and perseverance in the face of adversity.