Hidden condition affecting a quarter of people behind 25-year-old's stroke in work meeting

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

When Holly McComish began taking the combined contraceptive pill in the summer of 2021, she didn't know much about it. She was in a serious relationship at the time, and when she spoke to friends and scanned the internet for advice, it seemed like the best option for her at the time.

As doctors still weren't seeing patients face-to-face, due to coronavirus restrictions, Holly was given a telephone appointment with her local GP surgery. READ MORE: The Greater Manchester postcode lottery that could mean you live longer The then 25-year-old claims she wasn't asked about her medical history, and that her height, weight and blood pressure wasn't checked.

Holly says her doctor told her about a risk that the pill could cause her to feel anxious or depressed, but says she wasn't warned of any other serious side effects.

The theatre producer had been taking the pill without any issue for around two months when on October 29, she recalled beginning to feel strange whilst pitching an idea at work. "I remember my vision going and not being able to hear," Holly said. "I was thinking this is a bit odd and I tried to have a drink of water but the water just fell out of my mouth. "I was still present but I couldn't speak.