NO LOOKING BACK, I’M ON THE RIGHT TRACK.

by Colne Life magazine

After a heart attack, Ken knew it was time to take action. Now he’s in the gym regularly, rebuilding his strength, regaining his confidence, and making the most of his second chance.

Ken was enjoying a relaxing camping holiday with his family when, in the middle of the night, he felt a severe pain in his chest. Ken suspected he was having a heart attack, which paramedics later confirmed. He was then treated in hospital by having two stents fitted, and after a short stay, he was able to go home.

Prior to his heart attack, Ken had a demanding career that involved visiting clients around the country, and he struggled to find time to be active, aside from walking his three dogs. In the early days of his recovery, Ken found that his ability to walk had reduced dramatically, which impacted his daily dog walking, his work suddenly stopped, and he wasn’t able to drive – he felt like he’d lost his independence. He recalls feeling lethargic and weak and struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Ken’s local Cardiac Rehabilitation Team contacted him and initially offered him a copy of a heart failure and exercise resource. Ken read this cover-to-cover and used it to log and monitor his progress over the coming weeks and months. Shortly after discharge from the hospital, the Cardiac Rehab Team also invited Ken to join a 12-week programme run by Burnley Leisure and Culture. They offered him a choice of weekly gym and circuit classes, and throughout the full 12 weeks, he never missed a session! Ken regarded the sessions as just as important as medical appointments and said he appreciated how they provided structure to his day.

Ken walking the dog

Ken remarks that after just a few weeks, he felt so much stronger, both physically and mentally. “After a workout, I feel wonderful, it’s made me want to live my life to the fullest again”. Three and a half months later, Ken was able to return to work, gradually increasing his hours. He credits his employer for its unwavering support and for allowing him to work flexibly, which enables him to attend specialist physical activity sessions that sometimes clash with his working hours.

Ken has the mindset that he’s been given a second chance at life and doesn’t want to waste it!

Ken has since become a gym member and attends regularly. In addition, he now walks his dogs along the canal for an hour a day, never forgetting to carry his GTN spray with him in case he experiences any symptoms. He shares that he is embracing every opportunity to improve his health through movement and is thoroughly enjoying it.

Ken says his friends, family and colleagues have commented on the positive impact that moving more has had on his life. His fitness, strength and walking speed have improved, he no longer gets short of breath, and he’s lost weight. Ken has the mindset that he’s been given a second chance at life and doesn’t want to waste it! As his confidence has grown, he has pushed himself more. His goal is to build the confidence to start running in the great outdoors, and he’s set himself a long-term goal of participating in the Great North Run!