Ken's Story
No looking back, I'm on the right track
After a heart attack, Ken knew it was time to take action. Now he’s in the gym nearly every day, rebuilding his strength, regaining his confidence, and making the most of his second chance.
"After a workout I feel wonderful, it’s made me want to live my life to the fullest again."
Ken was enjoying a relaxing camping holiday with his family, when in the middle of the night he felt a strong pain in his chest. Ken suspected he was having a heart attack, which was later confirmed by paramedics. 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 which involved visiting clients around the country, and he struggled to find time to be active, other than 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 struggled to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
How Ken moves more
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 forthcoming weeks and months.
Shortly after discharge from the hospital the Cardiac Rehab Team also gave Ken the opportunity to join a 12-week programme run by his local leisure centre. 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 to be just as important as medical appointments and said that he appreciated how they provided structure to his day.
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, increasing his hours on a gradual basis. He credits his employer for their unwavering support and allowing him to work flexibly which enables him to attend the specialist physical activity sessions which sometimes clash with his working hours.
Ken has since become a member of the gym and attends regularly. In addition, he now walks his dogs 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.
How Ken feels now
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 has 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 that to go to waste!
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!