"Cardiac Rehab has inspired me"

Was it the heart attack or was it cardiac rehab which changed my life?

I am sitting typing this 4 1/2 months after having a heart attack and a stent inserted in my artery.

In early January I attended Banchory cardiac rehab for the first time. Ann and Brenda were very welcoming, but I couldn't help wondering what I had done to find myself in this situation:

I was overweight, but not obese

I had passed a full medical two weeks before my heart attack

I was a moderate drinker, but seldom abused alcohol

I had a good, relatively healthy diet

I walked the dogs at the weekend and was more active than most people I know

My job had been stressful, but I had been through tougher periods in my life

My head kept saying "Why me? "

When I entered the first cardiac rehab class, my confidence was at an all time low, I was confused, but most of all I did not know which direction my life was taking. Slowly, I became fitter, I gained an understanding of what happened to me and I used the time away from work to reset my goals and priorities. My main goal at the age of 53 is to stay alive. My main weapon to achieve this is to exercise regularly. I could not do what I do now without the help from Brenda and Ann retrain me on the importance of exercise. I started walking and now run/walk 2-10 km most days. I have not changed my diet, but have lost 10 kilos that I needed to lose.

The patience, understanding and motivational skills of the cardiac rehab team in Banchory with so few resources still inspires me.

Thank you Brenda and Ann.......I am alive.....