"Heart attack and rehab"

Almost 30 years on from bypass surgery - caused by what would appear to be a hereditary disorder (I never(!) touched cigarettes!) - I suffered a mild heart attack in October 2024. The incident was seemingly inevitable, because an angiogram revealed that the original grafts had almost dissolved. This led to stays in a series of hospitals and first hand experience of the best and the not so impressive sides of the NHS. But I prefer not to dwell on the many negative aspects of my story.

After the angiogram, two stents were fitted and, after some delay and differing opinions, a pacemaker. My recovery was helped by the team (Kirsty, Sara and Graham) at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre at Ayrshire Central Hospital. I went through two separate sessions at rehab. The first was after the stents.

The first session ended dramatically when the rehab team thought I was close to death! Apparently my heart rate plunged to subterranean levels and it looked as though I was in a coma. The team arranged for my return to hospital, where eventually a pacemaker was installed.

The second session in Cardiac Rehab began hesitantly on my part, but the diligence of the team was superb. Their attention to the detail of my case resulted in what I believe to have been some significant changes in my medications.

My confidence was also boosted by the exemplary approach of Kirsty, Sara and Graham, who guided me back to a better place, both physically and psychologically. I was undoubtedly a pain in the you know what, but these excellent people were so kind and helpful. I give them, and those folk at the sharp end of my series of treatments in various hospitals, my grateful thanks.