HEARTENING AND UNEXPECTED IMPROVEMENT

In April 2008, I was admitted to hospital, where I was told I was suffering from Chronic Cardiac Failure and had I not sought medical help I would, most likely, not have survived the next 48 hours. My condition was stabilised but I was told I would have to take the drugs for the rest of my life and learn to ‘know my limitations’.

I felt that this was a small price to pay for a reasonable return to health, although there were restrictions on what I could do.  I suffered from numbness in my hands and fingers and this stopped me from writing for more than a few minutes, or using the computer. Sewing had been a great hobby with me and I could no longer hold the needle.

I continued to be monitored by the cardiologist and my heart condition remained unchanged.  I had been warned that there would not be any improvement.

In 2010, I read about H.O.P.S. in the Sunderland Echo and booked a Shiatsu massage. It was then I learned of the Tai Chi classes.  My husband, Peter, had done karate and kendo in the past and I thought he might be interested. He persuaded me to go along with him and we found we both enjoyed it.  We later joined the new Chi Kung class too.

On my next visit to the cardio team, I had my usual scan and the doctor asked me what I had been doing differently since my last visit.  The only thing was Tai Chi and Chi Kung.  He smiled and said I should continue as my heart function had IMPROVED and this was totally unexpected.   The Cardio team were so pleased with my progress, that they have discharged me into the care of my GP. This again is apparently unusual for my condition

I  have followed his advice and although I still continue to take the drugs, I feel well and the numbness in my hands and fingers has all but disappeared and my breathlessness is very much reduced, so much so that I rarely need my inhaler. We have both noticed that we rarely have a cold and if we do it does not seem to last so long.

Another unexpected development is that I have recently been discharged by the endocrinologist who had been monitoring a small lesion on the right adrenal gland.  He encouraged me to “Live long and prosper.” This I am very happy to do!”

Both Peter and I hope to continue with the classes well into the future and wish H.O.P.S. every success.”

Valerie Holt

LEARNING TO TAKE CARE OF ONESELF

“Attending Chi Kung has been life-changing for me and I would highly recommend the classes. Dominic is a gifted teacher who is passionate about his work and he is a great role model for self care. I have found Chi Kung invaluable to help to avoid becoming overwhelmed, especially when taking care of others.  I wish everyone could understand just how helpful it is for healing and that many more people in helping professions could learn this way to take better care of themselves. “

Tania Davies, UKCP registered and BACP accredited psychotherapist and counsellor