01/05/2026
Reflect. Appreciate. Keep going. đź’™
We are so quick to forget how far we have come always striving for the next thing rather than reflecting on where we started.
Last night reminded me to do exactly that.
SADS UK support people and families living with inherited cardiac conditions last night they hosted a fantastic patient evening at Basildon Cardiothoracic Centre. Patients of all ages, cardiologists, nurses and clinical specialists all there because these conditions matter and people deserve support and most importantly hope.
I attended as part of the Cardiac Rehab Team alongside Dave, our lead clinical physiotherapist and my boss, who delivered an great presentation - his knowledge and working within this team has pushed every area of my work.
Then I was asked to share my journey.
My own personal experience not representative of my NHS clinical role.
20+ years in fitness. A HOCM diagnosis (an inherited condition where the heart muscle thickens, affecting how the heart functions). Blackouts. An ICD implanted. No driving licence. No contact sport. Slowing everything when my identity was built around pushing harder.
I think last night I spoke openly for the first time about the psychological impact being seen in tears and close to breaking point by my cardiac team. The feeling that seems almost selfish not lifting the heaviest weight or running to your true capabilities. Learning to work with HOCM rather than against it and acceptance has been the most important part of my journey.
That shift in mindset alongside being referred to the Inherited Cardiac Conditions team and starting mavacamten, a relatively new drug changed alot.
Still receiving treatment from the same building I work in, part of a cardiac rehab team I am proud of and learn from every day, alongside a full private client list.
If this helps even one person move forward that's more than enough. đź’™
Check out the incredible work are doing last night was a reminder of just how vital that support is.