In 2020, Len Turner, a fit and healthy Aussie bloke, faced a life-altering moment just before going on holiday. He became one of the 56,000 people across the country to experience a heart event. This unexpected turn of events plunged him into a challenging journey towards recovery.
Len’s journey began with a seemingly innocuous incident – leaning against a tree and struggling to breathe while rushing to catch a ferry. He initially brushed it off, attributing it to becoming unfit due to inactivity because of the pandemic. However, when the same sensation struck again during a waterfall adventure in far north Queensland, Len knew something was seriously wrong. He called his doctor who told him, “Get your bum to the emergency department”.
After undergoing a battery of tests, Len received the sobering news that he needed triple bypass surgery. This procedure is not uncommon in Australia, with 17,000 people undergoing bypass surgery each year. However, the path to recovery is unique for everyone, and for Len, it proved to be a demanding and transformative experience.
With his diagnosis, Len found incredible support in the Heart Foundation’s ‘MyHeart MyLife’ Facebook community, which is an online peer support group intended to connect people living with a heart condition and their loved ones and carers. It became a crucial lifeline for Len as he navigated the complexities of his heart condition.
Len’s journey is a reminder that heart health is a priority for people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’ve experienced a heart event or received a diagnosis, seeking support and staying informed can make all the difference in your recovery and overall well-being. The ‘My Heart, My Life’ community is a valuable resource for those on this journey, offering a platform for shared experiences, advice, and encouragement.
