Mr K - Healthy Lifestyles
Mr K is 60, and used to work as a builder. He contracted numerous joint problems in his knees, hips and one shoulder, which lead to chronic fatigue and severe weakness. He underwent several surgical operations without much improvement. However the operations did unfortunately result in further complexities in his health, because he developed a bad reaction to the painkillers; his mobility was impaired due to a severe pain, which consequently progressed to muscle wasting, weight gain and more problems.
Mr K was referred to the Healthy Lifestyles programme by his GP in November 2006, and after 2 weeks he started to demonstrate a remarkable improvement. He responded well to the physical management plan, his exercise tolerance has increased; he lost some weight with a healthier eating plan, and his depression was alleviated.
On-going access to the activity enables him to continue progressing, which helps him to take better control of his symptoms and reduce the need for extensive medical treatment. His GP said that he has only visited the practice only once since the referral, to confirm his progress.
Being in control of his symptoms gave him satisfaction and confidence to pursue more activities, which enabled him to put his experiences into a new perspective and achieve a better quality of living.
Case study prepared by Krys Giaro, the Healthy Lifestyles tutor in December 2007.
Healthy Lifestyles' work with elders is generously supported by the City Bridge Trust
