Dialysis patient shed 12st

Jun 26 2008 by Alastair McNeill

A LARKHALL dialysis patient who had been struggling with mobility problems has made remarkable progress.

John Turner signed up for the Active Living programme run by NHS Lanarkshire’s renal unit two years ago.

The scheme, run by occupational therapist Shonaid McCabe, aims to give dialysis patients back confidence in taking part in physical activities.

John explained this week: “My weight had shot up to more than 30 stones, I couldn’t even use the stairs in my own home and needed a wheelchair to get around.

“I just got fed up so I approached Shonaid and asked if she could help.

“She arranged for me to go to a gym and I steadily built up the amount of exercise I did, from walking to lifting dumb bells, then using exercise balls, doing press-ups, and I’ve lost about 12 stones.

“Now I go to Strathaven Park for regular walks, go to the bingo, do some gardening and I even went to a Country and Western night with my sister and was up dancing.

“I’m doing things now I’d never have dreamed about a year ago and Shonaid’s Active Living programme has been tremendous for me.”

The Active Living pilot programme at Monklands Hospital was commissioned by the British Kidney Patient Association in April 2006.

NHS Lanarkshire’s Renal Unit at Monklands has agreed to extend funding to allow Shonaid to continue her successful work.