Paul's Story for Men's Health Awareness Month

Throughout November we are focusing on men’s health, with stories each week from men who have faced physical or mental health issues in the workplace.

This week's focus is on Heart Health, featuring Paul Ostrowski's personal experiences.

British Heart Foundation figures show there are around 7.6 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases and one in two will experience a heart or circulatory condition during our lifetime.

The charity suggests making small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference to your heart health, which in the long term could help reduce your risk of heart and circulatory related conditions such as diabetes, stroke, vascular dementia, or heart disease. The British Heart Foundation's 'Tips for a Healthy Heart' can be downloaded below.

Lead Forum representative Paul Ostrowski suffered a heart attack at the Unipart Logistics Nuneaton site in January 2020. In recognition of Men's Health awareness month, he shares his experience with us.

“I was sitting in the canteen eating my lunch when I started experiencing pain in my jaw and shoulders,” said Paul.

An hour later the pain hadn’t gone and feeling generally unwell Paul decided to go home. “While driving I could feel my body slumping to one side, I thought I could sleep it off.”

Paul’s line manager Stacey Hodgetts phoned him to check he got home okay and when he explained his symptoms further, insisted he phone NHS 111. Once the call taker heard Paul’s situation an ambulance crew was at the door in two minutes.

“I apologised for wasting their time,” said Paul. "They went straight to work, they cut off my T-shirt, did some tests, and injected me. I asked what they were doing."

“I couldn’t understand or process what he was telling me. I had done a five-and-a-half mile walk on Sunday and a cardio session in the gym the day before. How could I be having a heart attack? I don’t drink, smoke, or eat red meat - how was this happening?”

When he arrived at the hospital, Paul was taken straight to the operating theatre, where clinicians removed two of the three blockages from his arteries. One couldn’t be removed and remains there.

“Once I was in the ward I felt fine. I asked the consultant when I could return to work. He asked me to stand up. I couldn’t, I had no strength. I got the message.

“I needed to understand why I had a heart attack. The consultant's response? You’re male and over 50 therefore you are at higher risk. There was no other explanation than that.”

Paul was discharged with clear instructions not to walk for a few days or drive for a month. The following Monday he got the same symptoms and this time called an ambulance immediately. The sac around his heart had expanded, so he stayed in hospital again until it contracted.

“I am now on tablets for the rest of my life. I can’t do anything strenuous but I do continue to do the physio exercises.”

When Paul had first experienced symptoms at lunchtime in January 2020, he had half thought it could be the new virus going around.

Stacey Hodgetts, Head of Operations, said: “As Paul's line manager I instantly knew something wasn't right, and my advice for line managers is as follows. Take the time to understand your team members, and be alert to any situations no matter how small or big. You taking the time to reach out to someone to know their situation could be a matter of life or death. Literally! I am not trained, but instincts and taking the time to truly care made all the difference on that day.

“I know Paul is very grateful for the actions, but I would like to think anyone else would have done the same. So remember, if something doesn't quite feel right, don't ignore it, take the time to understand it and support the situation.”

Unfortunately, my recovery journey hit a bump in the road this past April. While driving home from work, I experienced another heart attack. It was a frightening reminder that this condition is an ongoing challenge, and it reinforced the crucial importance of recognising symptoms and seeking help quickly. We often brush off subtle changes in our bodies, but those can be vital warning signs. If something feels different, don't hesitate – get it checked out. Early intervention can significantly impact your recovery and long-term health."

Support is available

We all struggle, if that's you, you're not alone and by finding the courage to open up you will help yourself to understand what you need to do next.

For a confidential conversation with a caring colleague you can reach out to a Mental Health First Aider directly, or by sending a message through Here4U, or you can call TELUS Health One on 0800 169 1920 to speak in confidence with a counsellor.

As a Unipart colleague, to actively support and promote good mental health you can download a FREE mental health coaching app called MyStrength.

All you need is the following code: G13047 to set up your profile.