Fighting fit!

FEELING healthier: Val Allen is off medication after exercising

Val, 61, heads to the gym — and ditches the pills
AN Oldham grandmother is proof of how getting fit is vital to health after exercising her way off medication.

Val Allen took a host of pills daily and endured monthly injections for angina and arthritis. But she has now been able to ditch the doses thanks to regular gym sessions.

The retired gran has got a new lease of life after embarking on the fitness regime to break the cycle of moping around at home and worrying about her health.

She suffered arthritis in her back and knees, and was on medication to lower her cholesterol and regulate her blood pressure, when she asked a neighbour if she could go with her to the gym.

“I really enjoyed it and decided to keep going,” she said.

Now, 12 months later, she has stopped taking all medication apart from statins for cholesterol, and is managing the conditions which for many years ruled her life.

A proud Val said: “I have exercised myself nearly fit.

“I was on six tramadol and two ibuprofen a day for back and knee pain, and when I asked to be re-tested for angina on the suggestion of my trainer they found I didn’t have it.

“It seems I might have been misdiagnosed nine years ago, but I had been on medication for it all that time.”

The 61-year-old, who has a son and two grandchildren, added: “When you think you have angina you worry about yourself and are a bit scared to do anything too energetic.

“I was also worried about my knees and back, but going to the gym gave me more confidence.

“They encouraged me, but didn’t push me, and I started upping things a bit.

“Then I decided to drop my painkillers slowly, which wasn’t easy because I was addicted to tramadol and my body was screaming out for it, and of course the heart medication went as well.

“I usually have monthly injections in my back but I have been able to manage the pain with exercise and stretching for a few months, although I am taking it all day by day.

“My cholesterol was 5.4, but they wanted it below 4 because of the angina, and now my doctor is looking at maybe trying me without it.

“He told me ‘whatever it is you are doing, keep doing it,’”

Val’s husband, Pete, is supporting his wife with her newfound vigour. “He’s absolutely delighted and so proud of me, the whole family is,” she said.

“The arthritis will never go away, but I’m now doing exercises to strengthen and relax the muscles in my back.”

Val, of Crompton Street, Coldhurst, is keen to encourage other people with ill health to consider exercise, but said they must tell their doctor first.

She said: “I was just sitting around at home doing nothing and feeling sorry for myself.

“I was worried about my knees and my back and too scared to go to the gym, but I am so glad I did.”

Val trains at Angels Ladies Health and Fitness in Royton, and owner Kath Wolfenden said: “The dedication Val has put into getting herself fit and healthy is an inspiration to all and she does it all with a fantastic sense of humour.

“She is proof that exercise works, and it gives us, as instructors, real job satisfaction when a person develops a better quality life.”