ILE-BIZARD – Shelo Florestal is in his early 40s; built, in the words of his wife, “like an underwear model,” and works as a personal trainer. But Florestal’s life was turned upside down three years ago when he suffered a heart attack.
“When I had that heart attack in the shower, and I went to the hospital, a few weeks after I couldn’t get up in the morning,” he said.
Sunday is World Heart Day, and around the world health organizations are raising awareness on cardiovascular issues. In Florestal’s case, he and his family say doctors still aren’t sure what caused his condition, but believe genetics could be a factor. Florestal’s brother had a very similar situation requiring the same solution: a heart transplant.
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In Quebec, there are about 40 heart transplants a year on average. It is a difficult procedure considered exceptional by health professionals.
“His heart got worse, he felt worse, and he lost weight, couldn’t exercise, and had a poor quality of life,” said Nadia Giannetti, head cardiologist at the McGill University Health Centre.
Emotionally, Florestal came close to hitting bottom when doctors put him on a mechanical heart while he was waiting for a transplant, something that devastated a person who works as a personal trainer.
“When you walk on the street, and you see people you’ve known for so many years… And they see you and you look sick,” he said. “They’re asking themselves what’s happening to him?”
On Sept. 8, 2011, he received the heart transplant. During that period, he thought of his children.
“It was the number one thing I was thinking of.”
Now that he’s convalesced, he’s returned to personal training, and is set to open his own gym on Ile-Bizard next week.
“He was not feeling good at all,” said friend Maurice Noreau. “And never showed it. But now it’s go! go! go!”
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