When Lynne Cartwright, 68, from Cheshire suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, her world changed in an instant.
Retiring from a career that spanned more than four decades in nursing, she began to imagine a slower pace of life. But on Wednesday 24 May 2023, just five months into retirement, everything changed.
“On the day it happened all I remember is walking down the stairs and feeling hot, sweaty, and very sick. I was on the way to pick up my granddaughter from school like every Wednesday,” Lynne explains.
Only this time Lynne didn’t remember how she got to the school or home. Katie her granddaughter’s mum arrived and noticed Lynne looked pale. Despite complaining of severe back pain, Lynne said she was ok and decided to pop over to the local Tesco, just across the road.
“According to the staff I was chatting, laughing and having a joke with them like I always do. Then – nothing” Lynne shares.
Lynne experienced a Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), a rare and often unpredictable cardiac event which resulted in a sudden out of hospital cardiac arrest whilst exiting the store.
Recently trained in CPR the store manager did not hesitate and immediately began chest compressions. Paramedics arrived within four minutes and used the onsite defibrillator successfully resuscitating Lynne on the store carpark. The fast, coordinated response saved her life.
“I ended up with 11 fractured ribs and a fractured sternum” Lynne recalls. “A small price to pay for my life being saved”.
Fewer than one in twelve people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Lynne was so critically unwell that at one point her family was called to say goodbye. She doesn’t remember much from those early days – not the transfer to coronary care, conversations with family or physio. What she does remember is the fear.
“I was so frightened when I came home. I didn’t sleep properly for weeks. I’d sit up on the sofa, watching telly, too scared to go to bed.” Lynne admits.
Despite the trauma, Lynne wasn’t alone. Her daughter took time off work. Her sister and neighbours stepped in. Former colleagues from the hospital where she worked in endoscopy visited and supported her. But even with the love and support around her, Lynne struggled.
“I couldn’t go into Tesco. I couldn’t go through the swishy doors, “she says. “I carried my notes everywhere, I was just so anxious.”
Lynne was then referred to the Cardiac Rehab Team. Based at the Countess of Chester Health Park, The Cardiac Rehab Team is rooted in a collaborative, community-driven model of care. Bringing together cardiac nurses, clinical exercise physiologists, and talking therapies therapists. That’s when things began to change.
“They really put me at ease” she warmly recalls “You do what you can do in the exercise sessions and if you don’t feel up to it, that’s okay. It gave me reassurance and I looked forward to attending every week.”
The team at cardiac rehab didn’t just help Lynne regain her physical strength, they helped her rebuild her confidence. She started lifting kettlebells, walking more, and even joined a group of fellow patients for coffee and cake after sessions.
“It was fun” Lynne reflects. “We laughed; we shared stories. We weren’t alone.”
But it wasn’t just her body that need to recover. The emotional toll of her experience lingered. That’s when the cardiac rehab team suggested NHS talking therapies.
“I didn’t think I needed it at first. “Lynne admits “But I’m so glad I went. Gareth, my therapist, was amazing. I felt more positive, regaining a bounce back into my step. I have a better outlook on life and still use the materials and techniques learnt today.”
With Gareth’s support, Lynne began to regain control of her life— even returning to Tesco, with the help of staff who arranged for her to enter through a quieter back entrance.
“I’d recommend it to anyone, take everything that is offered to you. Even if you don’t think you need it — go. It changed everything for me.”
Today, Lynne is still cautious. She keeps her phone close and is mindful of her limits. But she’s also hopeful. She’s tending to her greenhouse again and enjoys walking her dog, Dexter. She’s dreaming of holidays and adventures further afield with Dexter – ensuring there’s a hospital nearby along with correct facilities.
“As time goes by you get a little braver and with all the help, I feel a little more normal these days. Whatever normal is.”