Illness drove us to the brink... Doctor in the House saved us
Dad says chronic condition hit family hard
show without telling me and I was a bit apprehensive of the cameras but it’s helped me a lot.
“Before I would just sit and stare at the four walls. I was not eating properly and not sleeping properly.
“My immune system was low and I was contracting all sorts of illnesses. I couldn’t kick a ball with my kids because I had a problem with my balance. The doctors told me in a nice way I was using my illness as an excuse not to do things. They helped me with my diet and nutrition and the physical side.
“As Muslims we can’t eat fast food because of our religious beliefs, so that was not a problem for us.
“But I can’t tolerate fibre like a normal person so I was not eating any fruit or vegetables.
“They showed me how to absorb them in smoothies and Nutritionist Daniel Davey, doctors Sinead Beirne and Nina Byrnes, and Professor Niall Moyna offer expert advice on the show juices. I started with chair exercises and built up from a five-minute walk to 45 minutes.
“Now I take my kids to the park and get them out on their scooters. It’s made a huge difference mentally.”
Amina, whose fitness was in the bottom 5% for women her age when first assessed, now goes to the gym every morning. She said: “I couldn’t run before and now I love running on the treadmill.
“I’ve lost two stone and I’ve so much more energy.
“It’s been a tough few years and I was feeling very low. There were times I honestly didn’t want to get out of bed.
“It really affected our daughter to see her dad go through all that and see her mum have bad days.
“There were a lot of negative days but now that is all changed.
“I would recommend to anyone out there who is struggling to get some help.”
Atif, who lives with Amina and their daughter Juwayriyah, seven, and five-year-old Waaris in Ashbourne, Co Meath, said he will probably need surgery to remove his colon.
He added: “My whole attitude to life has changed. I take nothing for granted.”
Doctor in the House airs on Wednesday at 8pm on TV3.
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Doctors said in a nice way I was using my illness as an excuse not to do things
ATIF GHAZANFAR HAD TO FACE UP TO DEALING WITH CONDITION