For Brisbane local Andrea, chronic pain had become a daily reality. After seven surgeries and years of disrupted sleep, limited mobility, and increasing stress, she knew something needed to change. Her GP knew it too and referred her to My health for life.
That simple referral marked the beginning of a new chapter.
Andrea’s health challenges began nearly two decades ago when she sustained a serious back injury. “My back just went one day while lifting a container,” she recalls. “Since then, it’s been up and down, and the pain is always there.”
After several operations, the constant discomfort affected every part of her life, especially her ability to exercise, sleep, and maintain a healthy weight. “I used to love running,” Andrea says. “It helped me mentally and physically, but I just can’t do it anymore.”
Despite her efforts to eat well and stay active, Andrea felt stuck. “I kept trying to lose weight, but it wasn’t shifting. I was doing what I could, but my injury held me back.”
Recognising that Andrea needed more structured, personalised support, her GP suggested she try My health for life. “I hadn’t heard of it before, so I didn’t really know what to expect,” Andrea admits. “But I was ready for help, and the idea of being accountable to someone was really appealing.”
From the first conversation with her Health Coach Megan, Andrea felt supported. “She helped me realise there isn’t just one way to get healthy. There are plan Bs. There are workarounds. And that took a lot of pressure off.”
Andrea started making small, manageable changes. She found a gym she genuinely enjoyed, where the supportive community and focus on safe, functional movement helped her feel comfortable.
“I go about five days a week now,” she says. “The group classes keep me motivated, and the exercises are tailored to support my back. It’s made a huge difference.”
Swimming and morning walks also became regular parts of her routine, helping her build consistency without overloading her body.
Alongside physical activity, Andrea tackled her eating habits. “Portion sizes were a big one for me,” she says. “I grew up with the mindset that you always clean your plate, but I’ve learned to stop when I’m full, and that’s okay.”
She also became more mindful about what she shops for and prepares at home. “The program helped me think more practically about food, without the pressure of perfection.”
Though sleep is still impacted by pain, Andrea established a consistent bedtime routine and credits regular movement and the support of My health for life for helping her manage stress and anxiety.
Andrea has lost 5 kilograms, gained confidence, and most importantly feels empowered to keep going. “I used to be so hard on myself. But now I’ve learned that if I miss a gym session or eat something outside of plan, it’s not the end of the world. It’s about balance.”
Working from home, Andrea also values the social side of her gym classes. “Just seeing people each day makes a big difference for my mental health.”
What started with a referral from her GP has turned into a sustainable, feel-good routine. “The support from My health for life gave me more than just tools, it gave me perspective. I realised I’m not broken. I just need to go at my own pace.”
Her advice to others? “Talk to your doctor. Ask about this program. It helped me feel like myself again, and that’s something I didn’t think was possible.”
Your GP can help you get started too. If you’re ready to take back control of your health, speak to your GP about my health for life, or get started today by completing the free online Health Check to see if My health for life is right for you.
