Exclusive | 'I had a wake-up call': Manon Massey opens up about her health problems

Quebec Solitaire MP Manon Massey is slowly recovering from a third heart operation last March.

• Read more: Manon Mass undergoes third heart surgery

• Read more: Health issues: Manon Massey undergoes second heart surgery

• Read more: Manon Massey underwent heart surgery

In an exclusive interview with Paul Larocque, the elected official, who will soon celebrate his 61st birthday, explained that he is still driven by the same passion for his work, but he wants to listen to his body more.

“I've regained the energy I need to consider immersing myself back into my life as a vice-chancellor, but three functions in six months sure is stressful.”

Cardiac arrhythmia led the politician to undergo three heart surgeries within a year.

“My heart wanted to go faster than me,” says Manon Maas.

“There are many people who experience arrhythmia in life. Some people live with it, but I couldn't be efficient because it took over me,” she adds.

During the first two interventions, each half of the chosen one's heart was operated on, but he continued to suffer from arrhythmias. The third operation was, first, to allow Mrs. Massey to sleep in peace.

“I got a little fed up at one point and said, 'Dude! Are you going to stop?” But here, I knock on wood. Since then, he says, I haven't had another arrhythmia. Which leads me to believe that this time is right.

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A wake up call

Manon Massey admits she returned to work too quickly during her first two stints. She was very tired and couldn't sleep at night.

“When I think about it, I took it lightly. I didn't listen to my doctor's good advice,” says the member of Sainte-Marie-Saint-Jacques.

This time, he wants to take his time and follow his doctor's recommendations.

Since his intervention in March, the former co-spokesperson of Quebec Solitaire has been disconnected from current events and technology to go “into the woods” to relax.

This contact with nature allowed him to reconnect with spirituality.

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“Like many, I believed myself invincible, and then life called me to command: “No, as Manon is on earth, you too will have an end.” She must be as far away as possible.

Beyond this retirement, Ms. Massey wants to slow down his career in the long run.

“I got a wake-up call, an electric shock telling me: 'Listen Manon, relax!',” she declares.

“I've always been driving at 200 miles an hour, especially since I became an MP and I think I'm missing a healthy life balance between my personal life, work life and my commitment,” the politician adds.

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rest time?

The 60-year-old MP admits it forced him to think about his political future. In the short term, she expects a gradual return.

“I have to learn to work differently. This is my biggest personal challenge.”

Manon Massey, however, does not see her way out of the political arena any time soon.

“I never thought I'd retire at 65,” he says.

As for the next provincial elections, the elected official from Québec solidaire does not want to make hasty decisions, although he still has a strong desire to continue his political career.

“I still want to run again, but now I know for sure that I'm not invincible. So, what's left? Two and a half years? We'll ask the question again when we get there, but my aim is always the same,” maintains Manon Massey.

“I didn't give up,” he adds.

Watch the video above to watch the full interview