Delphine returns to work at the hospital. At 49, this caregiver, suffering from a rare disease, finds her patients in rehabilitation.
“I thought that once again, the disease would take over and that I would not be able to maintain the swelling of the disease in my legs. As a caregiver, you are often standing and in a static position. But in fact, as I have a great team, we have adapted my working time and as soon as I can sit down, I sit down. I’m with people again. I can talk with adults again and help patients. So, obviously, it gives life meaning again.“Delphine Wattieaux, caregiver
Better pain management
Three years ago, Delphine had to stop working because of her lymphedema. This disease causes his legs to swell and causes intense pain in his joints. Her employer was able to adapt her position and she can better manage her suffering.
“We don’t see that she’s sick, not at all. If I hadn’t been told, I wouldn’t have known. Even if his illness is progressive, it will help him get through the process precisely.t”, says Annaïck Hemmer, her nurse colleague.
Challenges for a new life
This caregiver has surpassed this milestone since her convalescence, treating the illness by walking. Every day, she walks at least five kilometers in her compression stockings, the only remedy for the appearance of her legs. Physical activity allows for better lymph circulation.
“The feeling of being in a tunnel”
She transformed her disability into positive energy through walking challenges with her friend Sébastien. 1500 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela. 500 kilometers to Mexico; hikes that opened up another horizon for him. “Before, she felt like she was in a tunnel; a tunnel that was a disease. She felt like she couldn’t get out. Today, she has plenty of possibilities, knowledge and lots of projects in front of her.“, testifies Sébastien Corolleur, his childhood friend.
Delphine is preparing a book about the medical wandering she suffered for 30 years. But his biggest dream remains to take other sick people on his way to Compostela. “The only barriers that exist are those that we create ourselves“So we have to blow them up. Everything is possible,” she tells us.
