Life is becoming possible
Alice GIRARD
I move forward with difficulty. Each day, one step. Some steps are more difficult, others are hesitant, and even in the wrong direction. The path is long. Too long. The sensations are devastating and unbearable. The ground on which I walk, once covered with freshly mown grass, gives way to sharp, burning coals. My foot suffers in silence, shielded from view, with my bruised soul the only friend for comfort. I suffer to see the noose tightening around me, preventing me from breathing. I suffer to see that my foot does not know how to position itself without bothering me. I suffer to see that I am alone and that no-one can help me. If I were to depart, would others notice? And if I put an end to this pain that tortures body and soul, would I finally find tranquility? Yet, my dying soul was bound to take over. And then at last I saw it. The oasis deep in the desert. A moving hand reaching out towards me. I have no choice but to accept it. I discover a haven of peace, a place where I am understood and not judged. I know that the path will be even harder; nonetheless I see the white light that leads to freedom, to relief. I am cared for, I am listened to, I am helped. The longing to disappear from this world gradually diminishes; I even notice timid smiles appear on my face.
Day by day I feel that my foot is soothed: the coals of yesterday do not burn as much and the electric shocks I felt are slowly reduced to a tingling. Body and soul relax and reveal the joy and happiness that were lost. This narrative depicts the therapy I underwent at the Somatosensory Rehabilitation Centre. Suffering from mechanical allodynia, I went through an ordeal for two years. These clinicians were able to help me and make me understand my condition. To face it, I recovered strength and regained motivation and courage. One of the things for which I am most grateful is that not only did they liberate my foot from this burden, but they also freed my mind. This centre provides more than medical therapy, it provides a new life.
In the preview volumes, you will find more to read about this patient
