2023-08-26 17:18:55
This one-hour documentary was shot in the Marlonges palliative care unit in Chambon (Charente-Maritime). He modestly shows the lives of those “which cannot be cured, but which can always be cured”, assures Denis, a doctor. Because there are a thousand and one ways to heal. In addition to drugs, it is a voice that soothes, a hand that massages, caresses or combs. It’s Denis who sings for Bernard The Non-Proposal of Marriagede Brassens while accompanying himself on the guitar. “It allows you to establish a slightly different contact, and the music has a calming effect”, he explains. “You leave me speechless”, Bernard laughs. He forgot his pain.
Bernard has just been operated on for a fractured femoral neck and has lost his autonomy. He is there because he suffers from an incurable cancer. His wife explains to the medical team that he requires continuous sedation until death. He is afraid of being a burden on her. The doctor reminds him that his case does not fall within the scope of the law. Everything will be done on the other hand so that he can walk again. Caring also means explaining, reassuring, putting aid in place for returning home, helping to write advance directives…
Appease the elements of suffering, one after the other
Monica wonders about her morphine doses, which have increased. She knows that these more violent pains mean the progression of her disease. She tells the doctor her fear of death, and cries. Michel, he, a philosopher: “I know this cancer is going to kill me. We’ll all be killed by something. » Later, however, he will confess: “I lied to myself. We are all afraid of death. »
“When we manage to appease the elements of suffering one after the other, the physical, the psychological, the socio-familial by putting aid in place, the request for euthanasia ends up withering away and disappearing”, assures Julien, doctor. Bernard, questioned by Denis, acknowledges that his initial request “no longer on the agenda”. And returns home after four months. Thanks to the rehabilitation sessions, he regained a certain autonomy.
This magnificent and rare documentary shows that a palliative care unit is first and foremost a living space. Softness of gestures, calm voices, accuracy of relationships, emotions assumed without pathos or sentimentality, quality of images… The serenity that emerges is surprising. “We don’t just treat or support. In fact, these are meetings, exchanges, explains Yolène, nurse. “Here, I feel loved by the nursing staff”, says Michael.
#life #thousand #ways #treat