We spoke to candidate Bernadien about her health and her current situation. Read the blog below to find out more!
Past
‘A year ago, I was found in a coma on the sofa. I had an alcohol problem and I drank my liver to death. My belly filled up with fluid because of this. In time, I look like I am five months pregnant. Every three weeks I am admitted to hospital so doctors can take out the fluid. Then I am in hospital for two days.’
‘Due to a corona outbreak at Opstart, I could not go to the hospital. I was not allowed to leave then, so I had to reschedule my hospital admission. During that period, I could only lie on my bed. After some time, I was completely bloated. My situation had worsened to the extent that I could no longer stay in a homeless shelter. Then Springplank called the GP and arranged for me to go to a care home. I get to stay here forever and that gives me a lot of peace of mind.’
Cat
‘My cat's name is Diva. She likes to lie in bed with me. Diva is boss of me, because as soon as I wake up she clearly indicates that she wants to eat.’
Homeless
‘Together with my partner, I lived on a campsite. Everything was in his name. When he died, I had to leave there and was homeless. The grief made me start drinking more. I couldn't manage to stop drinking. My body stops when I start drinking again. The choice now is simple: I want to stay alive!’
Christmas
‘My son said as soon as you start drinking again I will end contact again. I have proved myself. The contact with my son is good. At Christmas, I received a compliment from him. My son said, ‘Mum it was another Christmas like before.’
Friends
‘Now that I have stopped, people I had lost are coming back. I was invited to a birthday last week. People were drinking, but I had no problem with that and I drank tea myself. When I got home I got a nice message with that they were amazed and liked that I was there. That did me tremendous good!’
