Journalist Henri Sannier Details Years-Long Battle with Autoimmune Disease, Triumphant Return to Walking
French journalist and television personality Henri Sannier recently opened up about his struggle with chronic polyradiculoneuritis, a serious autoimmune disease that left him unable to walk for two years. Sannier shared his experiences on the program “Un Dimanche à la Campagne,” detailing the physical challenges and emotional resilience required throughout his recovery.
The diagnosis followed a bicycle accident, but Sannier emphasized the disease itself was the primary obstacle. Despite being initially unable to perform basic tasks like buttoning a shirt or tying his shoes, he maintained hope and refused to accept a permanent loss of mobility. “I said to myself: ‘I’m going to take off,'” Sannier recounted,describing his determination even while feeling “amorphous… a vegetable.” He opted to receive care solely from his wife, stating a preference for her support over professional caregivers.
Sannier described a pivotal moment in his recovery – reaching for medication three meters away and successfully walking to retrieve it. The following day, his grandchildren’s applause as he walked again became “the best day of my life,” fueling his continued progress. He gradually increased his walking distance, calling it “a Renaissance.”