Gullvi Flensner1, Anna-Christina Ek, Olle Söderhamn. 1. Department of Nursing, University of Trollhättan/Uddevalla, Campus Vänersborg, PO Box 1236, SE-462 28 Vänersborg, Sweden. gullvi.flensner@htu.se
Abstract
UNLABELLED: Fatigue is a major problem among individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), but its meaning in daily living is unclear. The aim was to describe MS-related fatigue as lived by a group of individuals diagnosed with MS. Interviews with nine individuals were analysed from a phenomenological perspective. MAIN FINDINGS: MS-related fatigue is living with a time-consuming and all absorbing phenomenon, involving the body and the whole human being. Fatigue is commonly non-constructively perceived and expressed in terms of energy loss, emotional afflictions, dependency and restrictions of life in general, however, it is also constructively perceived and involves a desire to accept life and strive for a better situation. CONCLUSION: MS-related fatigue is a comprehensive phenomenon and its relationship with self-care requires further investigation.
UNLABELLED: Fatigue is a major problem among individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), but its meaning in daily living is unclear. The aim was to describe MS-related fatigue as lived by a group of individuals diagnosed with MS. Interviews with nine individuals were analysed from a phenomenological perspective. MAIN FINDINGS: MS-related fatigue is living with a time-consuming and all absorbing phenomenon, involving the body and the whole human being. Fatigue is commonly non-constructively perceived and expressed in terms of energy loss, emotional afflictions, dependency and restrictions of life in general, however, it is also constructively perceived and involves a desire to accept life and strive for a better situation. CONCLUSION: MS-related fatigue is a comprehensive phenomenon and its relationship with self-care requires further investigation.