A forever healing: the lived experience of venous ulcer disease.

A phenomenological study was conducted to determine the lived experience of healing a venous ulcer for patients in an ambulatory surgical clinic. In addition to seven tape-recorded, transcribed interviews, weekly participant observations were made for 1 year. Interviews and field notes were transcribed and analyzed for themes by using van Manen's approach. Four major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) "A forever healing process" refers to the extended time over which healing occurs. (2) "Limits and accommodations" refers to the patterns of limitation related to mobility and activity restrictions due to pain and disfigurement. (3) "Powerlessness" describes the resignation about the inevitability of wound recurrence. (4) "Who cares?" refers to variation among the patients in assuming responsibly for managing their ulcer. Understanding the lived experience of venous leg ulcer disease allows care providers to provide empathic care. Patients can be encouraged to be active members of the treatment team and to assume responsibility for care and lifestyle choices.