title: Ten rural women living with fibromyalgia tell it like it is.
abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding of the personal experiences of 10 rural women dealing with fibromyalgia based on the theoretical frameworks of adaptation to chronic illness and social support. The data were gathered from a nursing intervention that provided computer-based peer support and encouragement. The women described themes of pain, fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances; expressed views on the experience of rural isolation; and shared positive philosophies of dealing with this disease. With this understanding, professionals and significant others can compassionately respond to the needs of sufferers of fibromyalgia.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Montana State University-Bozeman, Bozeman, Montana, USA.
authors.forename: Shirley A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Cudney
authors.forename: Michelle R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: Clarann
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Weinert
authors.forename: Therese
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sullivan
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015399:Nursing Research; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D012423:Rural Health; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health