Lived experience of MS-related fatigue--a phenomenological interview study.
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
MS-related fatigue is a comprehensive phenomenon and its relationship with self-care requires further investigation.
Flensner
Gullvi
G
Department of Nursing, University of Trollhättan/Uddevalla, Campus Vänersborg, PO Box 1236, SE-462 28 Vänersborg, Sweden. gullvi.flensner@htu.se
Ek
Anna-Christina
AC
Söderhamn
Olle
O
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005221:Fatigue / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D012648:Self Care