The meaning of living with malodorous exuding ulcers.
OBJECTIVE
This study illuminates the meaning of living with malodorous, exuding ulcers.


BACKGROUND
Difficulties for patients with chronic ulcers and the ulcers' impact on patients' daily life are described in the literature. Suffering and consolation are also addressed in the literature as important issues in nursing care.


METHODS
The first author interviewed seven women and two men, aged 41-95, with various diagnoses.


METHODS
We interpreted the transcribed interviews using a phenomenological hermeneutic method.


RESULTS
Two processes were identified: 'being struck down'- themes: feeling dirty, being trapped, losing confidence, losing hope, becoming frustrated and protecting oneself; and 'finding consolation'- themes: experiencing kinship, encountering genuineness and gaining control. The meaning of living with malodorous and exuding ulcers can be understood as being trapped in a debilitating process that slowly strikes one down. There is a longing for purity and wholeness and for one's life to improve. When people with malodorous, exuding ulcers encounter genuineness and feel loved, regarded and respected as fully human despite their ulcers, they feel purified. The contaminated body no longer contaminates their self-image and self-esteem and they feel restored and fully human again. Only when they feel fully human can they regain control and see life beyond their ulcers.


CONCLUSIONS
Although nurses cannot make ulcers or smell disappear, they can contribute significantly to improve the patients' life. Finding consolation makes patients feel purified despite their contaminated body.


CONCLUSIONS
This study points to the importance of seeing the human being beyond the ulcer and considering not only the body but the whole person.
Lindahl
Elisabeth
E
Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. elisabeth.lindahl@nurs.umu.se
Norberg
Astrid
A
Söderberg
Anna
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009812:Odorants; D012934:Social Isolation; D014456:Ulcer / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*