Young adults with permanent ileostomies: experiences during the first 4 years after surgery.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to understand the experiences of young adults living with a permanent ileostomy. The theoretical foundation for the study was narrative knowing.


METHODS
Seven young adults with a permanent ostomy for less than 4 years participated. Respondents included 3 men and 4 women between 24 and 40 years of age.


METHODS
Using narrative inquiry as the method, data collection involved face-to-face interviews lasting from 1 hour to 2(1/2) hours. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. The transcriptions provided data to construct each participant's story.


RESULTS
Common and divergent themes were identified across the stories and considered within the biophysical, psychological, and social components of participants' stories. Common themes were associated with disease processes, hospitalization, and social and personal adjustments for living with a permanent ileostomy.


CONCLUSIONS
The participants' stories provided a glimpse into their lives and the strength and courage they needed to adjust to living with an ileostomy. Healthcare providers seemed to underestimate these difficulties.
Sinclair
Lorraine G
LG
Calgary Health Region, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. glsinclr@telus.net
D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007081:Ileostomy / Q000523:psychology*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013637:Tape Recording; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult