Int J Nurs Stud. 2003 Sep;40(7):707-17
Flensner G, Ek AC, Soderhamn O.
Department of Nursing, University of Trollhattan/Uddevalla, Campus
Vanersborg, P.O. Box 1236, SE-462 28, Vanersborg, Sweden
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.
MAIN FINDINGS:
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.
CONCLUSION:
MS-related fatigue is a comprehensive phenomenon and its relationship with self-care requires further investigation.