Article

The aim was to describe experiences of disability in everyday life and
managing the recovery process two years after falling ill with Guillain-Barre syndrome. DESIGN: Qualitative interview study. METHODS: Interviews were conducted
with 35 persons (22 male, mean age 50 years) two years after the onset of
Guillain-Barre syndrome. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed
using content analysis. RESULTS: The analysis revealed four categories and an
overall theme: 'Striving for balance in everyday life'.
The participants
described persistent lived body restrictions that affected their arms, legs, and
face. Bodily symptoms and loss of energy limited or restricted many everyday
activities. In connection with healthcare, both satisfaction and feeling
vulnerable in a critical situation were described. Experiences of the recovery
process varied. The participants described acceptance and reappraisal of a new
life situation despite their limitations, and having gained the knowledge that
life can change suddenly. However, they also expressed disappointment following
an overly positive prognosis in the early stages, and over a continuous wait for
recovery. For some participants life had returned to as before. CONCLUSION: The
participants experienced limitations in everyday life and decreased functioning
in several parts of the body.
The recovery process may still be ongoing two years
after onset. Rehabilitation intervention with an extended focus on supporting
individualized coping processes could facilitate ways to live with persistent disability.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS