Striving for moments of easier breathing despite being trapped in breathlessness : meanings of feeling well for women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV

• BackgroundLiving with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV means living an everyday life, severely restricted by breathlessness.AimThe aim of this study was to elucidate meanings of feeling well for women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV.MethodThe study has used a phenomenological hermeneutical design. Individual narrative interviews were conducted with 14 women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at stages III or IV.ResultsThe results revealed one theme: striving for moments of easier breathing despite being trapped in breathlessness with four subthemes: acting in rhythm with breathing, taking care of oneself, taking advantage of better moments, and being in togetherness in everyday life.ConclusionThis study shows that women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at stages III or IV strived for moments of feeling well despite living with a severe illness. Feeling well meant that when connected to nature, they felt alive, free, and less trapped in breathlessness, which provided a sense of being unconscious of their breathing rhythm. They could do what healthy people tend to take for granted during everyday life. To feel well, the women found it important to receive tailored support from their close relatives.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

feeling well

health

lived experience

individual interviews

phenomenological hermeneutic method

qualitative method

women’s health

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)