other powerful experiences they shape the life of the person - and
those of the people close to them ( ex. "I never imagined my sister
would die.") Studies such as the one below are common to many organic
diseases, and the right approach offered at the right time by a
professional who recognizes that the patient has a severe disease and
how that might impact the patient can be of assistance in developing
means of coping. Such methods are however considered part of
palliative care not curative. The World Health Organization defines
palliative care thusly: Palliative care is an approach that improves
the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem
associated with illness, through the prevention and relief of
suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment
and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and
spiritual. They are generally seen as one tool in the arsenal.
=93Governed by the pain=94: Narratives of fibromyalgia =96
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation, Jan 23 , 2012
ProHealth.com
by Lindsay McMahon, Craig Murray, et al.
January 24, 2012
Purpose: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome characterized by pain
and fatigue. The aim of this study was to explore how individuals with
FM make sense of the illness experience and integrate it into their
personal biographies.
Method: Ten women from a pain management service in the north west of
England were interviewed for the study. A chronological summary of
each life story was produced and narrative features such as plot,
tone, imagery and metaphors were identified and compared.
Results: Findings are presented in the form of a meta-narrative
incorporating all 10 narratives over five phases:
1. Making sense of FM: When I was younger, I didn't have any problems at al=
l;
2. Onset and diagnosis: You just feel like you're constantly complaining;
3. Invasion of FM: You're just trapped; trapped in this body;
4. Coping with FM: You try to do things in a pattern it will obey; and
5. Ongoing struggle: I refuse to give in to it.
Conclusions: The narrative is characterized by a lack of movement and
resolution, with participants engaged in an enduring struggle against
the challenges of FM. Psychological approaches that facilitate this
ongoing adjustment process may prove beneficial in FM treatment and
rehabilitation.
Implications for Rehabilitation
=95 Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome characterized by pain and fatig=
ue.
=95 This study shows women with FM are engaged in an enduring struggle
against the challenges this presents.
=95 Psychological approaches which acknowledge and facilitate the
adjustment process may prove beneficial in terms of assisting
rehabilitation for this client group.
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation, Jan 23 , 2012. McMahon L,
Murray C, Sanderson J, Daiches A. Tees, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS
Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough; Division of Health Research,
Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust,
Lancaster, UK. [Email c.murray@lancaster.ac.uk]
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