Journal List > Korean J Adult Nurs > v.29(5) > 1096440

Kim: The Illness Adaptation Process of Patients Suffering from Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS): Doing My Best in Uncertainty

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe and explore the adaptation process of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Methods

Using a grounded theory methodology, 15 interviews were performed with nine men and six women, 43-83 years of age, suffering from MDS. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative analysis method.

Results

The core category emerged as “ To do my best in uncertainty”. MDS patients engaged in three stages: Panic, Active fighting against illness, and Putting down/Adaptation phase. Causal conditions were unexpected cancer diagnosis, endless painful treatment, and uncertainty. Contextual conditions were physical deterioration and differences in recovery. The central phenomenon of the illness adaptation process among the patients with MDS was powerlessness at the dead end. Action/Interaction strategies included dependence on the constant medical care, physical energy conservation, mind control and environmental control. Intervening conditions were social support and desire to live. Consequences were hope for recovery and tug-of-war from repetition of exacerbation and recuperation.

Conclusion

When caring for these patients, it is important to identify needs, allow patients to express what they want at that moment and support them in maintaining a daily life.

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Figure 1.
The illness adaptation process of patients with MDS.
kjan-29-472f1.tif
Table 1.
Paradigm and Categorization of the Data
Components of paradigm Categories Subcategories
Causal condition Unexpected cancer diagnosis An unexpected cancer diagnosis
Bone marrow test
Endless painful treatments Painful cancer treatments
Dependence on conservative treatments
A bone marrow transplant
Uncertainty Despair
Instability arising from uncertainty
Fear of death
Central phenomenon Powerlessness at the dead end Powerlessness
Narrow range of life
Loss of roles
Loss of jobs
Family becoming donors
Contextual condition Physical deterioration Diminished stamina
Gastrointestinal dysfunction
Reduced immunity
Strength reduction
Artificial menopause
Difference in recovery Aging Family history
Intervening condition Social support Health professional support
Family and friend support
Reliance on religion
Economic power
Desire to live Knowledge of disease
Thinking about family
Action/interaction strategies Dependence on constant medical care Regular hospital treatment
Periodic blood transfusion
Compliance with medical care
Medication
Physical energy conservation Nutritional support
Rest
Limited interpersonal relationship
Keeping warm
Mind control Thinking positive
Looking for hobby
Environmental control Infection prevention
Avoiding harmful substances
Consequences Hope for recovery Better strength
Weight gain
Improved blood test results
Tug-of-war from repetition of exacerbation and recuperation Onset of complications
Rehospitalization
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