Being In-Between

Abstract

Many persons with leg amputations experience that using a prosthesis enriches their quality of life. However, there is an ongoing concern with underuse and non-use of artificial limbs in lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation. Studies have identified an initial critical stage among potential prosthetic users. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of becoming a prosthetic user as seen from the perspective of patients. The study is based on the phenomenological framework of Reflective Lifeworld Research (RLR). Data were collected through three in-depth interviews with each of the eight participants during the first year post-amputation. Data were analyzed according to the guidelines given in RLR. The findings showed that the participants found themselves in a state of in-between existence. They felt disconnected from their usual lives and not yet integrated in a new and different life. In this in-between existence, the participants oscillated between experiences of victory and defeat. The study adds to increased understanding of the initial critical stage of becoming a prosthetic user by showing that this in-between existence is inherent in the process of becoming a prosthetic user. To become a prosthetic user requires a high degree of stamina and resilience as this in-between existence takes its toll on patients' recovering process.

Struggling for normality: experiences of patients with diabetic lower extremity amputations and post-amputation wounds in primary care

“…These are in line with findings from previous studies that amputation particularly major amputation-related physical impairments bring challenges to patients' self-identity and amputees' expected return to normality (Hamill et al, 2010;Senra et al, 2012;Ostler et al, 2014). In particular, prosthesis gave them a sense of normality and made their hope of walking again a real possibility (Norlyk et al, 2016) and the expectation of returning normality appeared to be an important coping mechanism (Ostler et al, 2014). These have been also described by a participant with below-knee amputation in the present study who was extremely depressive immediately after amputation until he found prosthesis as his hope and new possibility to walk again as he expressed that 'I'm looking forward to have my prosthetic leg'.…”

“…Many studies have explored body image disturbance (Senra et al, 2012;Norlyk et al, 2013;McDonald et al, 2014;Norlyk et al, 2016;Khan et al, 2019) and changed self-identify for patients who have undergone major amputations. In the present study, we found that body image and anxiety was a concern for the participants with both major and minor amputation.…”

“…Effective wound care in primary care as part of continuity of care is therefore essential for patients' recovery physically and psycho-socially. Several recent qualitative studies explored issues related to patients' mobility and focussed on the perceptions of declined functionality and complicated prosthesis adjustment of people living with amputation (Norlyk et al, 2016;Anderson et al, 2019;Batten et al, 2019;Khan et al, 2019). These aspects emphasise the challenge and complexity of the rehabilitation phase of major DLEA after wound healing.…”

Ecological caring—Revisiting the original ideas of caring science

“…Arman et al, 2008; Fjelland & Gjengedal, 2008; Norlyk, Martinsen, Hall & Haahr, 2016; Van Wijngaarden, Leget & Goossensen, 2015, 2016), patients have a desire to be seen and recognized as individuals in their personal context. They certainly do not want to be reduced to diagnoses, symptoms or to other parts of their being, but they need tools to address the disconnectedness caused by illness (cf.…”

“…They certainly do not want to be reduced to diagnoses, symptoms or to other parts of their being, but they need tools to address the disconnectedness caused by illness (cf. Van Wijngaarden et al, 2016) or by treatment (Norlyk et al, 2016). Patients need care that addresses them as persons that belong to, but are not reducible to, a world characterized by social, cultural and natural relationships (cf.…”