Meanings of Feeling Well for Women With Fibromyalgia

Abstract

The researchers' focus in this study was to elucidate meanings of feeling well for women with fibromyalgia (FM). We obtained narrative interviews with 13 women with FM and used a phenomenological-hermeneutic interpretation to analyze the interview texts. Our interpretation of the findings shows that for women with FM meanings of feeling well can be understood as having strength to be involved. The women's experiences of feeling well meant being in control, having power, finding one's own pace, and experiencing feelings of belonging.

Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the Department of Health Science, Luleå University of Technology, and by The Swedish Rheumatism Association (Stig Thunes fond). We thank the women who volunteered to participate in the study.