[ experiences of patients with Multiple Sclerosis]

ABSTRACT

Multiple Sclerosis [MS] is one of the chronic diseases that involves central nervous system and often affects young adults in the prime of life. Multiple Sclerosis as a chronic disease isn't curable and makes the patients disable. It affects the patients' and their families' life and disturbs their life styles in different way. There are highly variable and unpredictable changes in multiple sclerosis and it is one of the most life-altering disease. It strikes in the prime of the life and makes frequent incurable progressive disabilities. Because MS is such a complex, multifaceted disorder, nurses who care for people with MS are faced with numerous clinical changes. Therefore, well-informed nurses can evaluate and explain the disease process and help the patients to improve quality of life. The qualitative phenomenological research was employed. There were participants chosen amongst the patients referring to Isfahan Multiple Sclerosis Society. The sampling method was purposeful and continued until data saturation. A total of 14 participants were chosen in the end. The data were collected by in-depth interviews and data analysis was done by collaizi method. The findings of this study showed four core concepts expressing participants' experiences, including physical experiences of the disease spiritual experiences of the disease. Psychological experiences of the disease and social experiences of the disease. Patients with MS experience psycho-spiritual, social and physical problems in their whole of body. Nurses' appropriate understanding of these problems can make a suitable rehabilitation plan for the patients and their families. Consideration of above issues is suggested any educational planning for nurses