The Experience of Living With an Ileoanal Pouch: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of individuals living with an ileoanal pouch. A qualitative, phenomenological methodology was used to elicit detailed accounts of the impact of living with an ileoanal pouch. Ten individuals having an ileoanal pouch, formed as a consequence of ulcerative colitis, participated in the study. Semistructured interviews were conducted and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The following 4 themes emerged from the analysis: "a flood of emotions"; "changed body image"; "changes in lifestyle"; and "intimacy and sexual relationships." Participants indicated that their quality of life after surgery has improved because they were no longer suffering from the devastating symptoms of ulcerative colitis. However, a considerable number of these participants disclosed that they are still living a restricted lifestyle and reported profound changes not only in their physical self but also in their social and sexual relationships. By acknowledging these experiences, healthcare professionals have the potential to improve the psychological, sexual, and social care that these individuals receive.

The lived experience of adults with ulcerative colitis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of adults living with ulcerative colitis. BACKGROUND: Research to date has focused on the impact of inflammatory bowel disease, by analysing the responses of persons with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease collectively. This article addresses the dearth in literature by exploring the experiences of adults living with ulcerative colitis. DESIGN: An exploratory qualitative phenomenological design was used. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 10 adults with ulcerative colitis. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. RESULTS: Three super-ordinate themes emerged from the analysis: 'living with physical discomfort', 'emotional turmoil in living the experience' and 'social interactions'. CONCLUSION: The participants described a fundamental change in their lifestyle, as a result of physical discomfort and emotional turmoil. Misconceptions held regarding the causes of their disease, further compounded their negative emotional experience. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is of importance that health care professionals understand and explore the unique perspectives of individuals with ulcerative colitis. These perspectives relate to both physical and psychosocial issues. The needs and concerns of persons with ulcerative colitis can then guide the formulation and development of an individualised care plan.