The experiences of adults living with epilepsy : an interpretive description

Abstract

A qualitative interpretive description study was conducted to explore adults’ experiences of living with epilepsy. Adults integrate epilepsy into their daily lives; however, there is dearth of literature that explores their lived experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants recruited from two health clinics situated in northern Ontario, Canada. The main theme was epilepsy as a temporal journey accompanied by others who knew of their past and present experiences, and future aspirations. The past included the onset of epilepsy and accompanied losses. The present was the balance between threats and well-being. Envisioned future was facilitated by hope. Each subtheme built upon the preceding in an attempt to create well-being and strive towards their envisioned future. Suggestions for nursing practice include fostering understanding in the past, promoting the creation of well-being in the present, and inspiring hope towards the future envisioned life.