Özet:

Objective: The aim of this research is to convey in-depth life experiences from the perspective of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: This descriptive and phenomenological study was completed with a total of 24 individuals who came to the rheumatology outpatient clinic for examination between 15 July and 15 August 2020 and had rheumatoid arthritis for at least 1 year. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews with the “Patient Information Form” and “Semi-structured Interview Form” created by the researchers. During the interviews, the statements of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis were recorded with a voice recorder. Content analysis method was used in the evaluation of the data. Results: As a result of the coding, 3 themes were determined. 1) Initial response to diagnosis, 2) Impact of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms on patients, 3) Coping strategies. While some of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis experienced denial and anger when the diagnosis was first made, some of them accepted because their family members had the same disease. With the disease, their lives have been affected physically, emotionally, socially and economically. It was determined that they used methods such as adapting to treatment, receiving family support, strengthening their self-management and turning to religion when coping with the disease. Conclusion:This study reveals how rheumatoid arthritis affects patients’ lives from the moment they are diagnosed and how they cope with the disease. It is recommended that health professionals consider the patient’s point of view in disease management and create their treatment with a holistic approach.

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