Experience of Daily Living with Arteriovenous Fistula for Hemodialysis

Abstract

Objective: This research is a qualitative research to understand and describe the life experiences of a person living with arteriovenous fistula (AVF)for hemodialysis. Methodology: The participants were four patients receiving hemodialysis through AVF in a general hospital. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews. The phenomenological method was used as an analysis method. Result: ‘Pain associated with complications’, ‘Life likened to tightrope walking’, and ‘Life branded as abnormal’ were demonstrated as three theme clusters. Seven themes: ‘Pain Like Driving a Nail into the Arm’, ‘Fistula Malfunction’ ,‘Needling Point’ , ‘Difficult Everyday Life’ ,‘Feeling of heart pounding due to worry about blood vessels ’,‘Changed Body’ ‘My Shameful Body’ were derived. This research will provide useful data to understand the essence of the life experiences of a person living with AVF.