Table 2 Examples of content analysis and hermeneutic interpretation of narratives of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and ICD
From: Living with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and an implantable defibrillator
Condensed meaning unit | Code | Narrative themes | Theoretical themes |
|---|---|---|---|
It is constantly in the back of my mind. And it has surely become more visible for me because I received this device. It is therefore something that reminds me every day. Earlier – before I received the device- it was a reminder when I was called in for a check-up. At that time it was longer between the occasions…but it is nothing…yeah…it is part of the person I am. | ICD is a reminder of disease. ICD is internalized and considered as part of the patient. | Implant decision, surgery, and wearing an ICD | Awareness |
Acceptance | |||
Does the ICD affect your health? Not at all. I used to let people touch it, feel what I have under my skin! I think it is kind of amusing. | Appraisal focused strategy using humor but also denial. | ICD provides assurance | Adaptation |
I am comfortable with it. It is such a security and I am so grateful for getting the opportunity to do it [ICD implant]. | ICD implies safety and gratefulness. | ICD knowledge and worries | Gratitude |
It [the ICD] is almost on the outside, it seems to me. One can feel the wires here…but that is the only thing. One has to be careful not the get a hit here when playing with the grandchildren. | Local problems superficial device system. | Implant decision, surgery, and wearing an ICD | Awareness |
Adaptation | |||
After the cardiac arrest it was mostly like this: Have I done everything before I fall asleep? Have I said good-bye to everybody…But after the last shocks it was not like that, I woke up in the night and jumped out of the bed (laughter). But now it is all right, now I don’t wake up in the middle of the night. | Anxiety after cardiac arrest and inappropriate shocks. Finally coping. | ICD knowledge and worries | Hope |
Yes, it is after the shock it became worrisome…But I did not want to tell them (husband and son)…I think I keep a lot to myself. Sometimes it feels like I want to be alone…I don’t want them to call me ten times a day: how are you? Is everything ok? | Anxious shortly after inappropriate shock. Does not share worries with close relatives. | Relationship and support | Adaptation |
One can’t just get too bogged down and worry. There are so many other things to be worried about. Damn, you have to live! That’s how I feel. | Realistic view on risk of death. Accept risk. | Feeling healthy despite disease | Awareness |
Acceptance | |||
About friends’ concerns: I think they are ridiculous. But I say, oh God, what can I do about it? It’s over when it’s over…ha (laughter). | Fatalistic view on death. Dissociates from friends worries. | Hope | |
Brother of a sudden death victim: My mom became very worried about that time…but that is nothing we talked about very much. That is the way my family works…The ostrich method…it just buries the head in the sand and pretends like there is nothing. | Sudden death affects family but they do not talk about it. | Relationship and support | Awareness |
I have such a bad background. They just dropped dead. On my mother’s side they just died, it started in the 40s…one was just 13 and the other 17…and I have a cousin…she was only 25… | Aware of several cases of sudden cardiac death in the family. | Inheritance | Awareness |