Living with the long-term consequences 11-13 years after stroke: A phenomenological study

To follow up an original research project of persons 11-13 years after stroke, in order to describe and understand the impact of stroke on everyday life experienced during these years. Eleven persons who had had a stroke were interviewed 11-13 years after the original research project. Data were collected and analysed using the empirical phenomenological psychological method. Three main characteristics were identified from analysis of participants' experiences during the years after stroke: () going through the loss of the previous life; () struggling to reclaim the former existence; () finding meaning in a "new" and different world. This study provides an understanding of the complexity of the lost connection between body and world occurring for a long time after stroke. This understanding provides support for the need for long-term and intermittent support and guidance to enable the re-creation of meaning and participation in everyday life in order to find a "new" self-identity after stroke, especially among persons with residual cognitive impairment.