Abstract
Background: A study exploring the lived experience of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) identified the potential for ‘surplus suffering’ in this group of patients. This article explores the concept of surplus suffering and the role nurses can play in identifying and managing it. Methods: Qualitative inquiry, using a form of focused ethnography called life history, explored the experiences of 13 people living with RRMS. Semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis to reveal key themes from the data. Findings: A total of eight key themes explained the journey of living with RRMS. This article explores one particular theme, surplus suffering, as it is novel to the area of multiple sclerosis and neurology, and may severely impact upon quality of life. Surplus suffering is suffering over and above suffering caused by the disease itself, and may be inflicted by healthcare professionals, friends, family and community. Conclusion: Awareness by MS and neurology nurses of the potential for surplus suffering, and subsequent management, may enhance clinical nursing care and quality of life for people living with this chronic neurological disease.
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