Women's Experiences of Undergoing Total Knee Joint Replacement Surgery

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to describe women's experiences of undergoing total knee joint replacement surgery. A qualitative approach was used. A content analysis of the text from interviews with five women was conducted. The time before surgery was marked by the experience of constant pain, which affected the women negatively in their everyday lives. During surgery, the information provided by the staff gave each woman a sense of security; the women handed over responsibility to the staff and experienced a sensation of relief. The postoperative period was characterized by a feeling of joy when the surgery was over, although a rough and tedious rehabilitation phase then began. Challenges in everyday life were a factor for motivation and confidence, although postoperative pain was experienced as discouraging. Support from health care staff is an important factor for coping with everyday life during the preoperative, perioperative and postoperative phases of undergoing knee joint replacement.