Thirty-six women with fibromyalgia (FM) were asked to describe how they live with their FM. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method. The goal was understanding the process of living with FM through theory development. The women described living with FM as struggling to maintain balance; this involves recalling perceived normality, searching for a diagnosis, finding out and moving on (transcending the illness). Several women relinquished the struggle because of situations that may or may not be under their control (e.g. depression and feeling imprisoned by treatment). Over time the illness moves from being a primary life focus to being part of the backdrop of the lives of women with FM.

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Six women with chronic illness engaged in multiple conversations with the investigator to help her understand what it is like to live with chronic illness. Phenomenologic writing and reflection were used to analyze the data. The story is guided by an integrating theme: Living in paradox circumscribes one's loss while enabling one to embrace new discoveries of self in the life world through unfolding awareness.

This study aimed to learn what it is like for African American women to live with fibromyalgia. Van Manen's phenomenological method of writing and rewriting guided the inquiry. The sample included 10 women, who were interviewed for 30 to 60 minutes each. Two agreed to second interviews, for a total of 12 interviews for data analysis. Data analysis revealed the following themes: (a) managing the symptoms, (b) becoming a self-advocate, (c) medications camouflage the pain, (d) coming to grips with the illness means making changes, (e) being accused of "taking a free ride" angers them, (f) support comes from self and spiritual connections, and (g) a certain amount of secrecy makes it easier to live with the illness. Recommendations focus on using a holistic approach to help African American women achieve or maintain their integrity.

Using diaries, eight women documented how they were living with their fibromyalgia on a daily basis for 3 months. Aches and pains were the most common symptoms experienced on nine to 81 of the 84 days of data collection. Cross-correlations revealed significant patterns related to pain, sleep and weather conditions for individual women. The narrative portion of their diaries supports that pain is physical and mental, knowing the self helps to control the intensity of the illness, and distraction helps to decrease the associated discomforts. Use of diaries and active listening (validation) are supported as interventions for these women.