AIM: to understand how patients cope with the consequences of the chronic obstructive arterial disease. METHODS: Symbolic Interaction and Grounded Theorie served as theoretical frameworks for this study. Ten individuals with chronic obstructive arterial disease participated in the study. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed with the technique of comparative analysis. RESULTS: Three themes emerged: having life restricted by pain, feeling overwhelmed, and trying to overcome barriers to normal life. The central element subsidizing patients' decisions, feelings, and behaviors, indicated that they are always symbolically and concretely TRYING TO LIVE A NORMAL LIFE IN SPITE OF PAIN OR AMPUTATION. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the results of this study may expand nurses' knowledge about patients' experience with chronic obstructive arterial disease. This knowledge will increase nurses' competency to perform a comprehensive psychosocial assessment and intervene appropriately.
Peripheral vascular diseases; Amputation; Pain; Qualitative research
