Introduction: Fatigability is one of the most common and most burdensome symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis. It affects the performance of everyday activities, participation in family and social life, and the sense of independence. Because it is often difficult to explain and poorly recognized by the environment, it is important to understand how people describe it and how they cope with it. Aim: To explore how people with multiple sclerosis experience fatigability in everyday life, how it affects their engagement in activities, which factors contribute to its occurrence or worsening, and which strategies are used to manage it. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study with a focus group involving seven people with multiple sclerosis. The obtained data were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis with the support of the computer programme ATLAS.ti. Results: Participants described fatigability as physical and mental exhaustion that occurs after activities or already during their performance. They associated it with a feeling of heavy legs, reduced endurance, difficulties with walking, concentration, word finding and planning the day. According to their reports, fatigability affected personal care, household tasks, work, leisure time, driving and social contacts. Because of it, they had to adapt activities more often, distribute them throughout the day or, in some cases, give them up. They identified rest, energy management, use of assistive devices, environmental adaptations, setting boundaries and support from relatives as important ways of managing fatigability. At the same time, they also described the need for greater caution when performing daily activities, changes in daily rhythm, lack of understanding from others and stigma related to disclosing the diagnosis. Discussion: The findings show that fatigability is not only a physical symptom, but a complex experience that interferes with different areas of everyday life. The experience of fatigability is related to reduced ability to perform activities, changes in roles and adaptation of everyday habits. Support from close persons, understanding from the environment and appropriate adaptations can significantly contribute to easier management of fatigability. Conclusion: A better understanding of the experience of fatigability can contribute to more targeted occupational therapy intervention, planning of appropriate adaptations and a higher level of support for people with multiple sclerosis in maintaining an active everyday life.
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