| Summary: | This thesis presents the findings of an exploratory study undertaken to investigate the illness
experience of fibromyalgia in the context of South Africa. It contains the literature review
and conceptual framework that guided the study. The theoretical discussions reflect the
approaches to health and illness, illness experience and narrative study, context, diagnosis,
prognosis, sickness, illness career, treatment, institutional interactions and social support.
Following this, the methodological approaches and tools used in conducting this study are
explained. In-depth interviews and diaries were used to collect narratives from 15 participants
and one practitioner. Additionally, a brief media content analysis was included in order to
assess the public perceptions of fibromyalgia in South African news articles. The themes of
legitimacy, credibility, flexibility, and accommodation are continually developed throughout
the thesis. The Analysis of Findings chapter presents and discusses the evidence gathered
from the investigations undertaken in this study. This chapter shows how the contested and
confusing illness experience of fibromyalgia can be understood, by viewing the interactions
that patients have with their practitioners, families, peers and colleagues. The meanings
ascribed to fibromyalgia as a label, and the uncertain prognosis attached to the diagnosis, as
well as infrequently effective treatment options are explored here. The gains found in
successful practitioner-patient interactions, and the limitations of medical aid coverage for
chronic conditions like fibromyalgia in South Africa are discussed in this chapter. The role of
family and peers, as well as workplaces and colleagues in offering support to those living
with fibromyalgia is analysed. Finally, the conclusions arising from this study are presented,
and recommendations for areas of future engagement and research are offered in order to
attain a better understanding of the experience and impact of fibromyalgia in the South
African context.
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