Sammanfattning
People with congenital limb deficiency (CLD),
those who have inadequately developed arm(s) or
leg(s), live active everyday lives like everyone else.
Established ways of coping make them feel that
everyday life functions well. Throughout life many
experience increasing functional problems and
pain. This article presents findings from qualitative
interviews with eight women with single-arm CLD
in a study on aging and the life course. The women
describe that they gradually realized that they had
to make changes and learn new ways of coping. For
many of them this was a long and difficult process.
Several had begun to exercise or to exercise more,
and had reduced the level of ambition in relation to
workplace and everyday life. Some had received advice
and assistance from the public services, others
were still in search of professionals who could help.
Occupational therapists and other professionals can
meet them. It is important that health professionals
take into account the person’s particular mastery
experiences, seen in the context of a lifetime, when
assistance is organized.