Living in limbo while one's identity is changing: Patients' existential experiences 6 months after a kidney transplantation with a living donor

Aim To investigate patients' existential experiences in everyday life after a kidney transplantation with a living donor. Design A qualitative study anchored in a hermeneutic-phenomenological approach inspired by Ricoeur's theory of narrative and interpretation. Method Eleven patient interviews were conducted approximately 6 months after a kidney transplantation with a living donor. The interviews were conducted between August 2017-May 2019. Analysis and interpretation are based on Ricoeur's theory of interpretation. Results Four themes were identified: Experiencing bodily vulnerability while getting back to life; Feeling guilt while experiencing gratitude; Living in limbo while one's identity is changing; and Facing the future with hope while having reservations. Conclusion This study reveals that patients experience multifaceted existential challenges in their everyday lives during the transition of the kidney transplantation process. Post-surgery complications for donors lead to feelings of guilt in patients; plus, they must adapt to a new existence, including a new identity. The patients feel they are in limbo, as they experience their existence as uncertain and their identity as unknown. Impact The study highlights a need for developing a rehabilitation programme to address the individual and various existential challenges faced by patients who need to undergo a kidney transplantation.

Automated summary

The study reveals that kidney transplant patients face multifaceted existential challenges in their everyday lives, including bodily vulnerability, gratitude and guilt, uncertain identity, and unknown future. This highlights the need for developing a rehabilitation program to address the individual and various existential challenges faced by these patients.