Table 2 Example of structural analysis
Direct quote | Meaning | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
“What is said” | “What the text speaks about” | Main theme: symptoms permeate daily life |
It really is odd that I feel so tired. I wonder what my blood count is. There may be something wrong, but as my son said: Mom you are 74, it might just be something ordinary. | At home patients experienced unfamiliar symptoms causing worry and doubt. Patients interpreted their symptoms alone or with relatives seeking explanations. | Symptoms cause concern |
I kept thinking oh, no… is it a thrombosis or a stroke because I had sensory disturbances. I wondered if it was stress. | ||
Suddenly I felt a pressure in my stomach and I lost my appetite. It seemed strange to me, as it ought to be the other way around; with a lack of appetite first…I thought that it would soon disappear, so I could start eating again. I am so skinny. | Sudden or persistent symptoms limited activities in everyday life. Sudden fatigue required frequent rest. | Symptoms limit activity |
During the first week I was suddenly overcome by fatigue and had to rest for 20 minutes before I could continue with what I was doing. | ||
The first days at home I did nothing at all because of pain. I only put on underwear and a sheet to avoid the pain. | ||
We went for a walk, just a short one; I mean we don’t have to walk for hours as usual. Then I went to bed again and slept for an hour. Every day I went to bed after breakfast and again after lunch, I was so tired. |