The patient's experience of painful diabetic neuropathy : an empirical study

Chadwick, PJ

Abstract

This study explores the experience of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN).
Although PDN has a prevalence of a third of the general diabetes population it is
often an ill considered problem. It has a poor level of recognition from the
medical establishment and from the general population. The devastating aspects
of diabetic foot disease including ulceration and gangrene and amputation are
well documented in medical literature. While the effects of PDN are routinely
managed by podiatric services there is little research which explores PDN from
the sufferer's perspective. This thesis uses sociological perspectives to
understand how people make sense of the condition. It also examines how
medical consultations impact on their understanding.
Twenty eight people who were referred to a specialist clinic with suspected PDN
were interviewed and their illness narratives collected. In addition the sample
completed the Neuropathic Pain Scale. This was undertaken pre-consultation
and two to four weeks post-consultation.
This study shows that PDN creates uncertainty, disturbs and disrupts a person's
expected life trajectory, causing a person to review who and what they are, their
selfhood. It creates tension in families as people struggle to tolerate new medical
regimens. The medical consultation provides a diagnosis but does little to help
their understanding.
There is a failure of medical services and society to recognise PDN. This
compounds the adverse feelings created. The use of a patient centred
consultation style and an increase in the availability of health education material
are crucial to rectify these feelings and ensure that greater attention is given to
PDN in medical circles and beyond.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Aug 5, 2021
• Award Date: Mar 1, 2012