How do people living with Multiple Sclerosis in Ireland navigate the illness experience through the lens of critical disability theory?

Background: Multiple Sclerosis is a progressive illness which can be variable in its course but debilitating in many domains of an individual’s life. The unpredictable clinical progression coupled with the psychological and physical symptoms results in disruption to the expected life trajectory. Objectives: The study aims to identify the strategies people living with MS use to navigate the disruption caused by their illness and to explore the outcomes of these strategies. Methods: As part of a larger four year umbrella qualitative study, 5 semi-structured interviews were carried out with individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis aged between 38 and 52 years. Data was analysed using Thematic Analysis as guided by Critical Disability Theory. Findings: The navigating strategies reported by participants are consistent with those reported in the literature. For most participants this has resulted in a positive perspective on living life with Multiple Sclerosis, through adapting their lifestyle to accommodate their additional needs while continuing to participate in meaningful occupations and thereby sustaining life satisfaction and by ultimately reframing the disability role in a more positive way. Conclusion: As the illness progressed participants began to alter aspects of their life accordingly and explore alternative solutions; allowing them to continue to engage in occupations meaningful and thereby supporting overall well-being. This highlights the role for occupational therapy post diagnosis. As individuals are learning to manage their symptoms and are required to adapt their lives, occupational therapy can support to promote and maintain occupational engagement.