The body marked by the arteriovenous fistula: a phenomenological point of view

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To understand the experience of people with chronic kidney disease using arteriovenous fistula. METHOD: Qualitative and exploratory study based on Social Phenomenology, conducted on 30 adults undergoing hemodialysis by using the fistula, interviewed in 2017. The interviews were analyzed according to the empirical-comprehensive model proposed by Amedeo Giorgi. RESULTS: We found the categories "The changed body aesthetics"; "The perception of the other about my body"; and "The fistula as an inseparable condition for life maintenance." FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The experience of people using fistula showed that this venous access leaves marks that change the body aesthetics, making the body imperfect. Such changes cause low self-esteem and attract the look of the other, causing embarrassment in those who have the body changed. Thus, they react by camouflaging the fistula, without which there is no life. This perception arises from the fear that works as a catalyst for self-care.