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Table 1 Example of the analytic process by which meaning units, codes, subthemes and themes were formed

From: Fighting for control in an unpredictable life – a qualitative study of older persons’ experiences of living with chronic dizziness

Meaning unit

Code

Subcategory

Category

“This general feeling of dizziness, a little nauseous, I don’t know when I wake up what the day will be like (…) I don’t dare to do more than a couple of errands a day.”

Can only plan a few activities per day

To be restricted in everyday life

Having a precarious existence

“Oh, it would be lovely to listen to music or a lecture, because I want to keep up with things…but I cannot get out on my own.”

Cannot engage in social activities

“There was follow-up, and what should we do now? I told them that the treatment had no effect, but I didn’t get…I have awaited their response but…maybe the treatment has ended, but then I want to know that it has…that there is nothing else they can do.”

The treatment had no effect and no further plans for the future were made

To get insufficient support

“And I have to hold on to the banister when I walk up and down the stairs, but sometimes I have tried not to, because I think ‘now, damn it, away with it!’ but I just can’t…”

Trying to walk on stairs as before

A struggle to maintain or regain an ordinary life

Striving towards normality

“..I feel very frustrated that…my wife has to both take care of the garden here, and the garden is really quite large…and look after the house and the garden…car and all the things I used to do…”

Frustration when not managing things as before

Movement towards resignation or adaption

“I have a bag with me which I hold in my right hand and then it’s easier for me to walk (…) and then I take longer steps (…) and when I have the bag, it swings in time with my body and then it feels better to walk.”

Walks better when holding a bag