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Excess weight has the potential to carry a substantial physical and emotional burden. A better understanding of perceived consequences of excess weight may facilitate the development of patient-centered programs and interventions to promote weight management efforts in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study objective was to describe consequences of excess weight from the personal perspectives of individuals with SCI.Descriptive qualitative design using in-depth semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis.Veterans Health Administration (VHA) SCI System of Care.Individuals with SCI (n-33).Key themes from thematic analysis.Participants were male (61%), ranged from 29 to 84 years of age, and about half had tetraplegia (55%). Five themes were identified that demonstrate negative consequences of excess weight experienced by individuals with SCI, including: (1) physical health conditions (including chronic conditions and SCI secondary conditions), (2) physical symptoms (such as pain, discomfort, and fatigue), (3) movement challenges, (4) appearance-related concerns, and (5) emotional impacts.Carrying excess weight is concerning to individuals with SCI and in terms of consequences such onset or exacerbation of chronic conditions, SCI secondary conditions, physical symptoms

PURPOSE: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a highly lethal disease. Surgery represents the only opportunity for cure, but is accompanied by high rates of morbidity. Understanding patients’ lived experiences after surgical resection of PDAC is critical to knowing whether the decision to undergo surgery was worth it for these patients.METHODS: We performed a convergent, mixed-methods study with patients who underwent resection of PDAC between 01/01/2019-08/01/2020. Quantitative data (medical record review and 3 questionnaires) were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data (semi-structured interviews) were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Data were then compared for congruence.RESULTS: 18/22 eligible participants completed interviews and 11 completed questionnaires. Data collection occurred at a median of 14.2 months (IQR 11.6-16.3) from surgery. We identified 4 main themes. First, persistent negative symptoms were common for patients, but patients adapt to these and are satisfied with their “new normal.” Second, patients have varied and continually evolving mindsets throughout their cancer journey. Third, despite decreased quality-of-life, patients have a high degree of satisfaction with their decision to pursue surgery. Finally, patients were okay with a passive role in decision-making around surgery. Despite variable involvement in decision-making and outcomes, no participants reported regret over the decision to pursue surgery. CONCLUSION: This nuanced account of patients’ lived experiences following surgery for PDAC allows for an improved understanding of the impact of pancreatic resection on patients. Surgeons can use this data to improve preoperative counselling for patients with PDAC and help guide them to making the correct decisions about surgery.