| Summary: | <h4>Objective</h4>To enhance the understanding of long-term participation in working-aged people 7-8 years after stroke.<h4>Methods</h4>This study had a qualitative design, using a thematic analysis methodology. Eleven individuals took part in an in depth interview 7-8 years after a first time stroke. They had received care at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, and were recruited as a heterogenic sample with respect to age, gender, stroke severity and subtype.<h4>Results</h4>From the participants' experiences four themes emerged: "Returning to work after stroke"; "Working life 7-8 years after stroke"; "Social life 7-8 years after stroke"; and "A state of reorientation in life". Quotes about experienced participation in everyday life were summarized and presented as "Participation after stroke narratives". Participants chose to emphasize on work- and social life when describing situations of successful participation. Being included in the wider community and having a sense of purpose, when interacting with others, were factors that these narratives had in common. Participants had gradually become accustomed to a somewhat altered life situation. Some consequences after stroke were still considered frustrating in social or work situations. However, the importance of these issues had reduced and were no longer problematized.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Participants felt content with their everyday life in general, which was a principal and positive result of this study. Reaching a stage of acceptance seemed to be a complex and continuous struggle, and an individual approach in long-term rehabilitation would be valuable to support this personal process. More knowledge about what factors that facilitate participation in people of working-age many years after stroke is needed, so that more people can reach a state of positive identity and participation.
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