This study explored experiences of illness, wellness and work environment of male ambulance personnel with musculoskeletal symptoms. A Grounded theory approach was applied with interviews with ten ambulance men parallel to analysis. Illness was experienced as threefold, with experiences of getting too vulnerable/hardened and getting worn-out beside experiences of bodily illness. Wellness was closely connected to their identity as both individuals and ambulance workers. To create stability and make sense of their illness experiences, the men performed an inner reasoning about extenuating circumstances to make illness acceptable; they also consciously worked out a strategy for handling their problems.