“I suffer from diabetic retinopathy, and I found out about it in 2019, and I remember finding out about the whole situation and being so distraught because, I’m a person that is full of life.” –Charles Cowart, I really got into the things I could still do
If you’ve just learned you have a diabetes-related eye condition, you may be feeling some of what Charles felt: shock, frustration, and maybe fear. You’re not alone. Here are things others with diabetic retinopathy have done to move forward.
Finding your footing
Living with diabetic retinopathy can be a major adjustment. Many people tell us how Hadley’s free workshop series, Living with Diabetic Retinopathy, provides helpful tips and strategies for them to keep doing things on their own, just a little differently.
Knowing you’re not alone
Charles found courage from hearing others’ stories on the Insights & Sound Bites podcast:
“The thing that actually made me want to share my story was actually listening to all of these stories, and seeing so many similarities and some of the ups and downs and the feelings that I felt when going through the entire process of losing my vision.”
Communities like The Diabetic Retinopathy Support Group on Facebook also offer space to share questions, experiences, and encouragement. It’s not hosted by Hadley, but many Hadley members take part.
Hadley’s Donahoe Center for Support can help you connect with others walking this same path: 800-323-4238.
Share with family and friends
After viewing the workshop Living with Diabetic Retinopathy, one member said: “I shared the video to my family and friends to help them understand what’s going on.” The Share button below the video lets you share by email or copy the link; if you’re on your phone, you can share by text (SMS), too.
Partnering with your medical team
Diabetes-related eye conditions can change quietly over time, making regular checkups important. To increase confidence for appointments, Hadley offers the Visiting Your Eye Doctor workshop and the video Eye Tests.
Hadley member Dr. Judy Box shares her tips for managing those important conversations with your eye doctor in the Hadley Presents episode Getting the Most from Your Eye Doctor.
Taking care of you
The good news: your daily choices matter. As Dr. Sophia Bakri of Mayo Clinic shares in the Hadley Presents episode Everyday Choices That Can Influence the Course of Eye Disease, small changes can help you feel more in control of your health and your outlook.
You can also hear from Jessica Grogan at the American Diabetes Association in the Hadley Presents episode Managing Diabetes and Vision Loss—a conversation full of real-world tips and encouragement.
All of Hadley’s practical resources and emotional support are free. We’re here to help!
Which of these tips encourages you to move forward? Or what else have you done to adjust to a diabetes-related eye condition? We’d love to hear more from you in the Comments below.
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