"I can make something out of what I have left"
Michael's vision loss led him down a long, uncomfortable road, discovering what he had to let go of and what he could still hold on to for his future. He continues to challenge himself to try new things.
Hadley
I can make something out of what I have left
Michael: My journey began into trying to recover what was left and find out what still in front of me.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Michael: My name is Michael Stinger and I'm from Wichita, Kansas. I had a unknown heart problem, which caused me to have a very minor stroke, and, I just ignored it. I didn't think anything was going on really. It just, you know, pretty minor. And I didn't know that's what it was.
Go forward about 8 or 9 months, and I had a second stroke, and this one was pretty good. It, took out, a good portion of the vision in my left side, as well as a few other things like taste and smell are not working correctly. And I was diagnosed with a heart problem. So, at the time, I was a patrol sergeant for a police department.
And due to my vision loss, they kept me on for eight months trying to burn vacation and see if I could get better. And turns out at the 20-year mark, right at, I had to retire, because of my vision problems.
So, my journey began into trying to recover what was left and find out what still in front of me.
Luckily, I still had, resources. I'm currently labeled as a disabled veteran at the VA, and it took me about four years to get to the point where I actually asked them for help. Where they sent me to one of the rehab centers for low vision and got me some of the tools that I needed to get around, including a long cane and the support cane.
And it's been a long road and it's been uncomfortable, and I can't drive. And so, like most of you, I experienced transportation issues and whatnot. However, I do have friends who get out and do a lot of fishing, so I'm challenging myself. I've been challenging myself for the last few years to go fishing with them and learn how to tie these knots, mostly by memory and somewhat by vision with the tools that I have.
And I have found a lot of success for that endeavor. I actually won a national fishing tournament. And that was a major achievement, a bucket list, if you will. And that pushed me to the point where I'm not going to let anything stop me. I realized I can make something out of, what I have left.
So, I would say that I'm kind of a success story, but I haven't reached the success part yet. But I'm getting there, and I don't know when that will be, but I hope this encourages you guys. And thank you very much.
Marc: You never know who might need to hear your story. If you’d like to share with us, just leave us a message on our Insights & Sound Bites voicemail. By calling, 847-512-4867. Or, you can use your smartphone or computer and email us a recording to [email protected].
All Episodes
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Episode 52
When Jeffry lost his sight, he felt a loss of control, a loss of dignity. Then, he began his long road to empowerment, one small goal at a time.
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Episode 51
Marilyn went through bouts of anxiety and depression with her vision loss and still grieves the loss several years into her journey. She also decided to do something for herself which has helped tremendously.
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Episode 50
Learning to live with vision loss wasn't always easy for Pam. But with time, her bad days are fewer.
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Episode 49
Jennifer didn't know what to do or who to go to for help as her vision was fading. Then, by chance, she found some help. She found some direction.
The book referenced in this episode is "Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight"
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Episode 48
When Carmel heard a Hadley podcast, it helped her understand what had been happening to her along with her vision loss—something she had nicknamed her "phantom vision."
Carmel mentions an episode of our sister podcast, Hadley Presents. Here's a link to that episode on Vision Loss and Charles Bonnet Syndrome.
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Episode 47
It was tough for Linda to give up driving and she was heartbroken when reading became difficult. She felt her world was shrinking. But then she asked for help.
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Episode 46
Ashia felt all alone in her vision loss. No one around her knew what she was going through. Then she found something that gave her hope.
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Episode 45
Dennis found that many aspects of life with vision loss can be a struggle. Then he found something that turned that around.
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Episode 44
Judy has lived with progressive vision loss for many years. She's found a way that helps her cope and adjust.
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Episode 43
For years Bill hid his vision loss from others. He was self-conscious about it. Then, he decided to open up.
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Episode 42
For Cynthia, every story shared helps her on her own journey with vision loss.
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Episode 41
Living with low vision meant Karen was constantly explaining to others what she can and can't see. Then she found a tool that has made a big difference.