"I don't want to give up"
Thomas is experiencing many challenges of late, including vision loss. He finds inspiration and hope knowing he's not alone.
Hadley
“I don’t want to give up”
Thomas: I don't want to give up, but I can’t work at the same level that I used to work, and I can't have the independence that I once had and was very proud of.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Thomas: Good afternoon. My name is Thomas and I live in Austin, Texas. I started losing my sight very slowly back in 2015. And yet progressed through COVID and then accelerated. And now I have not driven in two years and really struggle with being able to do all the things I could do previously, as an owner of a business, and especially losing the freedom of my ability to drive.
I'm not sure what accelerated the loss of my vision. I have what is called dry eye. A form of macular degeneration that could be hereditary, but there’s really no clear definition of how I began to lose my eyesight with this disease.
And you know what complicates my vision, is the fact that I also had renal carcinoma. And in 2022, had back surgery associated with that because the tumor had messed up in my lower lumbar.
So, I've had some challenges getting mobility back. And, I have a vision, not only a vision loss, but, but I have hearing issues, as well. So, when I look at mobility, somewhat mobility issues, I can walk on the flat surface. But then when I get into a scenario where, uneven surfaces or a sidewalk that has rises and dips--- I have become very self conscious and resort and walking sticks.
75 years old and, and I’m in great health. Just my vision is the biggest issue. My mobility is probably the second. And then my hearing is the third. So, I'm very blessed to have a loving wife, but I'm also very difficult to live with it at times, when things just don't seem to be able to come together.
And I don't want to give up, but I can’t work at the same level that I used to work, and I can't have the independence that I once had and was very proud of.
My daughter is very beneficial in helping me reach out to as a source of, solace, I guess I should say, because, I have been in a state of depression.
And now it’s very refreshing to listen to the other people with challenges with these podcasts.
So, I don't know much to say other than I was motivated. I listen to various episodes about others who are challenged with vision loss and just thank you for sharing.
My sharing is not very eloquent, but I really hope it helps someone else to know that every day you just get up and you don't quit. And, not to be ashamed to ask for help and keep looking for tools to help you cope with a very full life. Thank you.
Marc: Insights & Sound Bites has made possible by Hadley’s donors. Who understand that hearing someone else’s story can truly make a difference.
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 76
Nikki has lost her vision due to a rare autoimmune disease. While she appreciates positive bits of advice and encouragement, she also stays grounded in the struggles she's facing and knows others do, too. She's feeling the loss.
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Episode 75
When a favorite hobby became more difficult for Dianne due to glaucoma, she learned to tap into something else. It turned out to be the ideal thing.
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Episode 74
Peter's sight slowly but steadily worsened over the course of several years. When he had to give up driving, his self-image took a hit. Working through his emotions has helped him cope and adjust.
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Episode 73
Sherry's vision loss has been gradual yet relentless. Asking for help to do things she used to be able to do on her own is a challenge for her, as it is for many. But she's finding some new tools and new ways to do things.
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Episode 72
Carolyn lost much of her vision after several glaucoma surgeries, leaving her feeling angry and discouraged. But a familiar childhood story inspired her to keep trying, even when tasks seemed impossible.
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Episode 71
Learning he would never see again was heartbreaking for Shannon. Embracing what challenged him, Shannon discovered strength in the unfamiliar.
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Episode 70
The week Jessica was diagnosed with an eye disease that would progressively impair her vision, she also found out she had cancer. A few things have helped her continue to feel strong and less isolated.
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Episode 69
Jack's vision has been declining for years. The hardest part for him is that it just keeps changing, so he needs to keep adapting. A routine Jack's wife put in place for the couple has helped him cope and adjust.
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Episode 68
Losing a fair amount of her vision brought with it a series of other losses for Dia. She began to feel depressed and very fearful. However, she gradually started giving herself pep talks and reconnecting with the things that bring her joy.
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Episode 67
Julia had always lived life on her own terms. So, when vision loss meant giving up her car keys, she used a white cane or her husband's arm to guide her steps, and kept going. Still, she noticed a change in how others treated her… until she made a decision she now calls, "the best thing I ever did."
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Episode 66
When the scenario Leighann had feared for years finally happened and glaucoma took much of her vision, it hit her hard. But her desire to keep living meant challenging herself—even when it scared her.
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Episode 65
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.