"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 58
Marie grieved the loss of her vision, and still does. Yet, on a sunny August morning, she came to a realization that made all the difference in the world.
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Episode 57
Terry's doctor told him, "There's nothing more we can do. You'll never drive again," and he was distraught. Then he recalled his military days as a Marine and sailor, and that got him through.
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Episode 56
When Emma lost her sight in just a few months, she struggled to cope. She felt alone, her insecurities grew, and self-esteem plummeted. With time, she came to a new understanding and that helped her tremendously.
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Episode 55
Dave calls his experience with vision loss a slow torture. In the face of this, however, he has found a sense of inspiration in explorers, history, and an activity you wouldn't typically connect with vision loss, sightseeing.
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Episode 54
When Albert's vision decreased to the point that he could no longer read print anymore, he found it stressful. But he's found a new source of comfort that helps him quite a bit.
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Episode 53
Jayne can feel isolated living with her eye disease, spending much of her days forcing herself to focus on things that have become blurry. The stress can be overwhelming, causing her to shut down. But there's one area of life that now brings her more joy than ever before.
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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.