"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
-
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.
-
Episode 45
Dennis found that many aspects of life with vision loss can be a struggle. Then he found something that turned that around.
-
Episode 44
Judy has lived with progressive vision loss for many years. She's found a way that helps her cope and adjust.
-
Episode 43
For years Bill hid his vision loss from others. He was self-conscious about it. Then, he decided to open up.
-
Episode 42
For Cynthia, every story shared helps her on her own journey with vision loss.
-
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.
-
Episode 40
Having to give up the car keys was traumatic for Eugenia. She worried about becoming isolated until she found a new way.
-
Episode 39
This week, hear how rediscovering a favorite activity helped Celia find balance as she adjusts to vision loss.
-
Episode 38
Denise can struggle with the slow but continuous loss of vision she's facing. But she's found a way to pick herself up on a bad day.
-
Episode 37
Listen in as Vanessa shares what has helped keep her from feeling hopeless and defeated due to vision loss.
-
Episode 36
Stacy shares with us how being honest about her vision loss with her friends and coworkers has made all the difference in the world.
-
Episode 35
For many, having to give up the car keys due to vision loss is traumatic. Deb felt it too. Then, during a call to arrange transportation for herself, a new door opened.