"I found some direction"
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"
Hadley
I found some direction
Jennifer: When things were getting a little rough, and I didn't really know what to do, I had some friends living around here who had that macular degeneration. But when I talked to them, they would just talk about the magnifying glasses they had. I didn't know what to do, and who to go to help out.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Jennifer: My name is Jennifer Love, and I live in Rockford Illinois. The doctors had been watching me prior to my even knowing it, they had been watching my eyes and seeing that I was developing macular degeneration. And I was, of course, watched to look at the grid. But actually, they discovered that I needed intervention before I even knew I had a problem.
Within two years ago, the doctor was going to start giving me a shot, at least in the right eye for to begin with. And I wasn't really having any vision problems except seeing my TV across the room was a little distant, and was thinking of how to manage that. Well, since then, I have brought it to me, it's only about four or five feet from me, which now is very comfortable for watching TV.
Anyway, a year ago I was having quite a lot of problems with the left eye that hadn't been getting the shot. And I didn't understand what was happening, and mentioned it to the nurse technician when I went to them. Said I felt like things were darker, and the vision problems. She said, "Well, then we'll scan it as well and see what happens."
Well, it came about that that particular eye also needed the shot.
It was distressing to me to think that my vision was deteriorating at a quicker rate. I had been told it would be either slow or quick. Well, it was slow to begin with, but this was now becoming a little more rapid. And that was a big concern to me.
When things were getting a little rough, and I didn't really know what to do, I had some friends living around here who had that macular degeneration. But when I talked to them, they would just talk about the magnifying glasses they had. I didn't know what to do, and who to go to help out.
I am a nurse by profession. I'm always looking for a way to do it another way.
I live in a Christian retirement center, and I do accompany some of the residents to their doctor appointments. And one day it was to help a lady in her visit to a mammogram. It was in this particular waiting room that I saw a book called Macular Degeneration, The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight.
And I quickly picked it up, looked at it. And I said, "I've got to get this."
So, long story short, I did send for it. I have it in my possession, and I have found this to be extremely helpful. Giving me the idea of what to do, who to contact. And it was through them, this book, that I contacted the Hadley people yourselves, and also contacted a sight and hearing center here in Rockford. And that has been a tremendous help to me, so that I was given some direction.
And the directions being is, one thing is to let people know that you have a problem so that they can help you. And not just to keep it a secret, which is very helpful to me. And the folks, people are being very good. There is help. And I’m thankful for that.
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 73
Cheri'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
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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.
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Episode 64
Tamisue's eyesight has diminished to the point where she feels stuck between two worlds—not enough vision to function as she once did, but not fully blind. She fears her world going completely dark. However, an addition to her life has made a tremendous difference for both her and her family.
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Episode 63
The loss Tom feels regarding his vision is complicated because it is ongoing. Acceptance has not come easy. Through the years, though, he has come to approach life a bit differently.
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Episode 62
Anne's declining vision had her feeling down and sorry for herself. But two gifts—one she gave and one she received—helped turn things around for her.