"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 99
Rebecca was used to handling things on her own, but vision loss brought anger, frustration, and challenges she hadn't expected. Over time, she found a different way forward, making room for the hard days, accepting help, and finding people who understood.
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Episode 98
As her vision changed, Martha worried her world might start getting smaller. But a trip reminded her that she didn't have to give up the things she loved. Turns out, asking for a little help can take you a long way.
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Episode 97
Vision loss doesn't always happen all at once. For Kara, it keeps changing, which means she's constantly figuring out what she can and can't do. Hear how she's learning to adjust, deal with the frustrations, and take each day as it comes.
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Episode 96
For Carolyn, connecting with people has always come naturally. When vision loss made it harder to recognize faces, she worried about missing those everyday connections. Hear how speaking up about her vision helped others understand what she needed.
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Episode 95
A close call on a walk changed the way Lance thinks about living with vision loss. It reminded him to stay open, keep learning, and keep moving forward.
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Episode 94
For Dottie, losing her vision meant giving up many things, and there was one farewell that hit especially hard. But after making a difficult choice to let go of something she loved, Dottie found a new perspective on what she had lost—and gained.
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Episode 93
Linda always imagined retirement would mean doing the volunteer work she loved, but after losing her eyesight, she thought that chapter of her life was over. Then one memorable hospital visit reminded her she still had exactly what people needed.
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Episode 92
As Mary's vision worsened, the life she'd always known began slipping out of reach. She wasn't sure where to turn or what might help. But a chance meeting changed things for her in ways she now hopes to pass on.
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Episode 91
When Susan began losing vision, she grew fearful about the future. But she found a source of hope and courage.
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Episode 90
Early in her journey with vision loss, Char was bitter and angry at the world. But one day, a heartfelt conversation helped her turn a corner and, as she put it, "look at vision loss through different eyes."
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Episode 89
The impact vision loss had on Todd's life was profound. Through cycles of anger and depression, he often took it out on those who cared most about him. Then he started channeling those emotions into a new activity, and that made all the difference for him and his family.
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Episode 88
When Pat was diagnosed with an inherited retinal disease, her doctor told her she wouldn't go completely blind, but her life would change forever. And while it's been a hard road, she's found some things along the way that help.
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