"I get out there and I still do what I can"
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.
Hadley
I get out there and I still do what I can
Terry: I cried my eyes out when the doctor told me, "Hey, there's nothing more that we're going to be able to do for you. And I learned that if you don't do something, you don't adjust.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites podcast, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Terry: Hi this is Terry Miller, and I live in Englewood, Florida.
What's going on for quite a while over the years, had macular degeneration, but it wasn't real bad. And my doctor, optometrist said, "Hey, you'll be able to see a little better if we get your cataracts removed," so I did.
While I was there, the doctor, unbeknownst to him, had messed up my left eye, and he said, "Oh, it'll be all right in a couple of days, and we'll go ahead and do the right eye." And then when my left eye came around, it was messed up and this was all at a VA hospital and they've been taking care of me ever since.
So this way, if I need most anything, because I'm a hundred percent disabled, they get me my equipment that I need to see. So that was the beginning of it. And I had sat down and cried because I just got married three months before.
I was going to take care of my wife because found out she had macular and it was going fast and now she can barely see to go anywhere. We're two blind couples living together.
And I cried my eyes out when the doctor told me, "Hey, there's nothing more that we're going to be able to do for you. You're going to be blind this way and you'll never drive again."
Then pulling back on my good old military days, I was a Marine and also a sailor. I learned that if you don't do something, you don't adjust. If you do something, you're going to live on. You're going to do things. You're going to be able to go places. All you have to do is do it. That attitude has pretty much got me through most of my life, and now this. I'm 77 years old now. I'm not a young man any more. I get out there and I still do what I can.
I like metal detecting. When friends take me to the beach, I have metal detectors. I go to the beach every chance I get.
The metal detector it makes a sound when it comes across metals and it'll make a grunting sound when it's iron or rusted material that's in the water. I've learned to use my ears to find things. I've had to learn that.
And so, having something to do and places to go keep me looking forward and not to look back and worry about what was or anything. But look for something that's going to happen, going to be that I make to keep me happy, to keep my wife happy. Oh, and to keep my dog happy.
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 81
When Eddie lost a fair amount of vision, she was scared and didn’t know how she was going to cope. But she found a source of strength and inspiration.
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Episode 80
As Kenneth lost most of his sight to glaucoma, he was feeling increasingly isolated and alone. Then he made a commitment, forcing himself to find ways to stay connected to the rest of the world.
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Episode 79
When Carol Lee was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, she was angry and frustrated. Over time, resentment began to fade a bit and the shock wore off. Gradually, her perspective started to shift.
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Episode 78
When Cliff unexpectedly lost a fair amount of his sight, he felt overwhelmed. But with time, he found a way forward.
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Episode 77
Thomas is experiencing many challenges of late, including vision loss. He finds inspiration and hope knowing he's not alone.
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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.