"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 44
Judy has lived with progressive vision loss for many years. She's found a way that helps her cope and adjust.
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Episode 43
For years Bill hid his vision loss from others. He was self-conscious about it. Then, he decided to open up.
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Episode 42
For Cynthia, every story shared helps her on her own journey with vision loss.
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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.
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Episode 40
Having to give up the car keys was traumatic for Eugenia. She worried about becoming isolated until she found a new way.
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Episode 39
This week, hear how rediscovering a favorite activity helped Celia find balance as she adjusts to vision loss.
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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.
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Episode 37
Listen in as Vanessa shares what has helped keep her from feeling hopeless and defeated due to vision loss.
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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.
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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.
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Episode 34
Listen in as Anne describes how a question posed to her shifted her perspective for living with vision loss.
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Episode 33
This week, William shares how learning to continue with his favorite hobby, even with vision loss, has been therapeutic—and uplifting. Here's the link to his website https://www.blindtruths.org/